Steinesongo
Too many fans seem to be blown away
PiraBit
if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.
Yash Wade
Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.
Ginger
Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.
lyrafowlpotter
If you thought based on the trailer that this would be a dumb movie, you're right, it is. Yet, this is a very fun and cute movie rooted in childhood innocence and fun, which explains a lot of the bad reviews. If you like silly and fun movies, this movie is for you, otherwise, steer clear, you will absolutely hate it. Movies such as this do not do well at the box office anymore because they are considered to be dated and a waste of celluloid (though that's hard because no one uses celluloid anymore), which is a shame. I have watched a lot of silly and stupid funny movies, I am not fan of these movies per say, I never was a huge fan of Airplane, but I also understand that sometimes, people take themselves and everything else way too seriously, and this is actually what this movie is all about. I loved the silliness of it, and I appreciated that there was not non- stop sex or bathroom humor, which plagued these types of movies for years thanks to Adam Sandler (though many of his films are still funny), which seems to have burned people out on silly humor. I found this movie to be very funny, with many laugh-out-loud moments, but I think that is partially because I had such low expectations, it looked extremely stupid in the trailers, and while it is, I enjoyed it a lot more than I ever thought I would. This is more of an old fashioned comedy, and just because things fall out of fashion does not mean they cannot be enjoyable.Jim Carey is by far, the most entertaining part of this film, though Carell and Buschemi are fun to watch, and all of them are extremely campy and over-the-top. The gags that Carey's character does are so ridiculously dumb and extreme, and yet, it definitely draws on where magic acts to some degree has gone in recent years, with more extreme forms of "magic". I didn't enjoy Olivia Wilde so much, but she still does a fine job, I just felt it would have been better without a romance story, maybe if she remained platonic, but other than that, the script is fun and it moves quick. There are a number of disturbing moments involving Carey's character, and a lot of silly gags involving Carell and Buschemi, as well as Alan Arkin, whether or not you enjoy them will depend on the humor you enjoy.God Bless ~Amy
Python Hyena
The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (2013): Dir: Don Scardino / Cast: Steve Carell, Steve Buscemi, Jim Carrey, Olivia Wilde, Alan Arkin: The word "incredible" describes friendship or where magician Burt Wonderstone eventually elevates towards after a bout a selfish downfall. His partner is Anton who has been his friend since the early school years. Unfortunately after thirty years the gig grows old and Wonderstone's ego causes a division between himself and Anton. From there it is reduced to formula as a rages to riches to rags again until a great magic act finale ties it together effectively. Steve Carell holds strong as Wonderstone whose passion is reduced to rushed schedules and wealth. He must return to his youth where his love for magic began with one effective TV ad of a legend. Steve Buscemi is well cast as Anton who splits from his partner after a stunt becomes an accident due to Wonderstone's ego. Jim Carrey steals the film as a rival hardcore magician whose stunts are not for the faint of heart. In fact, this might have been passable family entertainment had it toned down the gross extreme stunts performed by Carrey. Olivia Wilde is unfortunately underwritten in a role that is reduced to love interest. She desires to do magic herself but the role produces only formula romance. Alan Arkin has an amusing supporting role as the magician who inspired Wonderstone and must emerge when advice is necessary. It does present a great argument with regards to the effective act by Burt and Anton verses the extremes of Carrey, but the true magic lies with the wondrous strength of friendship. Score: 7 ½ / 10
Shopaholic35
I couldn't help but enjoy this movie. Everything was telling me that this was a stupid ridiculous comedy but it was still quite funny. Magicians are a special breed, what they can do can be shocking but when it comes down to it they will always be kinda weird and geeky : )Steve Carell and Steve Buscemi play the "old school" magicians i.e. Siegfried and Roy, and Jim Carrey plays the intense "too cool for school" magician i.e. Criss Angel. Their portrayals may be over the top but they are a completely accurate spoof of them. It was so pathetically funny watching their ego's destroy them.If you normally don't enjoy comedy from Steve Carell and Jim Carrey then you probably won't like this movie. This is classic them in every way. Silly, a little lame and completely over the top but nevertheless still enjoyable.
jeffpk
Many Hollywood types have a deep embarrassing secret-- they love magic.Harry Anderson, Steve Martin, Woody Allan and so many more are members of the magic fraternity. (Here's a quick list of just some you might not know http://www.magictricks.com/celebrity-magicians.html)Its not surprising, therefor, that periodically we get a movie that is really written and intended for the magic community. This movie is definitely one of them. Faithful in its depiction of magic and magicians, both the good and the bad, it is a delightful, funny and touching story about how we can lose our purpose in life and, if we are lucky enough, find it again.A particular treat is Jim Carey doing a wonderful satire of Chris Angel, a man who is controversial in magic circles, to say the least. The casting of Carey borders on brilliant as he is one of the few comedians I can think of who can out over-the-top Angel.This movie may not play to your tastes if you're not interested in the world of magicians. But if you are, it is an absolute delight.