Review of The Great Buck Howard (2008) by Ron Y — 06 Sep 2009
John Malkovich adds cheese and charm to the Great Buck Howard.
The Great Buck Howard (2009) - 6.1/10.
Director - Sean McGinley.
Starring - John Malkovich, Colin Hanks, Emily Blunt, Steve Zahn, Ricky Jay, Tom Hanks.
At one time Buck Howard (John Malkovich) was a huge star. The "mentalist" appeared on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson no less than 61 times. However still stuck in the early seventies, Buck has lost his luster. Everyone knows this but Buck. In need of a new personal assistant/road manager, Buck enlists Troy Gable (Colin Hanks) a law school dropout looking to break into show business. With Troy's help, Buck is committed to making a big comeback.
This is definitely John Malkovich's show even though the writers/director insist on giving equal time to the Troy Gable storyline, which isn't nearly as funny or interesting. Colin Hanks is a marginal actor who is getting work solely due to his famous father. But Malkovich is a delight as the cheesy Buck Howard. He's totally stuck in a time warp; his look and act 35 years old. But despite playing for tiny crowds in obscure towns Buck's ego won't allow him to think he's anything but an A-List star. Malkovich nails it. Also nice in a supporting role is Emily Blunt, a PR Girl hired to drum up interest in Buck's comeback.
Overall a lightweight comedy that stays afloat thanks to John Malkovich.
This review of The Great Buck Howard (2008) was written by Ron Y on 06 Sep 2009.
The Great Buck Howard has generally received positive reviews.
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