25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Geek Smart, August 2, 2008
"Is it a mystery?
Is it a mystery?
I'm spinning out of control
Out of control"
(Hoobastank)
Short Attention Span Summary (SASS):
1. Bruce (Masi Oka) and Lloyd (Nate Torrence) are gadget geeks working for the secret spy agency CONTROL
2. They develop an invisibility cloak
3. It gets stolen
4. They have to get it back
This is a simultaneous spin-off to the movie "Get Smart", allegedly taking part during the time frame of the movie. About five other movie characters appear in this very short (71 minutes) parody, some only as brief cameos.
It's not great cinema, but it manages to raise a few chuckles without resorting to potty humor, foul language, tired sight gags or gross-out scenes.
Exactly what you thought it'd be
For something straight to DVD
It has no wisdom to impart
And won't push viewers to "Get Smart"
Amanda Richards, August 2, 2008
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Direct to DVD spin off - fun but short..., July 14, 2008
I have to admit that this is a first for me.
Typically when you see a movie in the theatre, it's usually about three months after it's finished its run that it finally hits DVD.
It wasn't all that long ago that I saw the remake of Get Smart. In fact, I wrote a review about the movie and how much I enjoyed it.
I also mentioned in that review that there was a direct to DVD spin off coming out soon, one based on two of the minor characters in the movie, Bruce and Lloyd, a couple of techno geeks who worked for Control (portrayed by Heroes Masi Oka, and relative newcomer Nate Torrence).
The fact of the matter is that I enjoyed Get Smart immensely, and I found that these two supporting characters were a quaint and enjoyable touch.
Did they deserve their own movie? Maybe yes, maybe no, it depends on your point of view.
Do I think they deserved their own spin off movie? Well, I bought the DVD, didn't I?
Ok the story is very simple, and as per usual, I won't give away any spoilers that you couldn't see by watching trailers on the net or on other DVD's.
Bruce and Lloyd are working hard at perfecting a `invisible cloak', one that would render the wearer totally invisible.
The trials are working out quite well, but they have a little issue with a very limited battery life.
Now, mind you, the movie parallels Get Smart, so some of the events that take place in the theatrical version are shown or mentioned in this DVD. There is even a brief cameo by Anne Hathaway and Patrick Warburton (although the latter had only a tiny cameo in the Get Smart movie as well).
The movie had only a few really good laughs, but it was entertaining. I found myself heavily reminded of the various `spoof' movies out there like Scary Movie or the Superhero movie.
Even more so because Jayma Mays (Epic Movie) was in it and played a total buffoon... so she fit right in.
Now, the plot was paper thin, and downright silly. It was clearly made for fun, and not as a serious movie. Well, duh, thank you captain obvious. Sorry about that...
The biggest problem I had with the movie was how short it was! Just over an hour, like 70 minutes or so.
If you take the time to watch the bonus material like the Control Confessionals, it adds to the length of the movie and they ARE worth watching. Especially with the Korean guy, and you'll understand what I mean when you see it.
Well, if you see it that is.
Speaking of features, there were a total of three special featurettes in the movie, the above mentioned confessionals, the `real science' behind the movie gadgets, and cue the anti follicular device, as well as some trailers.
The characters, I have to admit, were lovable. Even the bad guy was played up more for laughs than actual menace. Anyone who has ever had trouble talking to girls will not be able to help but sympathize with Lloyd, as he bumbles around in the movie.
Hey, it wasn't a great film, and if I would have paid standard DVD price for the movie, I will be honest and say I would have felt ripped off, but it was a bargain at $15.
I'd be more inclined to call it a rental though.
2.5 out of 5
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good, light-hearted entertainment, July 3, 2008
I watched this flick and I enjoyed it immensely.
First things first: is it funny, and is it interesting? YES and YES.
The humor is the light-hearted, "Scrubs" kind, and fits well in a movie about two lovable lab-dweebs. (Example: Hot girl does something impressive. Socially awkward lab-geek Lloyd is impressed, but the best response he can muster is: Do you like pie?)
There are enough laughs sprinkled throughout, with a little bit of action here and there, so the movie keeps moving at a nice pace. The 71 minutes goes by pretty fast.
Those expecting an Oscar-caliber movie of epic proportion with tremendous societal impact and big-budget cgi have been grossly misinformed. Those expecting a light, slap-sticky romp will not be disappointed.
And as far as the film's main 'object' - an 'invisible cloak' - well, Harry Potter has an invisible cloak, James Bond has an invisible car, the Fantastic Four have an invisible woman. Movies are all about the fantasy of far-fetched concepts that don't exist in the real world.
If you can't or won't buy it, then definitely rent it.
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