By: Jonathan Godfrey for Mr. Will Wong
Movies are more than just moving pictures, they’re magic. The recent return to Oz reminded us of this fact by bringing a projector to the Land of Faraway. However, there’s another reel which has shown us the power of magic in the here and now. The Incredible Burt Wonderstone is said Film, a Family-friendly show that will reach out and grab via some Abracadabra.
Lead Actor Steve Carell has always been an on-screen advocate for the Magical Arts. In both 40 Year Old Virgin and The Office his characters fondly recalled their days at Magic Camp, whilst in Wonderstone he plays one who’s lost his childhood love for the Craft. Supported by Steve Buscemi’s quirky Anton, and adorned in ridiculous rags, Burt Wonderstone is a Vegas Strip act gone awry. His bit’s gone bland, his ego’s elevated beyond the realm of reason, and because of this his metaphorical wand goes flaccid.
Impotent from his inability to perform on stage he channels the appeal of Jane (Olivia Wilde), as well as his childhood hero Rance Holloway (played by Carell’s real life hero Alan Arkin). With their help, he must fix his broken relationship with Anton, win the favor of Cash King Doug Munny (James Gandolfini), and conquer the New Age Artist Steve Gray (Jim Carrey). Suffice it to say, a lot goes on in this Movie, played-out by a lot of famous names and faces no less. At times it seems as though there is too much to process – too much dialogue, not enough trickery and certainly not enough Jay Mohr. His bit role as Rick the Implausible starts off strong and unfortunately fizzles far too quickly.
Nevertheless, the Film is an enjoyable one, and viable for a wide audience. Carell is charming and Carrey as always remains a Scene-Stealer. Playing a pseudo-Criss Angel, Carrey not only assaults minds, he also kicks the Comedy notch up to a gut-busting level. In addition, he pulls-off some outstanding tricks, cutting a card out of his flesh for starters. Prelude your applause with some vomit and you’ll get the idea… it’s crazy!
Lastly, look out for the cameo from real life Merlin, David Copperfield. It’s a pleasure to see the Film tip its hat to him who brought Magic into so many households. Whether giving the nod as clearly as above, or via more tongue and cheek measures, The Incredible Burt Wonderstone is a Movie that honors the mystical methods whilst inspiring some laughs along the way.
Warner Bros. release The Incredible Burt Wonderstone on March 15, 2013.
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