Mr. & Mrs. Smith Best Spy Show of 2024? Rotten Tomatoes Reviews Suggest It's Better Than Original
Amazon's Mr. & Mrs. Smith series offers viewers a new version of the story of the spouses of spies. And, judging by reviews, more successful than the high-profile movie with Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.
The 2005 film Mr. & Mrs. Smith starred Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt as spouses who are also contract killers, additionally not knowing the other half's occupation. Almost 20 years later, Amazon decided to tell its own version of the story about the spy couple. How does the production starring Donald Glover and Maya Erskine fare? Judging by what critics say about the show, we can expect a better spectacle than in the case of the original, star-studded, film.
This time, Smith's marriage was arranged, as it all begins with two strangers receiving a job offer from a mysterious agency. It has definite draws - distant travels, wealth, and living in a prestigious location in Manhattan. So the candidates agreed to the conditions set for them - accepting new identities and living in marriage as Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
The entire season of the production, created by Glover and Francesca Sloane, is now available on Prime Video. Is it worth spending time with this title? Critics seem to agree - it's a successful action production. 88% of them positively rated Mr. & Mrs. Smith on Rotten Tomatoes. For comparison, the 2005 film was liked by only 60% of reviewers.
The opinions repeatedly praise the acting, the talent of the cast, and the appropriate match between the actors and the characters. The critics also liked the formal layer, especially the action sequences. Here are excerpts from reviews, generally positive, but also pointing out the weaknesses of the series:
Mr. & Mrs. Smith is the best spy series of 2024. [...] Their romance is slow but assured. as they fall in love, the viewer grows to love this spy couple too. culminating in a finale that includes an action sequence that could redefine the standard for streaming action as we know it" - Inverse.
Is it actors' chemistry, or a good script, or maybe a combination of both? There are so many reasons to love the main characters. The series itself seems conventional, but is entertaining and feel-good at the same time - Flick Fan Nation.
Donald Glover and Maya Erskine deliver solid performances in this Brangelina spy reboot, but a slow start and wasted cameos make this version feel underwhelming - Martin Carr.
The series wouldn't click if it wasn't for the chemistry between Glover and Erskine. Everything works mainly because the actors are on the same wavelength when it comes to comedy - Decider.
Amazon's remake series is both bold and boring, sticking to the plot slogan. The result is arty and ambitious in a way that will likely be enjoyed very much by a very few - CNN.
