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KANSAS CITY, MO —
1) THE INCREDIBLE BURT WONDERSTONE (PG-13)
RUSS
In “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone,” Steve Carrell portrays the title character, a vain, egotistical and self-centered Vegas magician. It’s a role that seems tailor made for Will Farrell.
SHAWN
I thought Steve Carell was aiiight. But Jim Carrey was funnier in this very satirical comedy. “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone” is laugh out loud funny but the humor dry and very subtle. It may also help if you are a fan of the David Copperfiled type of magic and or Chris Angel type magic because the movie is basically a clever spoof on the two different styles of illusionment.
RUSS
The cast members bring a bit of humanity to their cardboard roles. Jim Carrey is memorably peculiar as Carrell’s rival, an edgy mix of Chriss Angel and David Blaine. “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone” is a very lowbrow and silly affair, bolstered by its likable cast. It generates a few laughs…but no real magic.
SHAWN
I found the movie extremely enjoyable. It’s a silly affair with Steve Buschemi nicely getting into the mix. He’s surprisingly funny. “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone,” horrible title, isn’t going to win comedy of the year but it also won’t trick you out of your money.
RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 3 Popcorn Bags
2) THE CALL (R)
RUSS
Ever wonder what really goes on behind the scenes in a 911 emergency call center? You may still wonder after seeing the edge-of-your-seat thriller, “The Call.”
SHAWN
I don’t care what happens at a 911 emergency center. I do care about watching a thriller be thrilling and that’s exactly what “The Call” is… a thrilling thriller featuring a perfectly cast Halle Berry and a terrific Abigail Bresilin as a young girl who gets abducted and tossed in the trunk of a car.
RUSS
There are are some authentically creepy moments in this nerve-wracking flick. But it’s also saddled with some very unlikely coincidences and Hollywood flourishes that undermine its effectiveness. Plus, the movie has one of those melodramatic climaxes that seems like it was tacked on by studio honchos who demanded one last zinger.
SHAWN
“The Call” is a super riveting movie that works thanks to the excellent pacing, wiz bang editing and effective acting. And I loved the way the movie unfolds. It flexes perfectly giving the audience the strength to remain emotionally connected with a power pay off. This is the best Halle Berry has been in a while. She’s terrific. But that wig! Really?
RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 3 Popcorn Bags
RUSS
Remember, you can see all of our reviews and interviews with Hollywood’s biggest stars at fox4kc.com/screeningroom.
SHAWN
While you’re there, you can enter to win passes to see the new animated flick, “The Croods.”
