"The Incredible Burt Wonderstone" Review

You've seen the ads on TV. By now, you're probably familiar with goofy lines such as "I doubt you've seen anyone spend the night... on hot coals," or "Your skin makes me cry." Oh, and let's not forget the botched "glass box" stunt. I bet you brushed this one off and said, "All the funny parts are in the commercials". If that's the case, I'm here to tell you that you'd be wrong to think this way.

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone is a consistently hilarious, heartfelt comedy starring Steve Carell (The 40 Year Old Virgin), Steve Buscemi (TV's Boardwalk Empire), Jim Carrey (Ace Ventura: Pet Detective), and Olivia Wilde (The Change-Up). It tells the story of a Las Vegas magician named Burt Wonderstone (Carell), his rise to fame alongside partner Anton Marvelton (Buscemi), his fall from grace at the hands of edgy street performer Steve Gray (Carrey), and his redemption with the help of his former assistant (Wilde) and childhood hero (Alan Arkin).

It's essentially the same riches-to-rags-then-back-to-riches formula we've seen a hundred times in movies like Talladega Nights and Anchorman. Like those films, Burt Wonderstone is light on plot but jam-packed with laughs, not all of which are dispensed in the previews. The all-star cast is great, and the ending just might evoke a childlike sense of wonder and make you believe in the power of magic. At least until the real trick is revealed. Even then, you'll still be doubled-over with laughter. Just make sure you stick around for it during the first half of the credits.

As always, Steve Carell and Jim Carrey are a blast to watch in their respective skins. It's just a shame that, with four screenwriters, they aren't given a script with quite enough bite to make it a classic. Burt Wonderstone could've been much better if it allowed its stars the longer leash of an R-rating. As it stands though, the film is solidly, consistently funny for a PG-13 comedy.
In addition to the fine performances from Carell and Carrey, Olivia Wilde is charming as Jane, Burt's assistant and love interest who has a few tricks of her own, and the lovable Alan Arkin makes an endearing turn as Burt's childhood inspiration Rance Holloway.

With such a solid cast, consistent laughs, and several moments that illicit a sense of childlike wonder, it's easy to ignore Burt Wonderstone's shortcomings in terms of plot. However, you can't help but feel slightly let down by the film's lack of comedic edge with players like Steve Carell and Jim Carrey involved. I wouldn't call it "incredible", but I still had a blast at this magic show, and I think you will too.

7/10