Hook:
What if you found out that your spouse was a secret agent working for a rival organization? That’s the premise of “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” a 2005 action-comedy directed by Doug Liman and starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie as a married couple who discover each other’s true identities. But how would this story play out in 2024, with the advances in technology and the changes in culture? Let’s imagine a hypothetical remake and see how it stacks up against the original.
Basic Information:
| Title: | Mr. & Mrs. Smith | Mr. & Mrs. Smith |
| Director: | Doug Liman | Hiro Murai12 |
| Release Date: | 2005 | 2024 |
| Genre: | Action, Comedy and Romance | Action, Comedy and Crime |
| Main Actors: | Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie | Donald Glover , Maya Erskine |
Summary:
In both versions, John and Jane Smith, a bored married couple, secretly work as assassins for rival agencies. When their respective assignments target each other, they uncover the truth and face a critical decision: collaborate or eliminate one another. 🕵️♂️🕵️♀️
Opinion:
The 2005 version of “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” is a fun and entertaining film that showcases the chemistry and charisma of Pitt and Jolie. Liman’s direction is fast-paced and stylish, balancing the action and comedy elements with ease. The film also explores the themes of trust, communication, and passion in marriage, adding some depth and emotion to the story. One of the most memorable lines from the film is:
Jane Smith: Any last words? John Smith: The new curtains are hideous.
I don’t need a therapist. I need a divorce lawyer.”
This quote is from the scene where Jane and John are trying to kill each other in their house, after discovering that they are both assassins working for rival agencies. The quote shows their sarcastic humor and their disdain for each other’s taste in home decor.
The 2024 version, however, disappoints as an unnecessary remake. It fails to capture the charm and excitement of the original. The film lacks fresh insights into espionage and the dynamics of marriage, which have evolved significantly since 2005. The film relies on outdated tropes and clichés, such as:
“We’re not a normal couple. We’re a power couple.”
“I love you, but I also hate you. And sometimes, I want to kill you.”
These quotes are supposed to be witty, but they are actually dull and predictable. The film does not have the same spark and appeal as the 2005 version.
Most unforgettable moments from the movie
The dance scene in the restaurant is one of the most memorable moments in the movie “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” (2005), starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie as a married couple who are secretly spies. As they dance elegantly across the floor, they hide their true intentions of killing each other, creating a mix of romance and tension. The scene showcases their chemistry, talent, and sophistication, as well as the captivating music of “Assassin’s Tango” by John Powell.
The TV series “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” (2024), starring Donald Glover and Maya Erskine as newlywed spies, skips the restaurant dance scene. Instead, it humorously portrays their spy missions and domestic life. New characters, like their hot neighbor and rival spies, add drama. The series maintains the concept of two spies in a fake marriage but with a different tone and style than the movie.
Heroes and Villains in both versions of “Mr. & Mrs. Smith”
2005 version
- The main antagonists are the rival agencies that employ John and Jane as spies
- They try to eliminate them after they discover each other’s identities
- They are part of a larger network of spies and assassins that operate in secrecy
- John and Jane battle through anonymous agents and operatives, reaching their bosses who meet their demise in the final showdown.
- The main protagonists are John and Jane, who are also spies
- They overcome their initial distrust and hostility and fall in love again
- They manage to escape and defeat their former employers, and start a new life together
- They are portrayed as skilled and charismatic spies, who use various weapons, gadgets, and disguises to complete their missions
- They have a sense of humor and banter, which adds to their chemistry and appeal
- They are not morally perfect, as they do kill people for a living, but they are shown to have some remorse and compassion, especially for each other
2024 version
- The main antagonist is a mysterious organization called Hihi, which recruits John and Jane as spies and pairs them up in a fake marriage
- It is also never fully explained or named, but it seems to have a more sinister and secretive agenda than the agencies in the 2005 version
- It communicates with John and Jane only through screens and cards, and assigns them various missions that often involve killing or sabotaging other spies or targets
- It also monitors and manipulates John and Jane’s lives, such as sending them gifts, arranging their therapy sessions, and even creating a fake neighbor who is also a spy
- Its true motives and leader are unknown, but they seem to be testing John and Jane’s loyalty and skills, and possibly preparing them for a bigger plan
- The main protagonists are also John and Jane, who are also spies
- Overcome their initial distrust and hostility and fall in love again, but they face more challenges and conflicts in their relationship, such as their different backgrounds, personalities, and aspirations
- Have to deal with the consequences and dangers of their spy life, such as the risk of exposure, betrayal, or death
- Are portrayed as talented and resourceful spies, who use various technologies, skills, and strategies to complete their missions
- A sense of humor and sarcasm, which adds to their realism and relatability
- Are not morally perfect, as they do kill people for a living, but they are shown to have more doubts and dilemmas, especially about their role and purpose as spies
OTT release date
The 20204 series will premiere on February 2, 2024 on Amazon Prime . It will have eight episodes in its first season.
The 2005 movie may be available for streaming on various OTT (Over-the-Top) platforms, depending on your location and subscription. Some popular options include:Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and Hulu, Apple TV etc.
Recommendation and Rating:
In conclusion, “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” (2005) is a movie that deserves to be watched and enjoyed for its witty and thrilling story, its captivating and attractive leads, and its clever and creative direction. As for the 2024 remake, it’s a movie that should be avoided and forgotten for its lackluster and uninspired story, its bland and boring leads, and its dull and derivative direction.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars for the original, 1.5/5 stars for the remake
Additional Notes:
Both films feature impressive soundtracks, stunning costumes, and spectacular action scenes. The original film received positive reviews and several award nominations, including for its outstanding screenplay and performances. The remake, on the other hand, received negative reviews and no award recognition.
The TV series “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” (2024), starring Donald Glover and Maya Erskine as newlywed spies, humorously portrays their spy missions and domestic life. New characters, like their hot neighbor and rival spies, add drama. The series maintains the concept of two spies in a fake marriage, but with a different tone and style than the movie.
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