Amusing flick about magicians with Steve Carell, Jim Carrey and Olivia Wilde
Burt Wonderstone (Steve Carell) achieves his dream of being a successful magician, performing before sold-out crowds in Las Vegas with his partner (Steve Buscemi). But fame & fortune has blinded him and he’s lost the love of the art, even his love for best friends. When a new edgy magician enters the scene (Jim Carrey), it gives Burt a wake-up call and forces him to reexamine his life & career and rediscover his love for magic. Olivia Wilde is on hand as a magician’s assistant while Alan Arkin plays an older magician.
“The Incredible Burt Wonderstone” (2013) didn’t do well at the box office, maybe because of the lousy title. Yet it’s a solid comedy/drama about magicians, traditional ones and edgier modern ones (which some argue don’t perform “true magic”). Olivia looks great and I wish her role was bigger. Gillian Jacobs (Miranda) and Tate Hanyok (Nicole) are also featured on the feminine front. Even David Copperfield shows up.
The biggest laugh is wisely saved for last.
The film runs 1 hour, 40 minutes and was shot in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
GRADE: B
