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. 

Monsters University

Movie:  Monsters University
Major Actors:
Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Helen Mirren, Nathan Fillion, Aubrey Plaza, Bobby Moynihan Rating: G
Best Audience: Children and Families

Review:
Monsters University is a great film for the kids.  It is the sequel to Monsters Inc. which came out in 2001.  Just to give you an idea of how long ago that was:  When Monsters Inc. came out, I was 14.  Now I'm 26.  Crazy.

Anyway, Monsters University goes back in time to when Mike and Sully were in college studying to become "Scarers," which is the ultimate career in the Monster world.  Along with the funny moments come lessons about teamwork, being yourself, and doing the right thing.  If you have children, or are a child at heart, you'd probably enjoy this movie.  I must admit, I forgot a lot about the original, so I may have to rewatch Monsters Inc. to brush up on some of the things I forgot.