Film Review: The Incredible Burt Wonderstone

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone. Rated M (comedic violence and sexual references). 100 minutes. Directed by Don Scardino. Screenplay by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley.

Verdict: A big-hearted entertainment about the value of childhood wonder.

Having bonded as young outcasts over a Rance Holloway (Alan Arkin) magic kit, the now adult Burt Wonderstone (Steve Carell) and Anton Marvelton’s (Steve Buscemi) magic show has ruled Las Vegas for years – bringing them great wealth and fame. But when the death-defying stunts of the notorious Steve Gray (Jim Carrey) begin to make their act look dated and unadventurous by comparison, they find themselves dumped by their casino-owning boss Doug Munny (James Gandolfini) and in search of work. While Anton goes abroad to bring the joys of magic to the developing world, the bankrupt and homeless Wonderstone goes it alone – determined to find a way to reclaim his wealth and fame.

Film Review: Oz The Great and Powerful

Oz The Great and Powerful. Rated PG (mild fantasy violence and some scary scenes). 130 minutes. Directed by Sam Raimi. Screenplay by Mitchell Kapner and David Lindsay-Abaire. Based on the novels by L Frank Baum.

Verdict: What might have been a dud turns out to be a wonderfully entertaining companion piece to one of the most loved movies of all time.

As iconic movies go, few compare to the magnificent The Wizard of Oz (1939), which to this day remains a remarkable achievement in cinematic fantasy storytelling. Well-known and equally well-loved by generations of film-goers, The Wizard of Oz introduced us to Judy Garland’s Dorothy, her little dog Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion who together, battled the Wicked Witch of the West for the future of The Emerald City.

Film Review: I Give It A Year

I Give It A Year. Rated M (nudity, coarse language and sexual references). 97 minutes. Written and directed by Dan Mazer.

Verdict: Missed genre subversion opportunities abound in this disappointingly formulaic rom-com outing.

As the writer of Sacha Baron Cohen’s Brüno, Borat and Ali G, Mazer has the pedigree, experience and reputation to have brought something genuinely unique to the romantic comedy genre. But with the exception of Chloe’s (Anna Faris) hilarious attempt at sexual liberation and Oliva Colman’s turn as an extremely counter-productive marriage guidance counsellor, there’s little divergence from the tried-and-true formula.