Review - The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (2013)

Starring Steve Carrell, Steve Buscemi and Jim Carrey.
Directed by Don Scardino.

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone features a star studded cast of magicians - Steve Carrell, Steve Buscemi. Alan Arkin, Jim Carrey, Jay Mohr and even Olivia Wilde. The movie follows the story of two best friends and popular magician duo Burt Wonderstone and Anton Marvelton (Both Steves). Over the years, both friends have dominated the magic scene, despite Burt's growing arrogance and ego. The magician duo stumble upon a rival Steve Gray (Jim Carrey) who is determined to become the next big act.

Aaaand of course, we witness the duo's conflict, decline and eventual self realization in the end. Pretty predictable but The Incredible Burt Wonderstone did provide me with a few laughs along the way. There were funny moments and there were unnecessary moments. I actually liked this film's story-telling but I found a few instances where the actors over-exaggerated with their gimmicks. I like Steve Carrell's character; he was arrogantly funny (sometimes) but he carried the movie nonetheless. I also liked Jim Carrey's character and his weave. He's like the worst magician ever but his stunts were crazy and a bit funny. Alan Arkin plays Rance Holloway - the "godfather" of magicians. I thought he was pretty solid and added to this movie. Two performances which I found rather stale were that of Olivia Wilde and Steve Buscemi. Olivia Wilde just seemed odd and out of place. I wasn't feeling Anton Marvelton and I thought both Steves did not have that great of a chemistry - being a duo and all.

I rather enjoyed the magic illusions and tricks. From Burt and Anton's, right down to Rance Holloway's tricks. I'm glad they stuck to the theme of magic throughout, instead of turning it into a love or sob story after the duo's decline. I thought the last magic act in the end was hilarious - and furthermore props to the director for showing us in the end credits what really took place. That was definitely the highlight of this magician comedy.

Though the humor comes off a bit forced at times and the story is predictable, I didn't regret watching The Incredible Burt Wonderstone.

Rating: 6.5/10



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