The Great Buck Howard (2008)

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

Director:

Sean McGinly

Writer:

Sean McGinly

Stars:

John Malkovich, Colin Hanks, Emily Blunt

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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	...	Jonathan 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

Storyline

When a law school dropout answers an advertisement to be a personal assistant he unknowingly signs on to work for a belligerent has-been magician struggling to resurrect his career. This leads to a journey across the country staging the comeback of a lifetime.

---

Plot Keywords:

comeback | career | law school dropout | personal assistant | magician | 

---

Taglines:

Greatness is a state of mind.

---

Genres:

Comedy | Drama

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

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

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [France] Official site [United States]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 June 2009 (Latvia)

Also Known As:

A Mente que Mente

Filming Locations:

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$115,004 (USA) (20 March 2009)

Gross:

$748,363 (USA) (3 July 2009)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Bristol Bay Productions, Playtone, Great Buck Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

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.

---

Goofs

While Buck and Troy are being driven around Cincinnati, you can see palm trees out the back and side windows of the limo.

---

Quotes

Troy Gable: Dad, what are you doing here?
Mr. Gable: I was gonna ask you the same question.

---

Connections

References Police Academy (1984)

---

Soundtracks

"Tonite Show with Jay Leno"
Written and Performed by Branford Marsalis
Courtesy of NBC Studios, Inc.

User Reviews

I Loved This Movie!!!!

This was a very good comedy, well written and acted. The dialog was witty, the plot kept the pace going, and the character development was very good. Buck Howard (John Malkovich) is an "Amazing Kreskin" type magician who hires an assistant named Troy (Colin Hanks)to help him out while on the road, playing small venues in small towns. Troy is a law school dropout who decides to pursue a career in show business, against the wishes of his father (played by Tom Hanks in a brief role). Buck Howard had been a bigger star in the past, playing on Johnny Carson 61 times, but recently had been down on his luck.

Troy tells the story (Nick Carraway like) of Howard's life on the road, his unlikely comeback, and his fall back to earth. Along the way, we are introduced to Valerie, a publicity agent, excellently portrayed by Emily Blunt. Troy and Valerie become romantically involved, which makes Buck jealous, of whom specifically is unclear. Everyone in the movie seems curious as to Buck's sexual orientation: is he gay or not? Nobody knows for sure.

There were numerous cameo appearances by notable celebrities throughout the movie and Steve Zahn put in a hilarious performance as one of Buck's devoted fans.

This was a very funny movie, and I enjoyed it a lot. I'd recommend it to anyone who appreciates a good comedy.