Release Date: March 20 (limited)
Director/Writer: Sean McGinly
Cinematographer: Tak Fujimoto
Starring: John Malkovich, Colin Hanks,
Emily Blunt
Studio/Run Time: Magnolia Pictures, 87
mins.
Dramedy about warshed-up mentalist:
totally straight, genuinely entertaining
John Malkovich is magnificently
magnanimous as The Great Buck Howard's titular
mentalist-not-magician. Loosely based on the life of '70s TV staple
the Amazin' Kreskin (AKA: George Kresge) Malkovich brings considerable
affection to Howard's late-career affectations. Playing opposite
Howard's decline is Colin (son of Tom) Hanks, who likewise brings
real warmth to Howard's beleaguered road manager, Troy, a soft-faced
everyman. Family friendly (or at least seriously PG), the film is also
utterly formulaic and totally safe, right down to the love interest
(Emily Blunt's spot-on Valerie). But the details are real (of course
the flighty Valerie is a publicist), the humor is sharp and
self-aware, the celebrity cameos are done right (Michael Winslow!
Jonathan Ames!), and voiceovers, montages, and other editing
gimcracks are tight. Writer/director Sean McGinly neither delves into
Howard's vast sadness, nor allows it much darkness, but lets it wash
gently over the film, entertainment more than heartbreak. Just like
Buck.