Review of The Great Buck Howard (2008) by Lance H — 10 Dec 2009

"I love this man".

The Great Buck Howard (John Malkovich), that's what most of the press call him. He is a talented genius with a charisma that is overflowing and a charm so enviable. When you watch his shows, roughly ninety percent of his audience believe in his magic tricks. He is a mentalist, The Great Buck Howard is inspired with the 70's "The Amazing Kreskin" that leads us to the end note saying the makers' build-up of the man.

The story starts with the narration of Troy Gable (Colin Hanks), a law school dropout who chooses to write but ends up working as road manager for The Great Buck Howard, and later, meeting his partner / love affair Valerie Brennan (Emily Blunt).

We don't all know if Buck Howard is a true mentalist or just another fraud loser who fantasizes of becoming a world-class act. But we see him appearing in numerous American TV shows like Conan O' Brien and Martha Stewart. This we reason for his "great" mental skills and the ability to put several acts that surely are considered magnificent.

Troy is visited by his father (Tom Hanks) and is asked to quit his job for Buck Howard and continue his schooling. But that time, he wanted to have a sense of freedom and go on living a life that he wants.

The film is intentionally filled with cliches. The main character Buck Howard is always as aggressive as he is onstage. But he sometimes get lowly, especially when he talks to people. His incredible love for what he does coherently describes his passion. It is implied in the film that when you love what you're doing, you'll sooner or later find homage. That is a kind of passion that definitely would require patience and time.

The film is existential in nature, a bit definitive, and it tells a moral value - to have the instinct of knowing what's best for you and to set your priorities. The film employs a very funny screenplay, and portrayal of capable actors.