Mar 15 2013

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone

Burt Wonderstone (Steve Carell) and Anton Marvelton (Steve Buscemi) turned to the instructional video tapes of the great magician Rance Holloway (Alan Arkin) for guidance into the world a magic. From humble beginnings the two would eventually be a team with the clout to sell out their own theatre in Vegas for 10 years. That is, until newjack magician Steve Gray (Jim Carrey) appears on the scene. Guided by assistant, Jane (Olivia Wilde), the two are challenged to stay relevant and hip to a younger demographic, but not before their own hubris and ego take a first crack at things. Desperately trying to stay afloat, their greatest illusion may be their saving grace, or else it may be curtains for this aging act.THE-INCREDIBLE-BURT-WONDERSTONE-Poster-535x792 Powered with the comedic engines of today’s finest, Carell and Carrey certainly earn their paycheck this go round. Mind you, it’s not rip roaring nonstop hilarity; however, the rolling laughter is certainly enough to keep things fresh throughout. Sticking a big fat finger in the eye of Vegas magicians and wannabes, the source material for the ensemble to draw from is already plenty ripe for the picking. Bit parts and cameos from David Copperfield, Jay Mohr, and James Gandolfini keep the flick moving forward. Meanwhile production value feels polished and trim. Bottom line, inspiration abounds for aspiring magicians, sort of. Worthy of a matinee, The Incredible Burt Wonderstone is rated PG-13.


Mar 15 2013

The Call

Casey (Abigail Breslin), who’s trapped in the trunk of a moving car. Worse yet, the heat of the situation gets even hotter when Jordan discovers the abductor is actually a killer she’s spoken to on a past call. Now racing against the clock Jordan will have to pull herself together to save Casey and serve justice to the deserving, but what if she’s already too late?The-Call-Poster Not exactly the most challenging role Berry has taken on, but not her worst either, the blame on this one sits squarely on the screenplay. Even while Director Brad Anderson makes multiple attempts to rite this listing ship, the massive holes and plot points for shock factor seem destined to drag this one to the deep. Shy of originality or creativity you also might find yourself saying “It puts the lotion on it’s skin,” mocking our villain on several turns. Still, if you’re looking for a mindless thriller, well, this might just fit the bill, just be prepared to yell at the screen in frustration. In reality more of a rental than anything else, The Call is rated R.


Mar 8 2013

Oz the Great and Powerful

Before Dorothy and Toto traveled to the land of Oz, Oz himself (James Franco) had to travel to the magical land. You see, early in his career Oz was a magician in a travelling road show, unsure of himself, guarded in emotions, yet hungry for love; assisted by his only friend, Frank (Zach Braff). But, when a twister of epic proportions carries young Oz to the land of Oz, his journey to become the person he really wants to be begins—all the while tempted by witches Theodora and Evanora (Mila Kunis and Rachel Weisz). Will the magic of Glinda the Good Witch (Michelle Williams) be enough to steer him in the right direction?ozgreatandpowerful-thirdposter-full Directed by Sam Raimi, the magical trip to Oz is sure to delight audiences of all ages, giving a fitting back story to the beloved film “The Wizard of Oz,” with plenty of homage moments. Acting from the ensemble feels right, peppered humor comes across in just the right doses, and Danny Elfman’s score is the perfect touch without going overboard. Taking full advantage of 3D, Raimi is still up to his usual and innovative cinema exploitation. The only drawback, we’ve seen better computer graphics as of late, but still, it’s the story, it’s the fun, it’s the magic, it’s Oz the Great and Powerful!! Totally worthy and rated PG.