Considering that the TV-to-film surge seems to have died down in the late 1990s, following a dire period in which seemingly any program of yesteryear was a candidate for big screen treatment (just two examples being “The Beverly Hillbillies” and “The Brady Bunch”), it’s kind of surprising that they’re only now getting around to “Get Smart”. The classic spy spoof television series, a huge and well-deserved hit in its day, ran from 1965-1970 before an impressive run in syndication. Known for the late Don Adams’ unique portrayal the bumbling secret agent Maxwell Smart, the series, at its best, was an intelligent, if repetitive take on the Cold War-inspired super-spy heroes of the day.

Created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry when they were at the top of their games, quality should be no surprise. (The pair is prominently credited as consultants on the new film.) As dated as many of the series’ memorable concepts may be, (a telephone hidden in a shoe is even dumber now than it was then,) the show made a dent, it’s fingerprints evident on many a comedy, even years later - including the great, if lesser known 1980s series “Sledge Hammer!”, as well as the meteoric “Austin Powers” film franchise. Granted, the best of the TV-to-film adaptations tend to be the straight adventures (“The Fugitive”, “Mission: Impossible”), but it stands to reason nonetheless that it would only be a matter of time until “Get Smart” met its new day in the sun. That day has come; leaving the question of whether any such effort could possibly be worthwhile.

Sure, with this cast, it’s worthwhile. Although the material they’re given leaves quite a bit to be desired at times, (fat suit gags, as well as toothless George W. Bush jokes that got old seven years ago,) these people get the job done. Steve Carell, not always known for his cinematic discernment, does not simply give us Secret Agent Michael Scott. What he does is actually quite impressive, managing to evoke just enough of Don Adams’ trademark dialect and mannerisms to be Maxwell Smart, but not going as far as doing an out-and-out impression. Steve Martin found himself in a similar situation a few years ago with the “Pink Panther” remake, and although he emerged unscathed from that forgettable film, Carell’s performance is far superior.

Anne Hathaway, obviously still working hard to diversify her filmography and escape the kiddie-film rut of her early career, is surprisingly hot as the competent Agent 99. Although she does get to deliver a few good lines, she is primarily relegated to playing it straight and reacting to Carell’s antics. Alan Arkin makes a great Chief, but don’t expect this to turn into “Little Miss Sunshine 2” just because he’s re-teamed with Carell. Of course Terence Stamp makes a terrific baddie, but, like costars Dwayne Johnson, Patrick Warburton, and James Caan, he is rather underutilized.

The story itself, strangely enough, is in many ways a comedic remake of Brian Depalma’s “Mission: Impossible”. Not everything that happens in that movie happens in this one, but the architecture is similar enough to warrant it being pointed out. The many broad comedy gags involving obesity (Gasp! Max used to be fat! And we are never allowed to forget that.) and throwaway pop culture references never work (Momma Mia! An Abba song in the first five minutes! And hey kids, a Ryan Seacrest radio cameo!), but enough of other material generates chuckles, if never belly laughs. The pace is brisk, the scope is large, and Peter Segal’s direction is competent. The plot involves something about Russian terrorists and a bomb in Los Angeles – but really, does that matter? This is not going to make any top ten lists in December, but if you’re looking for a harmless night out, and/or a decent trip down memory lane, you could do far worse than this.

- Jim Tudor