The Evolution of Mr. & Mrs. Smith: Show Vs Movie

Redefining the Classic

The iconic legacy of the 2005 movie 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith' starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie has been redefined by the new Amazon series of the same name. The show takes on a fresh approach, serving as a loose remake/reboot of the original movie, and immediately captivates the audience with a new twist to the familiar plot.

Donald Glover and Maya Erskine compared to Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in Mr and Mrs Smith Exclusive header

John and Jane Smith, a married couple of spies, are no longer pitted against each other. Instead, the show introduces a thrilling dynamic where they are revealed to be spies working for the same company. The plot unfolds as they must maintain their cover as a married couple while gradually falling in love. This intriguing twist sets the stage for a captivating narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Donald Glover and Maya Erskine standing looking bruised and disheveled in Mr & Mrs Smith

A Triumph in Quality

The initial skepticism surrounding the announcement of the Mr. & Mrs. Smith series quickly transformed into resounding praise as the first reviews poured in. Season 1 of the show has garnered an impressive 'Fresh' 89% score on Rotten Tomatoes, surpassing the 60% score of the original movie. This triumph is a testament to the superior quality and innovation of the new series, solidifying its place as a remarkable improvement over its predecessor.

Donald Glover and Maya Erskine watching TV in Mr. & Mrs. Smith

Critics laud the show for addressing the shortcomings of the movie, particularly its lackluster script, shallow character development, and excessive focus on action sequences. The Amazon series, on the other hand, strikes a perfect balance between character building, witty screenplay, and story progression, elevating it to new heights of storytelling excellence. The chemistry between the lead actors, Donald Glover and Maya Erskine, adds depth and authenticity to the characters, further enhancing the overall viewing experience.

John (Donald Glover) and Jane (Maya Erskine) riding an elevator in Mr. & Mrs. Smith

The Risky Tone Change

The bold decision to infuse the new series with a more dramatic tone and deeper character-driven narrative paid off, as evidenced by the overwhelmingly positive reviews. While the original movie relied heavily on satirical action comedy, the show embraced a shift towards a more serious action-comedy genre, a risky move that ultimately proved to be a masterstroke.

Brad Smith and Angelina Jolie as Mr and Mrs Smith at the Carnival shooting a gun

The integration of intense drama and romantic elements into the spy action genre, without compromising on the thrill of the missions, resonated with both critics and audiences alike. This bold tonal change not only set the show apart but also laid the foundation for a compelling and multifaceted storytelling approach that distinguishes it from its predecessor.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in their underwear standing among debris in Mr. and Mrs. Smith