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The Great Buck Howard Review

Release Date: Mar 20, 2009
Rated: some language including suggestive remarks, and a drug reference
Runtime: 1 hr. 30 min.
Genres: Art House/Foreign
Director:Sean McGinly
Cast:John Malkovich, Colin Hanks, Emily Blunt, Ricky Jay, Debra Monk. Full cast + crew

Movies.com Critics

4.5

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Not great. Just not bad. Read full review

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

4.0

63

out of 100

Metascore^®
Generally favorable reviews
based on a weighted average of all
critic review scores.
60

out of 100

Los Angeles Times
An affectionate though flawed comedy.

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60

out of 100

The New York Times Stephen Holden
An agreeable show business satire with a warm heart.

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70

out of 100

Variety Justin Chang
Behind-the-curtains comedy reps an amusing showcase for John Malkovich's diva-like theatrics in the title role.

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70

out of 100

The Hollywood Reporter
A warm, amiable glimpse at the end of the showbiz road.

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88

out of 100

USA Today Claudia Puig
A bit of a throwback, a nostalgic, easygoing Capra-esque comedy that should appeal to both youthful and older audiences.

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88

out of 100

Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert
I firmly believe such illusions are never the result of psychic powers, but I am fascinated by them, anyway. The wisdom of this film, directed and written by Sean McGinly, is to never say.

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91

out of 100

Entertainment Weekly Owen Gleiberman
The Great Buck Howard is in love with kitsch, the backwaters of showbiz, and true magic. It's a wee charmer that left me enchanted.

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See all The Great Buck Howard reviews at Metacritic.com

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For Families provided by Common Sense Media

OK for kids 12+

Offbeat magic comedy isn't likely to get kids' attention.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that although this eccentric comedy is fairly tame when it comes to language and nudity, it's probably not on most kids' radar. Still, tweens and teens who are into magic might actually find it interesting, though the movie's life lesson -- love what you do -- doesn't always come across clearly. Expect a bit of drinking and kissing, as well as some loud arguments and rudeness and tantrums from the main character.

Families can talk about who the movie's target audience is. It's rated PG, but does that automatically mean that it's for kids?
Is there a good message to take away from the movie?
What, if anything, does Troy learn from Buck -- and vice versa?

The good stuff

Messages: A once-successful magician has delusions of grandeur that don't befit his humbler career. He's sometimes rude and pompous and condescending to fans. He also insults his employees and is blindingly self-important. Overall, the movie's message is to love what you do, though it doesn't always come across loud and clear.

What to watch for

Violence: Buck throws things around and sometimes has meltdowns. Some loud arguments.
Sex: A girl with a boyfriend hooks up with a co-worker; they kiss and presumably sleep together, but there's no graphic love scene.
Language: Fairly mild: "nitwit," "stupid," "suck," "butt."
Consumerism: Lots of name-checking: Johnny Carson, George Takei, Sally Jessy Raphael, Jerry Springer, Jay Leno. Some clips of Buck on TRL, The Daily Show, and Live With Regis and Kelly. An issue of Entertainment Weekly figures prominently.
Drinking, drugs and smoking: A girl guzzles liquor from a hotel mini-bar. Some social drinking.

Common Sense Media

An independent nonprofit dedicated to providing families the information they need to help kids thrive in a world of media and technology.

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Fan Reviews provided by

Average Rating: 2.933

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by geoelevation25

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