Funny enough satire about that tragic juncture in American history where the glitz of “big room” Vegas illusionists was eclipsed by common street magicians. There's a moment where the title character, played by Steve Carell, encounters his childhood idol and inspiration, Rance Holloway (Alan Arkin), in a nursing home. Carrell can barely contain himself when he begins to express just how big an impression Holloway left. Arkin's reaction is priceless, an inspired combination of "Yeah, yeah, get on with it" eye and head roll that once again underscores his comedic indispensability. In a film where Carell and Jim Carrey do their best to out-mug each other, the real magic is Arkin's (and Steve Buscemi’s) exalted underplaying. Ditto for Olivia Wilde who, with Butter and Burt Wonderstone, is blossoming into an accomplished light comedienne right before our eyes. TV veteran Don Scardino directs. With James Gandolfini and Brad Garrett. (2013) — Scott Marks