On DVD- The Incredible Burt Wonderstone

Movie:  The Incredibly Burt Wonderstone
Major Actors: Steve Carell, Steve Buscemi, Jim Carrey, Olivia Wilde, James Gandolfini, Alan Arkin
Rating: PG-13
Best Audience: Teenagers, young adults

Review:

This movie was not great--it wasn't even that good.  You probably saw the funniest parts in the previews.  One of the saddest things is that this movie has an EXCELLENT cast.  A great cast in a bad movie.  I feel as though they were all misplaced. 

The purpose of this film was to make a statement about how magicians/magic shows have changed over the years.  The problem with that message is that nobody in real life cares about magic shows or magicians.  Even if you enjoy a good magic show every once in a while, it's a novelty that does not affect your everyday life.  Steve Carell and Steve Buscemi parodied Siegfried and Roy.  Jim Carrey's character was a parody of Criss Angel (Mindfreak).  They are basically saying that Criss Angel's brand of magic is nothing more than shock-value.  In my opinion, all magic shows are for entertainment or shock value anyways. 

Other than the pointless "message" of this film, the comedy wasn't that great either.  If you enjoy immature humor, you may like this movie. 

Argo

Movie:  Argo
Major Actors: Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, John Goodman
Rating: R
Best Audience:  Adults

Review:

Argo is a captivating and interesting film.  Ben Affleck does a great job as director and star of the movie, which is set during the Iranian hostage crisis.  Every moment of the film gives you the feeling of urgency and intensity.  Historically, the details are embellished (especially the airport scene at the end).  However, it is an exciting movie.  Whether or not you lived during the Iranian hostage crisis, or have studied it at all, you should enjoy this film.