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There are certain movies we can watch over and over again without ever getting tired of the semi-predictable plots. The 2005 film Mr. & Mrs. Smith, starring Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, falls into that category.
Naturally, we were thrilled to learn that Prime Video remade the thriller into a series starring Donald Glover and Maya Erskine. But how does the new show compare to the original movie?
Keep scrolling for an honest review of Mr. & Mrs. Smith, which premieres on February 2.
The brand-new series follows two strangers (Glover and Erskine) who have nothing to lose—so much so, they agree to take a job at a spy agency, where they are tasked with completing high-risk missions. After a rigorous interview process, they are paired up with a fellow spy, who becomes their new wife/husband. Once this happens, they must cut contact with their past lives entirely, move in together and wait for instructions on an assignment.
The story lines are similar, following a couple who risk their lives for missions. But the biggest difference is their knowledge of one another. In the movie, Pitt and Jolie don’t know that their partner is a spy, too—that is, until they’re assigned to kill each other. But in the Prime Video series, Glover and Erskine are well aware of their partner’s professions. In fact, it’s the whole reason they’re introduced in the first place.
Another difference is the on-screen relationship between the stars. In the movie, Pitt and Jolie have been married for six-ish years and, therefore, have developed an understanding of each other. But in the Prime Video series, Glover and Erskine are just meeting for the first time. They’re learning about each other’s pasts and families while carrying out dangerous missions.
To top it off, Glover and Erskine work as a team to carry out missions—whereas, in the movie, Jolie and Pitt work against each other. This offers a unique on-screen dynamic between the two main characters. Although they’re still unsure of each other, it’s clear that romance will become a theme as the show progresses.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith shows a lot of potential, even for those who are loyal to the original movie. The plot is intriguing because it’s different from the original, offering a unique take on the classic story line. But it has enough similarities to pique our interest and keep us wondering what’s next for the new spies. For example, will they be forced to turn on each other like in the movie?
The biggest question mark is whether Glover and Erskine will live up to the on-screen success of Pitt and Jolie. The original film received loads of attention because it marked the beginning of Pitt and Jolie’s real-life relationship. While we don’t expect Glover and Erskine to follow suit (they’re both in committed relationships), the new show is undoubtedly worth a watch for anyone who’s looking for an edge-of-your-seat thriller that’s sprinkled with comedic one-liners.
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