The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (2013) User Reviews (196)

The Combination of Magic and Comedy Work Wonders

[cadillac20 · 7/10 · 11 March 2013]

Burt Wonderstone may be more pleasant than it really deserves credit for. Maybe it's because the past two months have been such a wasteland for films, or maybe it's because I am somewhat easily amused. None the less, this is a pleasant film. It didn't blow me away or leave me crying from laughing so hard, but the combination of the comedic chops of the delightful cast and the entertaining magic tricks left me smiling when I left the theater. In a time when there is little in the theater to get excited about, this is a film I quite enjoyed.

Steve Carell plays magician Burt Wonderstone, the boastful, self-indulgent, and obnoxiously asinine half to Steve Buscemi, who are partners, and best friends since childhood, in the magic business in Vegas. However, both Burt's obnoxiousness and a new street magician, played by Jim Carrey, soon get in the way of his success, and he's forced to re-examine what his career means to him.

While the magic might be a mystery here, the plot isn't, and it's a plot that goes through all the motions and hits all the points. But if you're someone who doesn't mind that, you will find yourself enjoying this film for it's bright points. Steve Carell is both pompous and lovable here, an idiot savant so to speak, but as a magician lampooning well known, silly performing magicians in Vegas, he's hilarious. Jim Carrey is the second part of the equation, at his best since years. Jim hasn't been this funny in a long time and steals the show every time he's on screen. Rounding out the cast are an underused Steve Buscemi, who disappears for a good chunk of the film, Olivia Wilde who seems like a bit of a mismatch for the goofy Carell, and James Gandolfini as James Gandolfini running a casino. There's also a wonderful appearance by Alan Arkin as an aging and inspirational magician.

There's a lot here that works, and a lot that doesn't. All of the mockery towards magicians of all kinds are spot on. Carell and Buscemi are perfect as send ups of well known magicians like David Copperfield and Jim Carrey is likewise as a caricature of "street magicians" like Criss Angel. And there's just enough Jim that he's hilarious, but not obnoxiously overused. Olivia Wilde gets her own spotlight to shine and she's as pleasant as ever here. And the combination of magic and comedy are a great and somewhat refreshing mix. I'll also add that just about everything with Alan Arkin is hilarious.

However, the film is pretty formulaic and there's a lot that feels forced. The love story, for one, feels generic and plastic. It's hard to believe that, after everything Olivia Wilde's character goes through with Carell's character, she falls for him (though there is a particular scene between the two that is pretty hilarious). Most of the plot points also feel very by the numbers. Most of the comedy comes from gags and one-offs.

But, in the end, it all adds up to a fun and entertaining time. If you're going expecting something amazing, you'll probably be disappointed, but if you're going expecting to have a fun time, then I think you will find yourself pleased.

Pretty funny magician comedy.

[Shopaholic35 · 6/10 · 1 July 2014]

I couldn't help but enjoy this movie. Everything was telling me that this was a stupid ridiculous comedy but it was still quite funny. Magicians are a special breed, what they can do can be shocking but when it comes down to it they will always be kinda weird and geeky : )

Steve Carell and Steve Buscemi play the "old school" magicians i.e. Siegfried and Roy, and Jim Carrey plays the intense "too cool for school" magician i.e. Criss Angel. Their portrayals may be over the top but they are a completely accurate spoof of them. It was so pathetically funny watching their ego's destroy them.

If you normally don't enjoy comedy from Steve Carell and Jim Carrey then you probably won't like this movie. This is classic them in every way. Silly, a little lame and completely over the top but nevertheless still enjoyable.

An Enjoyable Watch

[cynthia-ostrich · 6/10 · 22 May 2013]

A lot of times I go into a movie with an opinion already formed about it. It's not based on any research or critical reviews, simply on the trailer. That was case with The Incredible Burt Wonderstone. My opinion of the film was not too positive going in. I was dragged to it by a friend of mine with questionable taste in movies to begin with. I could have not been more surprised. I found myself laughing through the entire feature.

The movie is pretty farcical to say the least, at some junctures borderline silly, but found myself quite enjoying the humor. It was a nice change of pace from all the recent comedies that have to go to the extreme with language and sex humor to make their point. It pokes fun at inter-workings of the illusionist and the final scene before the credits is classic.

The characters were very well cast. It is no secret based on past films and TV that Steve Carrell has experience in magic tricks, and he pulls it off in the film. It was also refreshing to see Steve Buscemi reprise a comedic role and carry, an impressive contrast to bootlegger Knucky Thompson. And as you would expect, Jim Carrey steals the show as the antagonistic shock magician, Steve Gray. For those who like these actors, The Incredible Burt Wonderstone is a silly, light hearted but enjoyable hour and forty minute movie.

Wanderlust.

[morrison-dylan-fan · 7/10 · 28 March 2015]

With Easter coming up,I started searching round for a Comedy which a friend could watch with her family during the holiday season.Searching round on Amazon Uk,I suddenly remembered hearing about a fun-looking Comedy that had surprisingly failed at the box office,which led to me getting ready to meet Burt Wonderstone.

The plot:

Getting beaten up at school, Burt Wonderstone finds joy in a magic kit that his mum gets him for his birthday.Playing around with his magic tricks,Wonderstone catches the attention of Anton Marvelton,who shares Wonderstone's interest in magic,which leads to Wonderstone & Marvelton soon forming a double act.

Decades later:

Signed up by Bally's Casino owner Doug Munny to a 10 year contract,Wonderstone & Marvelton slowly find themselves become tired of performing the same old tricks,with Wonderstone also beginning to believe that he is bigger then the team.Standing outside Bally's,Marvelton and Wonderstone are left speechless,when street magician Steve Gray films his latest show outside the building.As Gray's new show airs, the cracks in Wonderstone & Marvelton's act start to appear.

View on the film:

Whilst the ending fails to sparkle,the screenplay by (deep breath!) Jonathan M. Goldstein/John Francis Daley/Chad Kultgen and Tyler Mitchell keeps the spells flowing,by juggling splashes of physical Comedy with a smooth buddy Comedy charm.For the rivalry between the magicians,the writers smartly give each of them contrasting styles,with Wonderstone's inflated ego making his act largely based on showmanship,whilst Gray takes aim at a grotesque,but mesmerising style of street magic.

Wrapped in a pure 80s mullet,Steve Carell gives a wonderful performance as Burt Wonderstone,with Carell superbly showing Wonderstone's joy in magic be pushed away by his ego-driven taste for the ladies,and to also push everyone else out of the limelight.Treated like a human punch bag by Wonderstone, Steve Buscemi gives a great performance as Anton Marvelton,with Buscemi showing Marvelton to be a humble guy,who explodes when Wonderstone finally over steps the mark.Taking on the duo, Jim Carrey gives an explosive performance as Steve Gray,thanks to Carrey jumping straight in to Gray's very physical magic,and also creating an unease over Gray being a less than magical creep,which leads to this film casting a marvellous spell.

This movie doesn't completely blow.

[Hellmant · 6/10 · 27 March 2013]

'THE INCREDIBLE BURT WONDERSTONE': Three Stars (Out of Five)

A movie with a cast like this (Steve Carell, Jim Carrey, Steve Buscemi, Alan Arkin, Olivia Wilde and James Gandolfini) can't be all bad and I'm a little puzzled at how poorly it's done at the box office. I think it's just the premise; no one is eager to see a movie about competitive stage magicians and I wasn't either (that's why I wasn't entirely sold by the previews despite the cast as well). The reviews for the film have been mediocre to negative too so I did go into it with somewhat low expectations. In my opinion that's the best way to see any movie because if it doesn't completely blow you're happy. This movie doesn't completely blow. It's funny and the cast all gives decent to good performances. It's not one of the most well written or best directed comedies in recent years but it's decent. Carell, Carrey and the rest of the cast have all done much better work but this isn't too big of a blemish for any of their resumes.

The film stars Carell and Buscemi as popular magicians, Burt Wonderstone and Anton Marvelton, who've had a sold-out stage act on the Las Vegas Strip for years. They met as children and learned magic together but in recent years they've grown apart. As Burt's ego has only gotten bigger and bigger he's learned to take Anton for granted and is only interested in getting laid. Their act has grown old and unoriginal as a result of their lack of motivation and passion. They've also now been threatened by a new street magician (Carrey) who's grown in popularity as theirs has diminished. An old idol (Arkin) and their mistreated assistant (Wilde) do what they can to help bring back the duo's magic and friendship.

The film was directed by Don Scardino (a veteran TV director) and written by Jonathan M. Goldstein, John Francis Daley, Chad Kultgen and Tyler Mitchell. With all those writers you'd think they could have came up with a better script but usually the more writers there are the poorer the writing tends to be in Hollywood. Scardino isn't the most experienced director to deliver the power to the punch lines these jokes need either. Still the movie isn't amateurish and like I said the acting is all good. Carell is always a great leading man, Buscemi is good in any role he's put in and it's nice to see Carrey trying a supporting turn as the movie's dislikeable villain. He's in great shape for the role and gives it his all (and I think he's probably paying Carell back for all the supporting turns he did in Carey's movies earlier in his career). The movie is definitely not bad, it's funny, and while the laugh out loud jokes might be a little few and far between the film is still always mildly amusing in the least.

Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlL2HwB_YmA

So So Comedy

[babb65 · 5/10 · 29 March 2013]

Good comedy has a ring of truth and reality to it. This movie was mostly nonsensical. It had some laughs here and there, but I was pretty much the only one in the audience of three parties laughing. I think the comedians in it are funny, but the story is kind of shallow and stupid.

It wasn't a total waste of time but it wasn't something that held your attention very well either. It was sort of a time killer type comedy. Parts of it were just plain disgusting or scary, making it hard to laugh. People in the audience actually seemed to be in a bad mood watching it.

Jim Carey was funny as a sex symbol magician and Alan Arkin was funny as a cranky old man. They were just funny characters. There were little ironic jokes here and there but the piece didn't hold together well.

A mediocre and forgettable comedy

[Gordon-11 · 20 April 2013]

This film is about two long time magician partners who perform in Las Vegas. Their show goes stale and they have to find ways to reinvent themselves.

"The Incredible Burt Wonderstone" has a simple plot, which tells the standard tale of two magicians who team up from childhood, cooperate, fall out and make up. The story is too plain and predictable, and it drags on a bit long. It takes half an hour of screen time before the idea of reinvention comes up, which is too long. The friendship subplot is not so touching and affecting either. The only interesting character is Jim Carrey as an unconventional magician with disturbing acts. I am impressed by how he could turn one eye to one side and the other eye is looking ahead. Overall, "The Incredible Burt Wonderstone" is a mediocre and a rather forgettable comedy.

It's like watching a magic show for the second time. Nothing new, but still enjoyable!

[edac681 · 7/10 · 14 March 2013]

Burt Wonderstone (Steve Carell) astounded Anton Marvelton (Steve Buscemi) with just a basic handkerchief disappearing magic act when they were kids. The two quickly became friends and eventually partners performing in Ballys Casino and Hotel in Vegas. After performing thousands of the same show, their performances became just a routine and they quickly lost passion for magic. Furthermore, their future performing in Vegas was quickly threatened by stunt magician, Steve Gray (Jim Carrey). Will they be able to find the passion they lost and gain back their audience or will this be the end of Burt and Anton in Vegas?

The performance by Steve Carell was similar to many of his past performances. I didn't feel like there was anything new, but that's not necessary a bad thing. The performances by Steve Buscemi and Olivia Wilde were well performed as supporting casts. Jim Carrey performed decently well although his character was a bit exaggerated at times.

There were a few magical surprises including a cameo by David Copperfield and the demolition of Lady Luck Casino. There was also a mention of Stardust Casino early in the movie for those of you who remember its existence from years back.

While watching the film, there were a few parts when I felt like I was actually watching a magic show. Although there was nothing spectacular about the film and its ending was somewhat expected, it was still a fun film to watch. If you love magic, this would be an entertaining film to watch. There are a number of parodies and physical comedy jokes throughout the film to keep you entertained. Overall, the film was enjoyable.

Starts off solid enough and than slowly deflates

[rivertam26 · 5/10 · 19 March 2013]

I didn't have high expectations for this film to begin with and to be honest it was a bit more engaging than I would have expected. But the promises of the films extravagant concept and it's cast of comic gold leaves a lot to be desired. Set in the world of Magic, the film centers on a magician named Burt Wonderstone played underwhelmingly by a seemingly uninspired Steve Carrell. It chronicles quickly his rise from a young geek to a lead magician on the Vegas strip. But after a wannabe, stomach churning magician played by a sexy but forced Jim Carrey shows up to make waves it causes conflict with his long time partner, a better than expected Steve Buscemi and their show suffers for it. It ends up in their friendship and show breaking up and from that point on chronicles Steve Wonderstone's self discovery and journey back on top. If your feeling this all sounds fairly melodramatic it's because it mostly is. Despite some inspired funny bits with Olivia Wilde the film's stand out surprise comic performance and a few moments with Alan Arkin as a former magician it's all fairly generic and predictable and not very funny. That being said although the film misses a lot more than it hits it's still fairly engaging on a story level and somewhere along the way you end up caring just a smidge about the characters. But all that falls apart in an unfunny mean third act that confuses the films seemingly solid message. Overly mediocre. 2.5/5

Good, light-hearted fun

[bowmanblue · 7/10 · 18 July 2014]

Basically, this movie - about two warring magicians - got a lot of flack at the box office and was almost branded 'a flop.' Yes, it's no masterpiece. It's not even a comedy masterpiece. Perhaps people expected more because of the talent on display. They may have a point - the film does have a stellar cast and maybe it should have been better, or funnier than it actually is. However, just because it's no classic, doesn't mean that it's not worth watching.

It's light-hearted and easy-going. The gags - while occasionally predictable - are still amusing. You may not have many 'belly laughs' but, if you're in the mood for something that isn't very serious and quite frothy, the film should maintain a little smile on your face all the way through.

You may get a little more out of it if you're a fan of any or all of the actors. Steve Carell and Jim Carrey are top-billed and for a reason - they play their (kind of stupid) parts very well.

My only gripe is that it ran for about ten minutes too long in my opinion. It probably could have been trimmed somewhere in the middle to make it just that little bit tighter. Still fun though.

http://thewrongtreemoviereviews.blogspot.co.uk/

So Much Talent and....

[aharmas · 5/10 · 27 March 2013]

Steve Carrell and Jim Carey together, with a touch of Steve Buscemi... a perfect combination made in comedy heaven, and throw in a little Alan Arkin, and you get this half-baked film with so much promise and so little to praise.

Here you got people trying really hard to play dumb, absurd, push the buttons, the limits, and what we have is so much frustration because you wonder if this is just bad editing, some poor judgment, or some sloppy writing. I hated the character of Burt and felt pity for Anton, so I knew what the basics of the plot were. What was missing was the lack of character development, the need to have a director who understood timing because very little was funny here.

In "There's Something About Mary" and "The Three Stooges" the physical comedy works, our dislike for some horrible characters still provokes uneasy laughter. In here, we look at what could be a train wreck, but we feel very little. Jim Carrey's scenes are a good example of this syndrome. He goes for shock value and is acting his heart out when he does each one of his progressively dangerous and disgusting magic tricks. Still, we barely wince.

There could be so much more to the character of Burt. He's such a repulsive egotistical snake at first, then he grows likable but the strokes are too broad, not giving him enough time to act the part. I think he is very talented and underused here. The fact that even his costumes were not even that "crazy" or "ridiculous" didn't help.

Another case of could have been, should have been...

Other REVIEWERS have lost their innocent sense of Humour

[user-634-758817 · 8/10 · 16 March 2013]

The problem with most reviews today is that people have lost their innocence and playfulness the world once new.

The days when the family would go to the cinema together and buy popcorn and coke and it was a rare treat for all seem to have been replaced with an over critical and harsh assessment of anything!! The film itself deals with a similar subject when Burt Wonderstone loses his ability to realise that to somebody, even an old trick is a new one that can bring wonderment to even the oldest audience.

Lets stop and look at the film for what it is! Its not supposed to be a drama or intense film like The Green Mile. Its a innocent throw back to the era of stage magicians when rabbits from hats would trigger gasps of amazement by crossed legged kids watching in the front row.

The introduction of a 'Criss Angelesque' character was to show the shift in social attitudes in regards to what we consider entertainment is (and jim carrey does it hysterically).

Yes the story is not meant to be compared to anything of a serious nature but does have some underlying content that should make us think a little.

Today when films like 'Kickass' and 'Jackass' seem to warrant high ratings and are viewed by kids its sad to see such a fun, innocent and laughable film getting a bad rap.

In Australia at my cinema everyone was in hysterics (and this was a late session 1/4 full).

If you liked Jerry Lewis and can still laugh ... you'll love it if you enjoyed the fun of films like back to the future ... you will love it If hearing a 13 year old girl in kickass say "Suck my &*#$" was funny to you... then you missed the boat on what funny really is.

Take a chance be amazed and let yourself laugh like no one is around... let it out and let the joy of "Burt WOnderstone" lighten you heart for just a couple of hours.

Magically Hilarious

[aciessi · 7/10 · 17 March 2013]

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone promised to be an inventive comedic spectacle that teams two of the funniest men alive (Steve Carrel and Jim Carrey) to provide a barrel of laughs and cash in as the spring's biggest movie. It delivers, mostly. Steve Carrel plays a lovable jerk and for the large majority he's on screen, he's pretty darn good. His partner played by Steve Buscemi also gets some good laughs as his slightly dull partner. But the star of the movie was Jim Carrey. A hilariously triumphant return to form is Carrey's psychopathic freak artist Steve Gray, who goes through some extraordinarily painful lengths in order to upstage his rival, Burt. To see him shine as this wildly demented character makes you remember why audiences adore this comedic marvel. We can only hope that this role will jump start Carrey's career back in full swing, and we see more of him in the near future. The movie as a whole works as a breezy, delightful time at the movies, but I would be a fool not to say that it has some rough patches. Some scenes lag on longer than they should have, or quite simply could have been written better. But what makes up for it is the performances, which honestly bring an odd sort of heart that you wouldn't expect from a movie like this. Nothing stops Burt Wonderstone from being a pretty darn funny movie. I can say that the lashing it received from critics was highly undeserved. Hopefully the magic of a cult following will form after the film's release.

What attracted experienced actors Steve Carell, Steve Buscemi and Alan Arkin to such a miserable screenplay?

[Likes_Ninjas90 · 2/10 · 14 March 2013]

What attracted experienced actors Steve Carell, Steve Buscemi and Alan Arkin to such a miserable screenplay? Barely raising a laugh, The Incredible Burt Wonderstone is frightfully dull and predictable, the work of four screenwriters and Don Scardino, an experienced TV director. The best they've been able to provide a richly talented cast is a script that has no urgency, no surprises or any memorable jokes.

Do you remember this story? There are two strands: a shallow, self- absorbed man, who treats people poorly, loses his privileges in life. He comes to realise that he needs to rejuvenate himself, understand how much friendship means to him, and that he can share talent X again.

If you know this story and have already started reaching for the bucket then you don't need to see Burt Wonderstone. It's as though the filmmakers are sharing a private joke in the cynical and contemptuous way the movie purports to being about celebrities reinventing themselves. "New equals value," we're told. This is from a film that gleefully wastes its stars on a story so tired its growing mould.

Carell is Wonderstone, a magician who has been with his stage partner Anton Marvelton (Buscemi) since they were children. Wonderstone is rude, arrogant and a womaniser. He doesn't respect his staff, including Anton and the stage assistant Jane (Olivia Wilde). He also doesn't want to change the same routine he's been performing for years. But the show's numbers are down and the owner of the Vegas casino (James Gandolfini) isn't happy and wants new material. After trying a new stunt, Anton is injured and leaves the partnership.

Meanwhile, radical new magician Steve Gray (Jim Carrey), who specialises in tricks involving mutilation, begins to steal Burt's spotlight. Having blown all his money, Burt is left to fend on his own. After trying to gather help from Jane, he resorts to performing magic tricks in a retirement home, where he meets his childhood idol, former magician Rance Holloway (Arkin). He urges Burt to regain some of his passion.

Steve Carell is an often brilliant comedian when he strikes the right notes between an Ordinary Joe, deadpan and just plain daft. With his hangdog expressions, he's akin to playing middle-aged men in crisis. He does this very well. But "pompous" and "womaniser" are not words that I would ever associate with him. He's completely miscast, and overplays his hand at making Burt mean-spirited and arrogant. There's no consistency in his acting style either. The forced snootiness disappears once we reach the second of three long acts.

There's really only a skeleton of an old, worn-out story for everyone else to work through here. Characterisation remains achingly thin, with the supporting roles never developed beyond their familiar archetypes: remember the friend, the romance interest, the boss and the rival? Each of these elements feels like it's been punched out by a production line or a marketing committee, especially the romance, where Carell is courting Jane, played by an actress twenty years younger than him.

Director Scardino has worked on television shows like The West Wing, Ed and 30 Rock but his contribution here is lazy. There are poorly written and directed scenes, where characters literally sit down to explain the trajectory of each new act. It's been crafted without a feeling for tension, pacing and most importantly, big laughs. The slapstick gags are dumb and obvious, consisting of people falling over, being shot with a nail gun and various other forms of self-harm. If the movie does have anything to say it is about how long people can survive off the same old shtick. But it's a question of self-interest, tested to embarrassing and unfunny new lows.

Funny Movie!

[m1965 · 1 February 2014]

As many people here often say, "not quite sure why this movie gets the rating it currently has". This is a good movie. Great movie, no, but good and honestly funny movie? Yes! Steve Carell is one of Hollywood's more consistent actors and funny men. Jim Carrey is as well. It was interesting to see two comedians with completely different approaches to comedy on the same screen. It works. Olivia Wilde does a wonderful job. But what's special about this movie is the writing and how truly funny it is at times. I had several 'laugh out loud' moments and for me, a seasoned comedy movie aficionado, that's saying a lot. Maybe the movie just spoke to me at some level, but I still think it's worth a watch. Maybe it'll speak to you too.

MEH - Not Awful but not as Funny as I thought it would be

[markc14 · 6/10 · 14 March 2013]

Saw The Incredible Burt Wonderstone at a preview showing this week. I was really looking forward to this one. How could you go wrong with Golden Globe winners James Gandolfini, Steve Carell & Jim Carrey as well as Oscar winner Alan Arkin? Emmy winning Director Don Scardino has dozens of TV credits to his name including 30 Rock, West Wing, Cosby Show, and 2 Broke Girls. This is his first big screen feature.

Regrettably, the talented actors and director were wasted on a largely predictable, cookie cutter script. The film's arc really played out just as if it was another TV sitcom. If you couldn't predict the next scene (or sometimes the next line) you had to be totally new to visual storytelling or weren't paying attention. It's a shame that the director didn't have the drive or vision to remold the screenplay into something more innovative.

None of this is to say that it was truly awful. It was a moderately pleasant diversion for its 100 minute runtime. The production values were high. There were a few moments with Carell and Carrey that were genuinely inspired. Jim Carrey's portrayal of shock magician Criss Angel was hilarious. The actor playing a Siegfried & Roy type magician was also a hoot.

Still, there were not enough of these moments for me to recommend the film. If it comes out on DVD soon, consider buying it. Otherwise, I wouldn't bother.

It's nice to have 1990's Jim Carrey back.

[Christian_Dimartino · 7/10 · 16 March 2013]

When I first saw photos of Steve Carell and Jim Carrey as rival magicians Burt Wonderstone and Steve Gray, I couldn't be more excited for "The Incredible Burt Wonderstone". Then when I saw a trailer, I got excited again. Then the reviews started coming out, and I began having doubts. But as a true Jim Carrey and Steve Carell believer, I saw the movie anyways. And though it was a little disappointing, I still had a good time.

Burt is a magician, and his partner, Anton Marvelton (Steve Buscemi) grew up as best friends and got through their adolescent years watching magic tapes from Rance Holloway (Alan Arkin). Once they grew up and became legitimate magicians, their friendship started to die. And their act begins to crumble with the arrival of Steve Gray, an obnoxious magician similar to Criss Angel who has a show called "Mind Rape". Which are sort of what Jim Carrey's scenes are like. When he speaks, it is absolutely hilarious. But most of the time he is on screen, he is sticking a drill in his head or cutting his face open or holding his urine for a few days.

Olivia Wilde plays Jane, Burt's new assistant (they go through assistants very quickly). Burt calls her "Jessica" because Jessica was the previous assistant, and he also tries flirting with her. James Gandolfini has some hilarious moments as the owner of the casino that Burt and Anton reside at.

Each cast members gets at least one moment. The laughs range from hilarious to funny to eye-brow raising. I mainly wanted to see this because of Jim Carrey. Carrey, with the exception of "I Love You Phillip Morris", has been doing safe movies like "Mr. Popper's Penguins". I'm not saying that TIBW isn't safe. It's pretty tame, but when Carrey is on screen it feels like a whole other movie. It's nice to see him out of his comfort zone, and I'm looking forward to seeing him go even more out of his comfort zone in "Kick Ass 2". But as I said earlier, when Carrey speaks, it is wildly funny. But they don't give him enough screen time, and that's why it is sort of disappointing.

Carell is pretty funny as Burt, but he starts off un-rootable. Buscemi and Arkin have their moments, and Wilde is incredibly sexy. I liked this movie, but I think I liked the premise of it more than the actual movie itself. I wish that it could have taken its premise further than it did. It could have been better, but it could have been worse. See it, because you might have a hard time finding people funnier than Carell and Carrey.

B

Falls incredibly flat . It's not even funny.

[yojomoviebro · 1/10 · 2 April 2013]

Despite the many talents of this cast, the script falls completely flat.

Even in what would normally be a crazy, outlandish comedy we should want to root for the leading character, but here they give us no one to root for.

Steve Carell's character (Burt Wonderstone) is revealed to us, early on, to be a selfish, rude, washed up, egotistical "has been" who only cares about himself and his own sexual needs.

As we see his career threatened by the "new kid in town" (Jim Carrey), we should be able to feel sorry for him, but we can't. He continues to think only of himself, even when his partner and best friend is painfully injured as a result of Carell's desperate fears during a performance.

I thought perhaps that would be the turning point in this dull story and that Carell's character would begin to have compassion for his partners, leading to redemption for his earlier flawed, selfish ways. But no, he continues to think only of himself.

The script completely overlooks the fact the Burt Wonderstone is so undeserving of any success over his rival.

Jim Carrey and Steve Buscemi are the only 2 who come close to making this film watchable and yet the script restricts all of that talent.

It seems a shame to have wasted all of these talented performers on such an inept movie. Steve Carell, Steve Buscemi, Olivia Wilde, Jim Carrey, James Gandolfini, Alan Arkin....an unbelievable cast stuck in a terrible script.

Some serious tweaking to the script could have really saved this film from the disaster that it is.

It's not even funny.

Funny Movie

[cB391 · 6/10 · 21 June 2013]

The incredible Burt Wonderstone is the journey of one man who goes through the normal comedic journey - chaos ensuing, social order out of whack - hits the low point - rebounds and boom - is back on top. It is simply a hateful movie if you think about it - but funny nonetheless. Basically the older generation and the young children (a few exceptions) love the simple magic tricks and the astonishment of these illusions. On the other hand Gray is meant to appeal to the shock and awe crowd, and does so amazingly well. Simply put - it follows the conventional stereotypes of old people hating on young people and their ways, and young people hating on old people for not adapting to the new way.

All in all the movie is funny - stupidly funny at times. Do not take anything from this movie other than the humour - if your thinking is like anyone other than James Gandolfini (RIP) in this movie, your too invested.

Meandering film with no laughs

[rogerdob · 1/10 · 20 March 2013]

During the last 45 minutes I kept looking at my watch wondering when this unfunny movie was going to end. It's story is all over the place going from one unbelievable situation to another. Much of the magic that the performers do is digitally done and totally impossible in the real world of magic.

Jim Carrey is great with the material he is handed, but the material is silly and way over the top.

The lead actress is totally plain, unmemorable, and boring.

The worst part is the conclusion of the film. Their final "magic trick" that is suppose to "wow" everyone is totally 100% impossible to pull off in real life...yet the screenwriters think that the audience will find it believable!

Cookie Cutter generic product but good cast and crew use slight of hand to create illusion of a better film.

[s_campanale · 6/10 · 17 March 2013]

Generic scripts are as old as cinema itself. Thrillers, Westerns, War Movies, Comedies, Sci-Fi, all have a certain number of stock characters, situations and clichés around which most entries into them will gravitate. This is especially true of genre production line films which cater to a pre-existing audience who know what they like and will (presumably) always like more of exactly the same.

One such popular genre is the 'arrogant hero who has everything but doesn't appreciate it and only rediscovers it and himself when he loses it all and finds out what's really important in life' movie, that most typically American of subjects dealing as it does with fame and fortune (the American dream) losing everything you've worked for (the American nightmare) and the second chance (the American fantasy) sprinkled with a lot of cheap sentimentality and Hallmark card "friends are what really count" mushiness. The Farelly Brothers first launched this genre back in the 1990s, but it was Will Ferrell who made an entire career out of this set up, making films of ever decreasing originality and effect that so bored audiences with the exact same shtick that even he has stopped making them. Grabbing the baton though has been Steve Carell, Ferrell's scene stealing co-star from the original masterpiece "Anchorman" almost a decade ago, giving us more of the pained man-child routine. Actually Carell is a very talented actor, as he proved in his breakout film "The 40 year old Virgin", an indie movie pretending to be a sex comedy which showed he could do smart comedy. Alas he has been happy to slum it since then.

So onto "The Incredible Burt Wonderstone". This film follows exactly the template described above, except this time with Las Vegas magicians instead of News Anchors/Racing Drivers/Ice Skaters/Basketball Players/Hair stylists/Stunt men/Cops/Politicians/etc. Two things distinguish this from the run of the mill. The first is the great cast assembled here. Apart from Steve Carell we also have the great Steve Buscemi, the great Jim Carrey, the still living legend Alan Arkin, the great James Gandolfini and the hottie of the moment Olivia "that chick in tight leather in Tron Legacy" Wilde (who is also a decent actress!) The second thing that stands out is that most of them are playing against their established type. Carell, best known for the humble everyman character, here plays a Ferell-esque swinging dick super ego hiding a wounded man child inside, which is a strange fit for him to say the least. As his lifelong friend and magic partner Buscemi, ubiquitous in the 90s playing mainly sleazy, criminal characters with his aggressive motor mouth style, here plays a very humble, passive person who is possibly a hermaphrodite to boot, and again it is strange. Gandolfini plays the Hotel chain boss who holds their fates in his hands, but he is basically a nice guy, not the Mafioso at all. Carrey, playing the Criss Angel-Steve O style dangerous stunt extreme modern magician, is part old school Carrey, part imitation. His character is an antagonist who gets little actual screen time and whose horrific stunts are the main reason it carries an R/15 certificate. Arkin, who it is a pleasure to see so active again, plays the old magician who first convinced Carell and Buscemi to take up magic, and who, as is the way of these films, teaches them to rediscover the spark inside. Arkin plays above the usual stereotype and grabs the film whenever he is in it and makes us take notice. Wilde alas is stuck with the "spunky sort of feminist but at the end of the day just a romantic trophy for the hero" role, and does the best she can with so few options.

Considering the genre, the film is directed quite competently by Don Scardino, with the magic tricks orchestrated by legendary David Copperfield, who must be quite happy to play along with the film's message that "good old fashioned disappearing jumbo jet magic is always better than stupid publicity seeking new boys like David Blaine and Criss Angel". This however is despite it being equivalent to "The Artist" championing silent movies as being better than sound and everyone going back to them instead of showing what happens when one ego driven star vainly tries to stop inevitable progress to his cost. It's a massive sentimental unreality, topping other smaller unrealities like a multi-millionaire showman being reduced to instant penury and forced to get a job in a supermarket overnight, or the incredibly stupid, dangerous and utterly immoral final "trick" that Burt and Anton use to earn their happy ending, which would most likely put them all in jail at least in the real world.

You know what you are getting when you walk in the door, but the good cast, competent director and high production values make it watchable. The film, like many of its genre, is also very warm spirited and mushily sentimental at heart, not to mention rather child-like (if not outright childish) but peppers it with adult material to create laughs which otherwise wouldn't be there.

Cast and crew appropriately create the illusion of a better film, and you could do worse if you really want to watch a movie like this.

Incredible malpractice

[fjgoff · 1/10 · 15 March 2013]

The incredible part is how you can take such an amazingly talented cast and yet still make one of the worst movies in decades. Save your money - saw it opening night first screening and both teenager and dad thought a medal was in order for actually sitting till the end. ugh. try again gang.

more details: The only characters that engendered real empathy from audience got no real depth or screen time Somehow Jim Carrey, S Carrell and J Mohr magically were transformed into non-funny entertainers (though Carrey struggled through with a couple nice fleeting seconds of what might have been) The story -incredible as in "in...credible"

The only good news is that the way they skewered a certain uber-powerful Vegas billionaire was such that I trust he may ensure this writing/directing team does not commit this type of malpractice again.

ps: postcredit snaps of audience getting abused - very very very symbolically accurate to my experience too - was that a wink/nod to what was just done?

The silliness everyone in the family enjoys deserves more than a 5 rating

[fahimakhter · 8/10 · 30 January 2015]

We're too harsh on comedy titles, we want them to be perfect and epic. It is okay for comedies to be silly, stupid and out there at times. We never hold the same standard for thrillers we watch the same formula plots over and over again and still be okay with it. But with comedies oh no why did they do that , its stupid. As apposed to the 1 min hacker of pentagon in every film.

It's a genuinely funny the story of two life long friends and magicians who share a magical act and are threatened by the modern chris angelisc magician played by Jim Carrey. I cannot think of another person playing the role.

A story of a long lost love for magic dusted by fame and money over the years. Steve carrel is his awkward a bit toned down 'The Office' self trying to get back on his feet and getting a little help along the way.

A great Sunday watch with the family.

The Incredible Steve Carell!

[anaconda-40658 · 7/10 · 21 May 2015]

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (2013): Dir: Don Scardino / Cast: Steve Carell, Steve Buscemi, Jim Carrey, Olivia Wilde, Alan Arkin: The word "incredible" describes friendship or where magician Burt Wonderstone eventually elevates towards after a bout a selfish downfall. His partner is Anton who has been his friend since the early school years. Unfortunately after thirty years the gig grows old and Wonderstone's ego causes a division between himself and Anton. From there it is reduced to formula as a rages to riches to rags again until a great magic act finale ties it together effectively. Steve Carell holds strong as Wonderstone whose passion is reduced to rushed schedules and wealth. He must return to his youth where his love for magic began with one effective TV ad of a legend. Steve Buscemi is well cast as Anton who splits from his partner after a stunt becomes an accident due to Wonderstone's ego. Jim Carrey steals the film as a rival hardcore magician whose stunts are not for the faint of heart. In fact, this might have been passable family entertainment had it toned down the gross extreme stunts performed by Carrey. Olivia Wilde is unfortunately underwritten in a role that is reduced to love interest. She desires to do magic herself but the role produces only formula romance. Alan Arkin has an amusing supporting role as the magician who inspired Wonderstone and must emerge when advice is necessary. It does present a great argument with regards to the effective act by Burt and Anton verses the extremes of Carrey, but the true magic lies with the wondrous strength of friendship. Score: 7 ½ / 10

Simply Horrible

[rancher0000 · 1/10 · 15 March 2013]

Bad movie alert.... The Incredible Burt Wonderstone is one of the worst movies I have seen this year. The trailers lead you be believe something completely different about the movie and it is a waste of talent. How anyone could read this script and want to be a part of this film says a lot about their lack of intelligence. Carrel and Carey completely looked like fools as no one could save the sheer ignorance that was put across. Alan Arkin was the only shining light and even his character was butchered. The movie was extremely long and the plot twist made no sense whatsoever. Needless to say the things that were done in the name of magic were impossible if not silly.