The Great Buck Howard (2008)

User Rating:

6.8/10   

Director:

Sean McGinly

Writer (WGA):

Sean McGinly (written by)

Release Date:

5 June 2009 (Latvia)

Genre:

Comedy

Tagline:

Get ready for the comeback of a lifetime.

Plot:

A young man, much to the chagrin of his father, becomes the new assistant to an illusionist in decline.

Plot Keywords:

Illusionist | Magician | Real Life Father And Son Playing Father And Son | Character Name In Title

Cast

John Malkovich	...	Buck Howard
Colin Hanks	...	Troy Gable
Emily Blunt	...	Valerie Brennan
Ricky Jay	...	Gil Bellamy
Steve Zahn	...	Kenny
Tom Hanks	...	Mr. Gable
Griffin Dunne	...	Johnathan Finerman
Debra Monk	...	Doreen
Adam Scott	...	Alan Berkman
Patrick Fischler	...	Michael Perry
Wallace Langham	...	Dan Green
Jonathan Ames	...	Edward Kelly
Jacquie Barnbrook	...	Sheila Heller
Paul Darricarrere	...	Restaurant Manager
Terry Scannell	...	Kip

MPAA:

Rated PG for some language including suggestive remarks, and a drug reference.

Runtime:

90 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

USA:PG | Singapore:PG | France:U | Netherlands:6

Filming Locations:

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Company:

Bristol Bay Productions

Trivia:

The Las Vegas scene was filmed in Hollywood on the same set that was used for the Palace Hotel Ballroom scene in The Blues Brothers (1980).

Goofs:

Errors in geography: The scene with the mass hypnosis, supposedly in Cincinnatti, is clearly in the main lobby of the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion in Los Angeles. The banner with Placedo Domingo's name is even clearly seen hanging outside.

Movie Connections:

References "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" (1962)

have to disagree with the boring comments

I thoroughly enjoyed this film. I am not a huge Malcovich fan. Enjoyed him in "In the line of Fire", but not a whole lot else. He was excellent in this movie though. I would say in fact, that most all of the casting was excellent. Colin Hank was wonderful, very believable.

The film was very clean as well. Almost no foul language, no nudity, even for the obligatory love interest.

Two wonderful plot points (though not a spoiler) - Also, wonderful ongoing tension with George Takai that was neatly addressed in the end. This was nicely done and an interesting possible allusion to Wm Shatner's humorous attempts at singing. Opening credits are hilarious with the "you want to be a lawyer" vignette.

In many ways, one might say Buck Howard's character is a blend of Ed Wood and Wm Shatner. I will be interested to see what other people write in the coming months. Take the time to watch it though. I don't think you will be disappointed.