MOVIE REVIEW - The Incredible Burt Wonderstone

There's a big cast in the new comedy, The Incredible Burt Wonderstone. Wonder if it can pay off with a good movie?

It's the latest Steve Carell comedy, with Steve Buscemi, Jim Carrey, Olivia Wilde, James Gandolfini, Alan Arkin and others.  With this ensemble, you would think this is a can't miss!  And full disclosure, there were a few scenes in this movie where I laughed out loud in the theater.   And as funny as they were, it's too bad there were not more of them.

This is the story of two huge magicians, Burt (Carrell) and Anton (Buscemi).  They have been friends since childhood, and have become the biggest magic and illusion act on the Las Vegas Strip.  But they can't stand each other, and the troubles begin.  Their act is getting old and tired, and attendance at their shows is slipping.  Plus, there is a new hot act in town, Steve Gray (Carrey.)  He is a new kind of lunatic magician, and has a big following on he Internet and on a TV show.  He does magic a new way, that consists of punishing stunts, and outrageous gags.  And he is killing Burt and Antons act.

So, Burt and Anton break up and go their own ways.  Burt falls the farthest, ending up doing magic at a retirement home.  There he meets Rance (Arkin), his childhood idol magician who tries to reintroduce Burt to the love of magic like he had as a kid. Can Burt make it all the way back? Will Burt and Anton get back together?  And where does Jane (Wilde) fit in to the plans, as she is a young and beautiful up and coming magician that has an interest in Burt.  That is where we are here.

After watching this movie I was thinking over the pro's and con's of it.  I think the main problem is the weakest link, and that's Carell in the lead.   He's just not funny here.  His act is old and tired and it's been a long time since his really funny performance in Bruce Almighty.  He has nothing new to add to this movie he hasn't already done. He is the killer for this movie. His batch of unoriginal takes, and worn out bits really hold this back.  The supporting cast is much better than he is. I like him much better when he's just a guy. Like in Dan In Real Life, or Hope Springs.   

But one thing really learned by me today, and I think by his maturation, is Jim Carrey.  He has a very small, but important role here, and he is pretty darn funny.  Unquestionably, he is becoming far better as a side dish, and not a main course.  He made me laugh a few times, pretty hard.  And finally a role for Olivia Wilde where she gets some decent air time, and is asked to do a few things.  I really like her, in these supporting roles as she is a fresh new face.  Her opening scene was really funny, as she is tossed onstage to be an assistant with Burt and Anton during a Vegas performance with no experience.  Really funny.

This movie also takes time to make a small point that was pretty interesting.  It is an indictment of sorts of what we think is funny, and what is flat out gross, or tasteless.   What is the line between really funny and really not funny.

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone.   Moments of fun, moments of not fun.   Average script saved by some talented people.  Not a bad night at the movies, if you can make it past Carell.