Maxwell "Max" Smart, portrayed by Steve Carell, works as an analyst at the classified American intelligence agency known as CONTROL. Eager to join the ranks of field agents like his hero, Agent 23, Max excels in the entrance tests but is unexpectedly turned down for promotion by the Chief, played by Alan Arkin, who believes Max's analytical talents are better suited for his current role. However, when CONTROL faces an assault by the nefarious terrorist group KAOS, led by the cunning Siegfried, the agency's agents are exposed, leaving only Max and Agent 99, skillfully portrayed by Anne Hathaway, to tackle the threat while others are relegated to desk jobs.
Max is elevated to the position of field agent, taking on the title of Agent 86. Despite his new status, Agent 99 is hesitant to partner with him due to his reputation for clumsiness. The duo makes a daring entrance into Russia via parachute, determined to track KAOS' recent procurement of nuclear materials through their lead bomb-maker, Krstic. As they infiltrate a lavish party hosted by Krstic, they discover the alarming details surrounding a concealed KAOS nuclear weapons facility masquerading as a bakery in Moscow.
Confronted by Krstic and his henchmen, Max's ability to shoot becomes pivotal. In a harrowing encounter with Siegfried and his right-hand man, Shtarker, Max learns that their identities have been compromised by a double agent within their ranks. Despite an escape that results in the destruction of the weapons factory, Max finds himself facing Dalip, a KAOS operative. Drawing on his experience from listening to spy chatter, Max persuades Dalip to let him and 99 escape.
With CONTROL unaware of the real threat, Siegfried demands a ransom of $200 billion, threatening to disseminate nuclear detonation codes to hostile nations. Meanwhile, Max, unjustly labeled a double agent and locked away by CONTROL, receives a coded radio message from Dalip revealing Siegfried's sinister plot. Seizing an opportunity, Max breaks free and commandeers a series of vintage cars, eventually catching a ride on a military jet to Los Angeles, where he joins forces with 99, the Chief, and Agent 23.
As the plot unfolds with KAOS's scheme to plant a nuclear bomb in Walt Disney Concert Hall, Max uncovers the truth about the real double agent, Agent 23, through an ingenious twist involving his Geiger counter-equipped watch. In an action-packed sequence, Max pursues 23 while navigating chaos and danger, ultimately rescuing 99 from imminent peril as their SUV hurtles toward tracks facing an oncoming train.
Concluding this intense series of events, Max saves the day by preventing the bomb from detonating during a live concert, disrupting the orchestra at just the right moment. With Siegfried's plot foiled and chaos at bay, the conclusion sees a new addition, a robot named Hymie, arriving at CONTROL, as Max achieves his dream of becoming a real spy with Agent 99 by his side. The film wraps up with both Max and 99 departing CONTROL headquarters, beginning a promising new chapter together.
