Mr. and Mrs. Smith Reboot: A Fresh Take on a Mid-Aughts Favorite
The Mr. and Mrs. Smith reboot has received mixed reviews, with critics praising the chemistry between Donald Glover and Maya Erskine while the audience response has been more lukewarm. Despite this, the show's modernized concept and action spectacle have managed to set it apart from the original film.
A Modernized Concept
The Mr. and Mrs. Smith reboot has taken a fresh approach to the concept, offering viewers something different from the original film. In an interview, Donald Glover discussed how the new series modernizes the story, promising both action spectacle and an unexpected twist.
Glover said, "It's definitely going to be different for a lot of people, which I think is good. You can always go back and watch the old one, but this one gives you a different feeling. People are definitely going to be shocked." While the show aims to provide a unique experience, the challenge lies in meeting the expectations of fans of the original.
He added, "I just know how much people love the other one, so if everybody's like, 'Eh,' we didn't do a good job. I hope some people are like, 'This is better than the original,' and some people are like, 'This is far worse.'" The reboot strives to strike a balance between honoring the beloved film and offering a fresh twist on the story.
Strong Performances and Chemistry
The success of the Mr. and Mrs. Smith reboot lies in the performances of Donald Glover and Maya Erskine. In her review, Nicole Drum from ComicBook.com praised the chemistry between the two actors and highlighted their ability to bring the characters to life.
Drum writes, "'What makes this work so well is the performances. Glover, as John, delivers a mix of what can only be called 'swagger with vulnerability,' but it never feels inauthentic. The viewer gets the sense that John's confidence is both genuine while also a mask for his own failings, particularly when it becomes apparent that of the pair, Jane may be somewhat more competent.'"
Maya Erskine's portrayal of Jane, the emotionally closed-off character, also received praise. Drum explains, "As for Erskine, her performance as the very Type-A, emotionally closed-off Jane is so good that it's frustrating, at times, but is in equal measure just as vulnerable." Erskine effectively conveys the internal conflict faced by Jane as she navigates the high-stakes world of espionage and grapples with her own emotions.
Mixed Audience Response
While the critics have given the Mr. and Mrs. Smith reboot a positive score on Rotten Tomatoes, the audience response has been more mixed. The Prime Video series received a 55% audience score, contrasting the 89% freshness rating from critics.
Many reviews have praised the chemistry between Glover and Erskine and the way they bring a random concept to life. The show's embrace of the Y2K aesthetic and its unique take on a mid-Aughts favorite has intrigued viewers. However, the question remains whether the response from the audience will be enough to propel the show to success.
The show's description provides a glimpse into the plot: "In this version of Mr. & Mrs. Smith, two lonely strangers land jobs working for a mysterious spy agency that offers them a glorious life of espionage, wealth, world travels, and a dream brownstone in Manhattan. The catch? New identities in an arranged marriage as Mr. and Mrs. John and Jane Smith. Now hitched, John and Jane navigate a high-risk mission every week while also facing a new relationship milestone. Their complex cover story becomes even more complicated when they catch real feelings for each other. What's riskier: espionage or marriage?" With a unique premise and talented cast, the show definitely has potential.
