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Magicians [2007]
from Universal Pictures Video
starring David Mitchell, Robert Webb

Features:

• PAL

Editorial Review:

After taking a fairly decent run up in superb voyeur-friendly sitcom Peep Show, David Mitchell and Robert Webb make the jump onto the big screen in Magicians, a Brit-com with just enough tricks up its sleeve to carry it out of fandom and into the mainstream. That said, fans of Peep Show will be pleased to see the duo's familiar character traits (uptight nerd and faux-cool layabout) very much in evidence. The story sees the pair recast as fading magicians Harry and Karl (Mitchell and Webb respectively), whose successful double act is brought to a somewhat sticky end when Harry catches Karl cheating with his wife, before accidentally guillotining her in front of a packed audience.

The aftermath sees Harry reduced to performing tricks in supermarkets, while Karl has the more humiliating task of establishing himself as a Derren Brown-style performer. But the chance to reclaim former glory presents itself in the form of a magic contest and, aided by the lovably hapless assistant Linda (Jessica Hynes) and fruity TV agent Otto (Darren Boyd), Harry and Karl dust off the guillotine for a head to head battle. Despite its modest ambitions, Magicians maintains a respectable pace and gag rate throughout. A great supporting cast help raise the bar, but the film’s appeal is largely down to its two leads, whose isn’t-broke-won’t-fix-it route to comic acting is effective and well judged. Magicians might not pack the belly laughs of a Hot Fuzz, but you’re never too far away from a chuckle or two. --Luke Mawson

Customer Reviews:

• Avg. Customer Rating: 3.5 / 5.0

• I liked it
  This is a well made film. The problem is it feels like it should be a family film, but there are some very crude jokes which give the film its 15 certificate. So, if you like rude and crude, you won't like the cute bits, and it you like cute films then it's spoilt by rude jokes. Imagine the British equivalent of a Disney live action film with a dollop of Peep Show thrown in. But I personally did enjoy the film and would recommend it if you like any of mitchell or webb's other work.

• One word "DISAPPOINTED"
  Well the title of my review says it all. Im a massive fan of Mitchell and Webb. Of the sketch shows and Peep Show too, so I was looking forward to what Magicians had to offer. What a disappointing end to my birthday, it had been bought for me. I dont think I laughed once, I just didn't see where the laughs were gonna come from. I couldn't wait for the film to end, even though it was bad I had the good grace to watch till the end. I wouldn't recommend it.

• Excellent!!!
  I found this to be a brilliantly funny movie - not just were Mitchell & Webb superb but the whole cast shone.
  I think the film suffered from very poor promotion (I'd certainly not heard of it until I was Googling M & W one day)
  BUY IT! - WATCH IT! - You won't be disappointed.
  

• so boring i nearly fell asleep
  how could anyone enjoy this film?it was slow, the script was dull and the funniest part was someone dying!!!i really had high hopes for this film because i do find mitchell and webb very funny, but their characteristics are exactly the same in this film which proves to me that they dont seem to be able to act any other way. i would definately recommend you stay away from this film, it'll bore you to tears.

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