You've seen this before in 'Johnny English', albeit with Mr Bean in the main role — in itself argument enough to deem that a better movie. Which isn't really saying all that much.

Still, with Steve Carell ('The 40-Year-Old Virgin') playing the part of the titular Maxwell Smart, and Anne Hathaway ('The Devil Wears Prada') that of his sidekick, one would expect at least a respectable comedic affair.

And it is funny. Just not overtly so. It really does depend on whether one finds Steve Carell funny — in a Steve "Love him or hate him" Martin kind of way.

A remake of the 1960s TV series, 'Get Smart' sees Smart as a top analyst at the secret US spy agency CONTROL, who dreams of becoming a field agent and take down their nemesis, the über evil agency KAOS.

Of course, he soon gets his lucky break and a partner to boot — Hathaway's Agent 99. Naturally, she's not too thrilled by the prospect of having to work with the bungling newbie as they seek to uncover KAOS' latest scheme to take over/destroy the world.

Yes, this is as basic a spy plot as you can get, but of course, it is a comic farce so that's the point. Which means the film rests upon the comedic prowess of the actors involved.

Unfortunately Carrell is not as laughable a spy as Rowan Atkinson was, which is Big Problem #1. His character does have a way of pulling off some magnificent moves though, lowering the groan factor inherent to this kind of story while making it all the more enjoyable.

Big Problem #2 is Hathaway — she's a great actress, but seriously underutilised here. Her role basically requires being the usual beautiful sidekick, some 'Karate Kid'-style waxing on and off, a few professional spy looks, and a dance recital. She's not useless, just in need of a fuller character and stronger direction.

Which brings us to Big Problem #3: the surprisingly inept director. The potential for great laughs is there, with great actors too (there's even a cameo by Bill Murray) but the package just feels too half-baked, too light in substance, and too disjointed.

Fortunately it's not a complete disaster, with scenes such as a CONTROL agent having a piece of paper stapled to his forehead by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, a government meeting brawl that sees the US Vice President being fly-tackled, and the comedic genius of two agents, Agent 91 (Terry Crews) and Larabee (David Koechner), offering hilarious moments.

In the words of CONTROL at the government meeting brawl: "CIA knows nothing! CONTROL needs to be in charge here!"

Yes, I laughed…