Burt (Carell) and his childhood pal Anton (Buscemi) have been packing out their Las Vegas theatre for a decade with their flashy magic act, but they now secretly hate each other. And the egotistical Burt won't consider freshening up the act, even when attention-grabbing street musician Steve (Carrey) starts stealing their audience. So hotel owner Doug (Gandolfini) gives them an ultimatum, and with the help of new assistant Jane (Wilde), they must decide whether to shift to a stunt-based act or return to their roots with the help of old-school mentor Rance (Arkin).

Carell creates yet another vividly believable idiot for this film, which is in the same genre as Anchorman and Blades of Glory, combining broad comedy with an affection for people who have given their lives to their careers. Carell is terrific at disappearing into a character who is both ridiculous and likeable, and he gets great support from Buscemi as his rather less-focussed sidekick. In fact, all of the actors but Carrey match this approach, keeping each goofy character remarkably grounded.

So it's odd that director Scardino lets Carrey get away with such a clownish turn as the plot's main nemesis. This undermines any possible threat, because he's such a sadistic moron that we know he has no chance against our heroes. But then, the performance matches the over-the-top outrageousness of Steve's grisly illusions. By contrast, the filmmakers let us see behind the curtain as Burt and Anton perform their act, even as we are continually surprised by bits of impossible sleight of hand.

In other words, both the cast and crew are having a lot of fun, and much of it is infectious. The biggest laughs come when we least expect them, mainly through surprising revelations rather than more elaborately set-up gags and strained plot points. But even Anton's corny charity trip has a point to make, and the film as a whole lays on its messages without much fuss, reminding us that the tricks that look the simplest are always the most engaging.

themes, language, violence

8.Mar.13