Get ready for a rollercoaster ride as Amazon Prime brings us a reinvented classic with the “Amazon Prime Mr. & Mrs. Smith” series. Starring the dynamic duo of Donald Glover and Maya Erskine, this adaptation promises a spy romance like no other. Let’s dive into the world of intrigue, laughter, and unexpected love as we explore the highs and lows of this eight-episode Amazon Prime saga.
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Amazon Prime Mr. & Mrs. Smith Brings Charm And Wit To A Modern Spy Romance
The on-screen synergy between Glover and Erskine is nothing short of magical, injecting charm, sexiness, and an invigorating sense of fun into their characters. As spies next door, they embark on a rollercoaster ride, weaving a tale that combines suspense, humor, and unexpected romance.
From the moment they are paired by a covert spy organization, Glover and Erskine breathe life into their characters with impeccable timing and chemistry. The series, initially facing delays and casting changes, emerges as a testament to resilience and creative vision. Glover, portraying the laid-back military vet John Smith, is expertly matched with Erskine’s tightly-wound and fiercely competitive Jane. The unfolding compatibility test sets the stage for a sham marriage that defies expectations, evolving into a genuine and complex relationship.
“Mr. & Mrs. Smith” stands out not only for its compelling narrative but also for its visual aesthetics. Director Hiro Murai, previously collaborating with Glover on projects like “Atlanta” and “Guava Island,” sets a sleek visual template. The series balances contemporary charm with an old-fashioned structure, where each episode introduces popular guest stars like Ron Perlman, John Turturro, Michaela Coel, and Sarah Paulson. Their appearances add an extra layer of excitement to the unfolding spy drama.
What distinguishes this series is its perfect synthesis of spy antics and genuine, lived-in conversations. Glover and Erskine, primarily known for their comedic prowess, bring authenticity to their characters. The writing skillfully navigates the delicate balance between humor and moments of earnestness, creating a refreshing romantic comedy where espionage takes a back seat. The low-stakes missions in the early episodes, relying on iPhones, wits, and the burgeoning connection between the leads, lay the foundation for a narrative that evolves beyond the typical spy thriller.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith More Than Just A Conventional Spy Thriller
As the story unfolds, Glover and Erskine’s characters go beyond the conventional spy trope. Rather than revealing the intricacies of the shadowy organization through abrupt exposition, the series opts for a more organic approach. The protagonists discover the hierarchy of their organization through couples’ dates with seasoned ‘Smiths,’ played by Parker Posey and Wagner Moura. This method of unraveling information across multiple episodes adds depth to the narrative, providing a gradual revelation of the mysterious world in which John and Jane find themselves entangled.
While maintaining the lowkey charm of the initial episodes, the narrative expands to positively Bond-like proportions later on. Episode five, set in Lake Como, features an outstanding chase sequence that seamlessly blends action with picturesque scenery. The series transforms into a streaming tent-pole that exceeds expectations, combining sophistication with genuine thrills.
Watching “Mr. & Mrs. Smith’s” first season, one can sense the production’s considerable investment. The visual richness, combined with the finale’s sense of finality, may leave viewers wondering whether the series is a one-and-done deal rather than the start of an ongoing saga. The decision to conclude a streaming series on a conclusive note is rare, but in this case, it adds to the overall satisfaction.
Maya’s Twist On Jane Smith
In the original “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” Angelina Jolie embodied the role of Jane Smith, showcasing her versatility as an actress at a pivotal point in her career. Jolie, who had already earned an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for “Girl, Interrupted” in 1999, took on the character of Jane after successful ventures such as “Tomb Raider” (2001) and its sequel “The Cradle of Life” (2003). Her continued success includes notable films like “Maleficent” (2014) and “Eternals” (2021), along with her active involvement in various humanitarian efforts.
As Jane Smith, Jolie portrayed a video game heroine turned into a skilled assassin, caught in the crossfire of a revelation that her on-screen husband, John Smith, played by Brad Pitt, was also an assassin working for a rival organization. The film’s success contributed to Jolie’s iconic status in Hollywood, both as an actress and a cultural phenomenon.
In the series adaptation, the role of Jane Smith was initially slated for Phoebe Waller-Bridge, known for her work in “Fleabag.” However, early on, Waller-Bridge departed from the project, and the torch was passed to Maya Erskine. This transition brought a fresh perspective to the character and introduced Erskine’s unique comedic sensibilities to the mix.
Maya Erskine rose to fame with her brilliant performance in Hulu’s coming-of-age series “Pen15,” showcasing her comedic timing and ability to portray nuanced characters. Additionally, Erskine stole scenes in films like “Wine Country” (2019) as Paula Pell’s love interest and starred alongside Jack Quaid in “Plus One” (2019). Up next for Erskine is a role in her partner Michael Angarano’s film “Sacramento.”
In taking on the role of Jane Smith, Erskine injects the character with her own brand of charm and wit. While honoring the essence of the original character, Erskine brings a modern and relatable quality to Jane.
Donald’s Fresh Take On John Smith
In the original “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” Brad Pitt brought John Smith to life during the peak of his illustrious career. Pitt was riding a (admittedly lengthy) hot streak, fresh off box office hits like “Ocean’s Eleven” and “Twelve” (2001, 2004), as well as “Troy” (2004). His star continued to rise with a string of Oscar-worthy performances in films such as “The Departed” (2006), “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (2008), and “Moneyball” (2012). Beyond his professional success, Pitt’s personal life, notably his marriage and subsequent divorce with co-star Angelina Jolie, remained a constant fixture in tabloid headlines.
Glover Brings A Fresh Dynamic To John Smith
Donald Glover, succeeding Pitt as the second actor to play Mr. Smith in the series, entered the role with an already diverse and impressive career. Glover carved out a name for himself as a writer for “30 Rock” and a star in “Community” before gaining further recognition under his musical alter ego, Childish Gambino. He created and starred in the critically acclaimed FX series “Atlanta” (2016–2022), where fellow “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” co-creator Francesca Sloane also served as a writer. Glover also played a young Lando Calrissian in “Solo: A Star Wars Story” (2018) and assumed the role of Aaron Davis / The Prowler in “Spider-Man: Homecoming” (2017) and “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” (2023).
While Pitt’s John Smith navigated the complexities of being a real married couple shocked to discover they were assassins working for rival companies, Glover’s portrayal introduces a different dynamic. In the series, John and Jane go in knowing they are working for the same mysterious organization. Despite this knowledge, they lack a clear understanding of the organization’s nature and have no direct contact with their superiors, communicating only through a group chat with a seemingly chipper texter dubbed “Hihi.” The series further explores the contrast between their professional lives as spies and the unconventional relationship developing between them.
Amazon Prime Mr And Mrs Smith: A Modern Classic
In this modern take on a classic, Donald Glover and Maya Erskine shine as the new-age Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn in ‘Amazon Prime Mr And Mrs Smith.’ The narrative, coupled with their genuine chemistry, elevates ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ beyond expectations. It’s a rare streaming gem that combines humor, romance, and spy thrills with finesse.
Don’t Miss Out!: All eight episodes of Mr. & Mrs. Smith begin streaming on Feb. 2 on Amazon Prime Video.