Steve Carell and Steve Buscemi are a Vegas magician duo (Wonderstone and Marvelton), much in the grand style of Siegfried and Roy minus the cats. Their act took Vegas by storm, but over the years, the pair continue to perform the same act and shtick, losing the hotel audience along the way. Enter Jim Carrey as a Criss Angel/David Blaine hybrid, attracting an audience with his street side magic and over-the-top stunts. Wonderstone and Marvelton feel threatened by his antics. When the two attempt to level the playing field, the ensuing stunt breaks the duo apart. And there not only lies the plot of the film, but when it heads in the wrong direction.
Carell makes Wonderstone a highly unlikeable character, which makes it hard to root for him when the team splits. He's arrogant and abusive, which I realize those traits offer the character a chance to grow. Even when he achieves that moment, he's still kind of a dick. On the flip side, Buscemi.is grossly underused. His journey following the split is less than inspired. Carrey's Steve Ray has a couple hilarious stunts, through his character seems to have walked in from a different movie about magicians. Alan Arkin brings some laughs in a small role while James Gandolfini adds little with his presence
If you've seen the trailer, then you know most of the good jokes. However, the final minutes surrounding their big, new illusion actually provides the best laughs of the film. "The Incredible Burt Wonderstone" is one of those films you watch, then see it on cable one night, and you can't remember if you've seen it.
Rating: 5/10
Movies I've previously viewed: 6
First time viewings: 77
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