Get Smart movie reviewAs one of the writers of the original “Get Smart” TV series, I was dismayed by the new, flawed “Get Smart” movie—I never understood why remakes don’t at least talk to the original material writers. Maybe it’s a kind of immature tantrum, “I want to do it myself, mom.”That said, for the writers of the next remake, here’s a bit of advice: ... more >

Get Smart movie review As one of the writers of the original “Get Smart” TV series, I was dismayed by the new, flawed “Get Smart” movie—I never understood why remakes don’t at least talk to the original material writers. Maybe it’s a kind of immature tantrum, “I want to do it myself, mom.” That said, for the writers of the next remake, here’s a bit of advice: The essence, the fun of the Don Adams character was his child-like confidence and his bravado (not unlike the character often played by Bob Hope) presaging the inevitable catastrophic blunder. “Sorry about that.” Any writer charged with vetting agent 86 should start by studying the origin of the character, Don’s early nightclub routines. His defense attorney bit: “Look at those trim ankles, the well turned calf. Now I ask you. Are those the legs of a homicidal maniac?” Joseph C. Cavella HowToWriteComedy.com