The Incredible Burt Wonderstone Reviews

To be honest, I wasn’t really sure what to expect from this flick but since there was a decent cast involved, I thought I might as well check it out. Well, eventually, even if the damned thing had some potential, it turned out to be rather weak, I’m afraid. The first issue was that, even if the opening scene with these 2 boys becoming best friends after discovering they both love magic tricks was promising, within 5 minutes, it was pretty much ruined by the fact that, as adults, they couldn't stand each other anymore. From this point on, Burt Wonderstone became just so lame and annoying. To make things worse, during the 3rd act, they completely flipped around again this character as he suddenly became aware that he had been a major douchebag for so many years. Basically, his personality kept changing drastically any time it was needed to move on the plot. Concerning the rest of the characters, it was not much better, I’m afraid. For example, it was sad to see the lovely and talented Olivia Wilde playing such a thankless and eventually rather boring character. Concerning Steve Buscemi, Jim Carrey and James Gandolfini, their characters were slightly more interesting and/or fun but they were not developed enough. Eventually, the only one who managed to be entertaining was Alan Arkin. To be honest, Arkin did deliver his usual no-nonsense performance he gives in pretty much all his movies but, in the contrary of the rest of the cast, he did manage to find the right tone. Indeed, he was the only one who seemed to be an actual person and not some kind of annoying heightened caricature. Anyway, to conclude, even if I have seen worse, I didn’t care much about the damned thing and I don’t think it is really worth a look. 

Enthusiastic about magic from an early age, Burt Wonderstone (Carell) grows up to become a popular magician, performing with childhood friend Anton Marvelton (Steve Buscemi) at a prestigious Las Vegas casino. However, the wealthy duo begin to decline in popularity, with ticket sales falling following the rise of anarchic street magician Steve Gray (Carrey) who introduces a new brand of illusionist. Burt's act is too tired and dated in comparison, leading to him losing his gig at the casino on top of falling out with both Anton and his attractive assistant Jane (Olivia Wilde). Washed up and broke, Burt desperately searches for a new gig, ending up as an entertainer at a retirement village. It's here he meets his childhood hero Rance Holloway (Arkin), who reignites Burt's love for magic.

Written by Horrible Bosses scribes John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein (with rewrites by Jason Reitman), the flick initially spends its time observing the childhood lives of Burt and Anton as they become fast friends and develop a passion for magic. Before long, however, the screenplay kicks into gear, assuming a routine of funny bantering, amusing set-pieces and inspired silliness. It admittedly transforms into a predictable tale of redemption and rehabilitation, with the egocentric, preening Burt setting out to rediscover his humanity. But it's clear that everyone is having a lot of fun with the material, which becomes contagious. The characters are so much fun and there's good-natured humour aplenty, and the tone is perpetually agreeable. The Incredible Burt Wonderstone has a degree of heart as well, embodied in a beautiful scene in which Rance explains to Burt why magic is important. Sure, attempts at cinematic maturity are perfunctory in comedies, but it works here.

Director Scardino is a fleet-footed filmmaker, hence The Incredible Burt Wonderstone is a briskly-paced distraction that doesn't outstay its welcome at just over ninety minutes. Scardino aspired to do several of the tricks for real on-screen, recruiting the iconic David Copperfield (who cameos here as himself) to devise a handful of illusions which could be done with practical effects. Some were pulled off with digital effects trickery, but there's a certain charm in seeing good tricks being performed for real. There are a number of amusing moments throughout, and the satirical aspect is spot-on. One of the best moments comes right at the end, when the filmmakers give us a glimpse at how exactly Wonderstone pulls off his climactic deception. It's a clever, darkly comic moment that allows the curtain to fall on a high note. It's just a shame that the film did not go further with its content. This is a PG-13 comedy, and, though it does work in its finished state, one must wonder if the film could've been superior if it was more abrasive and dark.

Carell is a perfect fit for the role of Burt. He nails the character's less savoury characteristics, yet he's never unlikeable thanks to his charisma and inherent quirkiness. The actor is getting older, but he still has a delightful comic touch. Buscemi, meanwhile, is an absolute winner here, funny and eccentric as Burt's on-stage partner. However, it's Carrey who expectedly steals the show. The 51-year-old does not rely on his usual manic, rubber-faced persona, instead going for something a bit more restrained but no less funny. He's hilariously committed to the material, and he's used sparingly, which was a well-judged creative choice. One of the highlights of the picture is a child's birthday party in which Carell and Carrey engage in a "magic-off." The supporting performances are just as good, with Arkin wonderfully cantankerous and hilariously dry as the cynical Rance, while Wilde is amusing and beautiful as the token love interest. Also of note is James Gandolfini as a casino owner.

To be sure, The Incredible Burt Wonderstone is forgettable comedy entertainment; it won't linger in the mind for too long, and it doesn't reinvent the wheel. But it is tremendously enjoyable and a fun way to spend to an evening at the movies that will probably develop into something of a cult film. Although it could've been funnier and wittier, it's hard to walk away dissatisfied with this appealing comedy.

7.1/10