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INCREDIBLE BURT WONDERSTONE, THE

This movie tells the story of a Las Vegas magician named Burt Wonderstone played by Steve Carell. He has been doing the same magic act with his best friend Anton (Steve Buscemi) for 10 years and his life is grand, but when a new street magician threatens to steal Burt's spotlight, Burt will do whatever it takes to keep his fans.

I'm actually that impressed with this movie. When you think of Steve Carell and Jim Carrey (stars of this film) you think of all-out humor, but this movie is lacking in laughs. I feel like they put most of the funny parts of the film into the trailer and left nothing for the movie. I had such high expectations for this film and they were let down. Don't get me wrong, the movie is entertaining and has a few hilarious moments, but it isn't what I expected from a film with so much hype.

There is nothing special about the cinematography, it is a quality picture, just like any other 2D film you would see in a theater today. However, I do like the use of colors when it comes to costume and set design by Dayna Pink and Andrea Fenton because they show the more cheesy side of Las Vegas entertainment.

My favorite scene is the very end of the film when Burt and Anton pull their biggest stunt. It's so funny when you see the "behind the scenes" work that goes into their trick because it seems so ridiculous and over-the-top-funny.

My favorite character is Rance Holloway played by Alan Arkin because he is such a witty character. Rance is the old magician who inspired Burt to become a magician and when Burt meets Rance later in life, it is very comical. Not only are their interactions funny, but also touching. Burt had lost touch with the wonder and amazement that magic brings and Rance is able to re-teach Burt a few old tricks that help him rediscover why he first became a magician.

Overall I give The Incredible Burt Wonderstone 3.5 out of 5 stars because it isn't as incredible as I expected, but it does have an entertaining quality to it. I recommend this film for ages 13+ because it contains quite a bit of rude humor, sexual situations and references and some disturbing images. So if you want to check out the magic, be sure to head to a theater near you when this film hits the big screen on March 15th. Reviewed by KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Raven Devanney, age 15.

This movie starts out a bit over the top in terms of its cheesiness. Don't get me wrong, it's well played. Steve Carell as Burt and Steve Buscemi as his sidekick Anton take on the task of portraying some tired Las Vegas show biz types with a verge that fringes on craziness. We see the seedier side of things as Burt hits on everything in a skirt while under the illusion that he is truly a gift to women! Olivia Wilde, who I adored in the role of Thirteen on House, attempts to bring a sense of reality to Burt's life but to no avail. She ends up joining the flashy showman, Steve Gray (Jim Carrey) whose magic acts are enough to make you nauseous. His idea of magic takes a black turn as he cuts open his own cheek to pull out a playing card, lies down upon a bed of hot coals and more. I found myself closing my eyes during portions of his performance. Ug. But, there is a little light in this show in the form of Alan Arkin who plays Rance Holloway, an aging magician whose magic "kit" was the inspiration behind Burt's career. During a chance encounter at a nursing home, Lance helps bring the sparkle back to Burt's performing career. In the end, the movie redeems itself with Burt and Anton's "great trick" - something that is sure to bring a giggle out of even the most seasoned movie goer. I thought I didn't like this movie about a third of the way in and then, it turned and I walked out with a smile on my face. So did my 10 year-old grandson though I would have not taken him had I a better idea of what took place earlier in the film.

When a street magician's stunt begins to make their show look stale, superstar magicians Burt Wonderstone and Anton Marvelton look to salvage on their act - and their friendship - by staging their own daring stunt. Starring Steve Carell, Steve Buscemi, Olivia Wilde, Jim Carrey, James Gandolfini and Alan Arkin.