Preview: The Great Buck Howard (2009)

Synopsis:

An aging, has-been magician takes on a law school dropout as a personal assistant and together they trek across the country attempting to revive his foundering career.

• Poster: D+; D-

Review:

There's very little detail in this poster, which can sometimes work, but the color is a bit distracting and out of place while the four character scenes at the bottom serve to make the poster feel very amateurish.

As if the first poster wasn't disinteresting enough, this second poster takes the admittedly overbearing title plaquard and substitutes it with a rudimentary, too-simplistic title.

• Trailer: C

Review:

There are some very humorous moments in the trailer, but there are also some groan-inducing ones. I can't help but be intrigued by John Malkovich, but the painted expression from Tom Hanks in his scene meeting "Buck Howard" almost looks like the kind of grimace he might make for appearing in such a film.

Oscar Prospects:

This is one of those odd vehicles that, were it not for the early release, could yield consideration for John Malkovich. But, as it stands, I doubt that will happen.

Release Date:

• March 20, 2009

Full Review Synopsis:

I have not seen this film.

-Wesley Lovell (December 14, 2008) Original

-Wesley Lovell (February 8, 2009) New Poster

-Wesley Lovell (March 8, 2009) New Poster; Buy the Poster Enabled