Director: Don Scardino
Writer: Jonathan M Goldstein, John Francis Daley (Screenplay) Chad Kultgen, Tyler Mitchell, Jonathan M Goldstein, John Francis Daley (Story)
Starring: Steve Carell, Steve Buscemi, Olivia Wilde, Jim Carrey, James Gandolfini, Alan Arkin, Jay Mohr
Plot: A veteran Vegas magician tries to revive his career after his longtime partner quits, he gets fired from his casino act, and an edgy new “street magician” steals his thunder.
Verdict: Magical fun?
Story: We start by following our young Burt Wonderstone as he deals with school bullies, neglectful parent and meeting his partner as he gets his first magic kit. We fast forward till when they are hits in Vegas with their partnership shining through all their hard work. After ten years of doing the same show over and over their friendship is wearing thin. When a new street magician comes along with his new era of magic the two friends have to start upping their game by embracing the new era of magic and give up their old act. After their big act goes horribly wrong the friendship ends but Burt wants to continue his act as a solo artist. After Burt’s career hits rock bottom he tries everything to make his comeback.
This story has a very real look at how the magic scene has been changing over recent years, it looks at how the pure magic show has become out dated with the new edgy magic. We also look at how you should be respecting the people who opened the door to a talent. This all comes together to make an original idea even if it plays out like something we have already seen. It lets the comedic actors do what the fans of theirs will enjoy but in the end doesn’t let them show off all their skills. (6/10)
Actor Review
Steve Carell: Burt Wonderstone magician who is so caught up in his own success and after a new magician becomes an overnight sensation Burt has to learn to cope with the new era of magic. This gives Steve the basic for him to use his comic skills but he never really goes anywhere original. (6/10)
Steve Buscemi: Anton Marvelton partner with Burt who is the man behind the tricks but after the friends go their separate ways he tries to help the world. Steve shows that he can fit into many different types of roles and his comic timing as an awkward character always comes off. (7/10)
Olivia Wilde: Jane dragged into becoming the assistant of the pair and has to overcome her stage fright to but still feels out of place on stage with the act. Olivia continues her rise as a constant solid supporting actress. (7/10)
Jim Carrey: Steve Gray new street magician whose new extreme magic changes the game in the business, but his over the top tricks will push the old school magicians to go to their next levels. Jim takes a step back as the edgy magician role where he gets to have plenty of fun at how silly that type of magician can look. (7/10)
Support Cast: All of the supporting cast add something to the overall storyline, be it the boss in Vegas, or other magicians who help Burt find his way again.
Director Review: Don Scardino – Don does a solid job with directing the film using clever ideas for the magic and manages to keep it all at a fun level. (6/10)
Comedy: Has a few laughs but nothing outrageously funny. (5/10)
Settings: Vegas makes for a great setting for the film as it shows how the magicians have reaches their dreams and want to get it back. (9/10)
Suggestion: This is one to try, it isn’t the funniest film but the fans of the actors will enjoy this. (Try It)
Best Part: The final trick
Worst Part: Some of the Steve Gray tricks are awkward.
Believability: It looks at the change in real magic which is real but the rest is a little bit too much to believe. (5/10)
Chances of Tears: No (0/10)
Chances of Sequel: No
Post Credits Scene: No
Oscar Chances: No
Box Office: $22.5 Million
Budget: $30 Million
Runtime: 1 Hour 40 Minutes
Tagline: Abracatastic!
Overall: Magic, Stars but not Sparkle
Rating 
