Before I start this review, I would like to state that I am neither a big Steve Carell nor Jim Carrey fan. In fact, I’m indifferent. So basically this is the most unbiased review that you will get regarding this film.
Originally I had no real desire to see this film, but I’m glad I did. I went in with no expectations and came out of the cinema beaming and grinning from ear to ear. Why? Because “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone” is actually a really great movie. It is the classic tale of “old versus new“.
Steve Carrell and Steve Buscemi play best friends and “partners in magic“, “Burt Wonderstone” and “Anton Marvelton“. After a long successful career performing magic in Las Vegas, these magicians are now threatened by unpredictable and wacky new comer, “Steve Gray” played by Jim Carrey. The magical pair need to come up with new acts and ways to wow audiences in order to save their careers and continue to hold the torch for classic magic.
Along the way we are introduced to Olivia Wilde‘s character, “Jane” who is a magician’s assistant with dreams of the big time, and Alan Arkin who is absolute gold as legendary magician, “Rance Holloway“. Together these actors make a magical cast.
As much as Burt Wonderstone is a bit of an idiot, you can’t help but like him and want him to be happy. He appears somewhat stupid, egotistical, ignorant and selfish at the start but then grows into a beautiful character that loves both magic and friendship. Steve Carrell gives Burt Wonderstone both soul and heart. Jim Carrey is actually hilarious as Steve Gray too, mimicking an exaggerated humorous version of magician, Criss Angel.
Regarding the supporting cast, I’m always amazed with how talented Steve Buscemi is as an actor and so versatile! He can do funny, he can do serious – I’m starting to think he can do anything! But I wish he had a bit more screen time in the film. Olivia Wilde is actually adorable as Jane. Whenever she was on screen, I couldn’t take my eyes away. The romance scene in the film although unconvincing with chemistry was actually hilarious. Seriously, I had no idea she could be thisfunny. Last but not least, Rance Holloway played by Alan Arkin almost steals the show. He has such great comic timing that you can’t help but love him and I actually really want a Rance Holloway magic kit now!
For those that love their magic, you’ll be happy to know that famous illusionist, David Copperfield actually makes a cameo appearance in the film and actually helped train Steve Carrell to do some of the magic tricks in the film!
The magic tricks are actually really done by the actors as the cast underwent a lot of practice and training to be able to pull them off in the film – which is impressive in itself. But the most impressive thing about the film is the sense of humour and the heart. Everybody can relate to Steve Carell‘s character, Burt Wonderstone in suddenly being left out in the cold, facing reality and questioning whether you still love what you used to love to do when you were a child – and whether it’s still right for you.
It’s no secret that I actually loved this film. I loved it so much that I have the uncanny desire to download, Steve Miller Band‘s song, “Abracadabra” and find a magic show to go see and enjoy.
Make no mistake, The Incredible Burt Wonderstone is indeed incredible – incredibly wonderful! I highly recommend seeing it. You may just be inspired into wanting to learn a few magic tricks yourself.