Get Smart
Performance & Direction: Get Smart Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Get Smart (2008) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Get Smart features a noteworthy lineup led by Steve Carell . Supported by the likes of Anne Hathaway and Dwayne Johnson , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Get Smart
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2008, Get Smart is a Action, Comedy, Thriller film directed by Peter Segal. The narrative delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Steve Carell.
Story Breakdown
In this high-octane feature, Peter Segal establishes a narrative structure that follows a classic action blueprint: establishing the protagonist's world, introducing a formidable antagonist, and escalating the stakes. When members of the nefarious crime syndicate KAOS attack the U.S. spy agency Control and the identities of secret agents are compromised, the Chief has to promote hapless but eager analyst Maxwell Smart to field agent. He is partnered with veteran and capable Agent 99, the only spy whose cover remains intact. Can they work together to thwart the evil world-domination plans of KAOS and its crafty operative? The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments for Steve Carell, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Steve Carell's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.
Ending Explained: Get Smart
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Peter Segal, Get Smart concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Steve Carell, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Get Smart reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Get Smart?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Steve Carell or the director
- Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection
Box Office Collection: Get Smart
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $80.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $230.7M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Get Smart Budget
The estimated production budget for Get Smart is $80.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Get Smart
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Where to Watch Get Smart Online?
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2008 AdvisoryWondering about Get Smart age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Get Smart is 110 minutes (1h 50m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.2/10, and global performance metrics, Get Smart is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2008 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Get Smart worth watching?
Get Smart is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 6.2/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Get Smart parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Get Smart identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Get Smart?
The total duration of Get Smart is 110 minutes, which is approximately 1h 50m long.
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Critic Reviews for Get Smart
**Get Smart unleashes Steve Carrell's comedic brilliance and makes it one of the most entertaining and hilarious spy films of all time.** Get Smart is hilarious. Just good clean, hilarious fun. Steve Carrell is in his sweet spot with all kinds of physical comedy and side-splitting sarcasm. This movie feels every bit like a spy comedy starring Michael Scott from the Office, except this time with a much bigger budget than Threat Level Midnight. I don't know how the cast could keep a straight face with Steve Carrell's performance as outrageous and entertaining as it was. Anne Hathaway was an excellent partner reacting to Carrell's nonsense with many of her own clever moments. Having watched re-runs of the original TV show with my grandparents growing up, it was easy to see how the movie honored the show's spirit while increasing the budget, effects, and laughs. Director Peter Segal has a resume filled with goofy films and several of which involve espionage and law enforcement, making him the perfect director for a movie like this. Get Smart's clean humor allows the whole family to enjoy its entertaining plot and dorky lovable characters. Steve Carrell makes Get Smart a comedy I will recommend and rewatch again and again.
Kind of a weird type 007 like movie but really funny. Anne Hathaway is really hot in this movie too.
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This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
