'Get Smart' cast perfectly for a summer comedy

Based on the 1960s television series, "Get Smart" is the big-screen reincarnation of the iconic show. Maxwell Smart (Steve Carell) is a formerly obese analyst for CONTROL, a spy agency, who has unsuccessfully tried to make the cut as a field agent. The head of CONTROL, The Chief (Alan Arkin), believes that Max's refined analytical skills are too important to be wasted on the field. However, when the identities of several agents are revealed after a break-in at headquarters, Smart is called to duty.

The likable, offbeat Smart is partnered with the cunning and beautiful Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway). Although Agent 99 resists Max because of his inexperience, the two eventually form a bond, working together to take down the Russian terrorists of KAOS, an organization led by the diabolical Sigfried (Terrence Stamp) and his group of henchmen. Providing support and eventually trouble throughout the mission is Agent 23 (Dwayne Johnson).

As for plot, that's about it. To quote the evil Sigfried, "It's a bit familiar, but it ends with a bang." One of the greatest things about "Get Smart" is its simplicity. It is exactly what you would ask for in a summer comedy. It's light, original and there is not much thinking involved. Plus it's downright fun to watch.

The movie is cast perfectly, with Carell's monotone balancing Hathaway's energy. There are none of the uncomfortable moments that typically define a Steve Carell movie, just entertaining lines delivered two by two. The physical comedy is handled delicately, never crossing the line of slapstick. Best of all, the movie truly hits upon each of its cast members' strengths, most successfully highlighting the excellent comedic timing of its stars (especially Dwayne Johnson as Agent 23).

The unlikely pairing of Hathaway and Carell is surprisingly successful. While their romantic chemistry is plausible, the two play off each other with ease. However, there is one subtle key to the success of "Get Smart," and that is the believability of the characters. Each of the lines is delivered with such sincerity that it somehow makes the on-screen antics believable. Whatever your movie preference, this spy spoof is definitely worth seeing.