Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Get Smart is the definition of "fine." It's a 2008 remake of a 1960s TV show that nobody was really asking for, starring Steve Carell doing his lovable-bumbler routine in a spy context. The movie isn't offensive or inappropriate—it's safe, mildly amusing, and completely forgettable.

The critical reception tells the story: 51% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics means it's right at the line between "eh" and "meh." Audiences were slightly more generous at 67%, probably because Carell has charm and there are a few decent action sequences. But a 2.9/5 on Letterboxd? That's "I watched this on a plane and it passed the time" territory.

For families with 10-13 year olds who want something spy-themed without the intensity of actual James Bond, this works fine. It's got enough slapstick to keep tweens engaged and the violence is cartoonish. But there are so many better family action-comedies out there—this one just doesn't stand out in any meaningful way. It's not bad enough to avoid, but it's not good enough to seek out either.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-14 who want a light spy adventure without much intensity. Older teens and adults will likely find it too formulaic and dated, while younger kids might be confused by the spy-comedy tone or mildly scared by action sequences.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

68

Get Smart maintains a generally lighthearted spy-comedy tone with good-natured humor. Maxwell Smart is bumbling but well-intentioned, and his partnership with Agent 99 models cooperation and mutual respect. However, the pacing can be chaotic with action sequences, and some of the humor relies on physical comedy and mild embarrassment. The movie avoids mean-spiritedness and promotes teamwork, though it's not particularly deep in its emotional lessons.

Imaginative

55

As a remake of a 1960s TV series, Get Smart recycles familiar spy-comedy tropes—gadgets, disguises, evil organizations—without bringing much fresh creativity to the table. The premise of a bumbling analyst becoming a field agent has been done many times. While there are some inventive spy gadgets and set pieces, the movie plays it safe within genre conventions rather than inviting genuine curiosity or creative thinking. It's more derivative than original.

Safe

72

Common Sense Media rates this at 12+, which aligns with its PG-13 sensibility (though official MPAA rating isn't provided). The action violence is cartoonish spy-movie fare—gunfights, explosions, hand-to-hand combat—but not graphic or gory. There's mild romantic tension between Smart and Agent 99 but nothing explicit. Some comedic peril and slapstick injuries occur. The villain's world-domination plot is standard comic-book fare without truly disturbing content. No major trigger warnings, though younger kids might find some action sequences intense.

Enriching

48

Get Smart is primarily popcorn entertainment without much substance. The themes are surface-level: believe in yourself, teamwork matters, don't underestimate the underdog. There's minimal character development or meaningful takeaways. It doesn't build useful skills or offer ethical complexity. The humor is often physical rather than clever. While it's reasonably entertaining as a light action-comedy, it won't spark deep conversations or provide lasting insights. It's forgettable fun at best.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Steve Carell and Anne Hathaway have decent chemistry as mismatched spy partners
Action sequences are cartoonish enough to avoid being scary for most middle schoolers
Promotes themes of teamwork, believing in yourself, and not judging by appearances
Spy gadgets and disguises provide some visual fun for kids who like espionage tropes

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What to Watch For

Action violence includes gunfights, explosions, and hand-to-hand combat (all bloodless but present)
Some mild romantic tension and innuendo between leads
Humor often relies on physical comedy and characters being embarrassed or injured
Honestly, the biggest risk is just that your kid will be bored—it's pretty generic

Conversation Starters

"Maxwell Smart keeps messing up but never gives up. When have you had to keep trying even when things went wrong?"
"Agent 99 is way more experienced than Max but still treats him with respect. How do you handle working with people who are learning?"
"The bad guys want to take over the world (classic villain move). What makes someone choose to help people versus hurt them?"

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