Burt Wonderstone and his sidekick, Anton Marvelton (played by Steve Carell and Steve Buscemi) are old-school magicians enjoying the last days of the stardom as the world of magic starts to change, with the rise of edgier performers like Steve Gray (Jim Carrey), who embody a rougher, less showy kind of stage craft. Soon Wonderstone and Marvelton find the going tough and lose the patronage of their hotel-owning sponsor Doug Munny (James Gandolfini) and Wonderstone tries to escape a personal nadir with the help of former assistant Jane (Olivia Wilde) and his childhood inspiration, retired magician Rance Holloway (Alan Arkin).
The Incredible Burt Wonderstone is a fairly formulaic redemption comedy. Although much of the film is flat and familiar, there are some good comic moments, especially from Arkin, Carrey and Gandolfini. Unchallenging but entertaining, The Incredible Burt Wonderstone is a light experience, perfect for a long flight, or midweek diversion.
It would make a decent rental but that’s maybe giving it a bit too much credit for one person. Nice review.