Movie Review: The Incredible Burt Wonderstone
John Hirokawa
Headliner/Illusionist, Magic of Polynesia
What is your official title/occupation? Headliner/illusionist for the Magic of Polynesia show.
Where and with whom did you see the movie? I saw it with my wife, Nadine, and our children Meghan, Bryson and Brandon at Mililani Consolidated Theater.
Overall, what did you think? For me, I really liked it. I think for the general public, it might be 1/2. For me, because I could relate really deeply to the movie, I really liked it. My family thought it was good; I thought it was excellent.
On a scale of one to four stars, what would you rate this film? ★★★★ because I can totally relate to this.
Without giving away the ending, what was one of your favorite scenes? The funniest scene was when they were trying to do street magic, which was when they were in the hot box. The hot box is one of those street magic stunts – you go into a clear, Plexiglas box that goes on a crane (similar to a David Blaine stunt). Steve Carrell, because he’s not familiar with that type of magic, comes in with his tuxedo. It’s 200 degrees and he starts screaming. You have to condition yourself, and he didn’t. It’s totally Steve Carrell that can pull it off; he’s trying to act like a master magician, and when it starts freaking him out, I think that’s what he does best.
What did you think of the cinematography? I didn’t notice anything different. To me, it was just very standard.
Was the message/theme clear? No; I think there were two themes going on and it was kind of convoluted. From a magical standpoint, they’re at the top of their game and they’re getting complacent, and they’re not being current, taking note of what’s currently around. Also, Steve Carrell’s character is getting too big for himself and arrogant. It’s about treating people well, don’t burn your bridges. It takes a lot of people to make something successful, not just one individual.
Did it remind you of any other work in film? Not so much, no.
To whom would you recommend this movie? I would recommend it to a family. It’s good, clean humor; good, clean fun. I think a general family would love it.
Did any of the actors stand out? Steve Carrell, and Jim Carrey – his zaniness, to me, fit that character, like a Criss Angel or David Blaine.
Did you identify with any of the characters? With Steve Carrell, when he was in that position of doing the same thing night after night. I could just totally relate to that, and you get numb to everything eventually, and that’s why you have to constantly look for change.
Did the soundtrack contribute significantly to the film? I think it was OK; it fit the corniness of what they were doing in the beginning. I thought it was pretty appropriate.
Would you buy this movie when it comes out on DVD? No, I never really buy DVDs. Rental, maybe.
What’s your favorite movie snack? Popcorn with mochi crunch.
On a different note, what’s new with you? We’re constantly working on new effects. We’re working on a number right now where I visibly change into snow from my feet going up to my head. It’s kind of in the show, but it’s being perfected now. In about a month it will be totally perfected.
