Bottom Line: Just as there was nothing GREAT and/or POWERFUL about last
week’s OZ release, this dueling magician’s movie can in no way be categorized
as INCREDIBLE. It can, however, proudly
carry the moniker of likeably fun.
There’s no breaking of new ground here (aside from it taking place in the world of magic) – it’s a comedy
about burned out careers, benevolent brotherhoods, blossoming love and bursting
egos – but, the deck is stacked in our favor with rousing supporting
performances from Buscemi, Gandolfini and Arkin. Pitting Steve Carell’s cheesy, tan and hair
sprayed, big-stage magician against Jim Carrey’s pseudo gothic, street-smart
master of illusion – that’s where the magic happens… It’s a battle of dimwits and they both
deliver in spades! Yes, it’s goofy and
ridiculous – you might even think it looks awful – but it’s competently
directed, amiably written and jam-packed with talented performances. It’s got a refreshingly infectious and
subdued charm plus a well-meaning heart of silver that beats beneath its
sequin-draped, well-waxed chest. Perhaps,
for a comedy, it plays things a little too safe – but it definitely has enough
tricks up its sleeve to entertain a crowd!
Starring: Steve Carell, Jim Carrey, Steve Buscemi, Olivia
Wilde, James Gandolfini and Alan Arkin
Directed by: Don Scardino
Rated: PG-13
Running time: 100 minutes
Story: Superstar magicians Burt Wonderstone (Steve
Carell) and Anton Marvelton (Steve Buscemi) have ruled the Las Vegas strip for
years, raking in millions with illusions as big as Burt's growing ego. But
lately the duo's greatest deception is their public friendship, while secretly
they've grown to loathe each other. Facing cutthroat competition from guerilla
street magician Steve Gray (Jim Carrey), whose cult following surges with each
outrageous stunt, even their show looks stale. But there's still a chance Burt
and Anton can save the act-both onstage and off-if Burt can get back in touch
with what made him love magic in the first place.(c) WB
Trailer: www.theincredibleburtwonderstone.com
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