The Story:
Popular Vegas Magicians Burt (Stevel Carell) and his partner Anton (Steve Buscemi) have enjoyed a decade at the top working for Doug Munny (James Gandolfini). But they haven't changed their act in years, and a popular new street magician (Jim Carrey) is usurping Burt's popularity. Soon, Burt finds himself dirt poor and alone. However, getting back to his magic roots with a chance meeting with his idol (Alan Arkin) may give Burt a new lease on life.
The best thing about movies that bomb at the box office, is the reviews are so scathingly bad, you can't help but have the bar lowered when you watch it, that more times than not, the movie is going to way overachieve in every conceivable way.
Want proof?
Look no further than this film.
Is it as funny as the last time Carell and Carrey teamed up (Bruce Almighty)? Nope. This one isn't as well written, but there are plenty of amusing gags sprinkled throughout the film.
The magic tricks are actually pretty cool, but then I've always been a fan of sleight of hand.
I also like that Burt and Anton performed the old-fashioned tricks, while Carrey tackled the edgy tricks that have become popular. I know which one I prefer to see, and it works for this film as well.
Burt even gets a love interest, Jane (Olivia Wilde) which plays up the usual comic romance of boy meets girl, girl can't stand the guy, the two end up together eventually.
So no, it's not as bad as you may have feared.
It's a perfect background movie for our house... something you can play in the background that's agreeable, but doesn't demand your attention if you're working on a project of have the need to leave the room for food or a bathroom break.
And no, it doesn't even come close to being one of the worst movies of the year.
Final Grade: B-
Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I'd watch it again, sure. If the price is right, I'd add it to the library.
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