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SALT LAKE CITY — "The Incredible Burt Wonderstone" is now in theaters and with a cast including Steve Carell, Jim Carrey and Steve Buscemi just about everyone is at least curious about the new movie. Well, before you run out to see it, there are a few things you should know.
Here's a list of three reasons you don't want to see "Burt Wonderstone" and three other reasons you do.
3 Reasons Not See It
Tired Story
The premise is fun, a failing magician duo, Steve Carell and Steve Buscemi, need to reinvent their tired act when a bizarre street magician, Jim Carrey, starts stealing their thunder.
The story seems to set itself to be a blast, but the story is lazy and predictable. Within the first 10 minutes you know exactly where the story is headed and what's going to happen. The only surprising part is when the inevitable will happen.
While dueling magicians may be a new twist, the story itself is old and worn.
Forced Jokes
Now, don't get me wrong, this movie will get you laughing out loud at times, but some of the jokes are so forced you cant help but cringe.
The few bright spots of humor and originality are overshadowed by familiar territory and forced humor. At times it seems like Carell is going through the motions and just trying to cram the jokes down your throat.
Too often the truly funny bits are followed up by jokes that don't land, but they're going to try anyway.
Stale Chemistry
Steve Carell and Olivia Wilde are the film's love interests and while both actors are quite good in the film the chemistry just isn't there.
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3 Reasons to See It
Alan Arkin
Alan Arkin is coming off his fourth Academy Award nomination and I am an advocate of the position that more Arkin is always a good thing.
Arkin plays an old retired magician who inspired Carell's character to get into magic. Arkin is hilarious in the role and you just want more of him. His comedic timing is incredible and you can't help but smile when he's on screen.
The only complaint is there wasn't enough of Arkin, but he is one of the real highlights of the film.
Jim Carrey Acting Like Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey doesn't seem to be the same guy we all fell in love with back in the 90's, and you know what? I've missed him.
In Wonderstone Carrey plays an insane street magician named Steve Gray who is a parody of illusionists Criss Angel and David Blaine. More the former than the latter, but they make fun of both men pretty intensely throughout the movie.
Carrey's character is bizarre, egotistical and all around just a terrible person. But I haven't had this much fun watching Carrey since "Liar Liar." It's the Carrey we remember and love. He's quirky, physical and at times hilarious.
Going into the film I was most interested to see what kind of Jim Carrey I got and I was not disappointed. If you're a fan of the old Jim Carrey the movie will be worth your time.
The Ending
Spoiler Free
Now, I won't say much about how the film wraps up, as to avoid any spoilers, but suffice it to say it had the entire theater in tears.
The closing sequence turns the entire feel of the film on its head, but it is hilarious. I could not stop laughing and it seemed to make me not care about the other problems in the film, at least for a minute or two.
Overall the film has some laugh-out-loud moments and you'll have some fun, but when you leave the theater you'll realize you're left wanting. My suggestion is to wait until "The Incredible Burt Wonderstone" makes its way to Redbox.
"The Incredible Burt Wonderstone" is rated PG-13 for some violence, brief strong language and some sexual content. The film is not for young families, but it's tamer than many of the PG-13 comedies we've seen come out recently.
