Review of The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (2013) by Grant K — 31 Jul 2013

Not so incredible, Burt. This film can't make up its mind whether it wants to be a buddy flick with a heart or an out-and-out comedic romp. It tries to have both, and fails miserably. It takes a terrific script and gifted talent to straddle that line.

Carrell is the only one in the film who can (sometimes) succeed. Buscemi feels like a dramatic actor caught in a comedy. Then there's Carrey, who camps it up so much, he must be in a comedy. The most successful performance is from Alan Arkin, who, as aways, is a joy to watch.

The film never addresses nor mines for humor the question of sexual orientation (Buscemi's sad sack loser doesn't appear to have any sex life at all). Towards the end of this troubled magic act I found myself wanting to disappear - into another DVD.