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Amazon.co.uk 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
Synopsis
Magicians is the feature film debut of David Mitchell and Robert Webb, best known for their groundbreaking and hilarious television comedy Peep Show. Magicians also marks the film debut of Peep Show's writers Jesse Armstrong and Sam Bain. Harry (Mitchell) and Karl (Webb) are magicians who have become one of the most successful acts in the business, with the help of Harry's wife as the duo's assistant. After discovering an affair between Karl and his wife, Harry accidentally causes a guillotine-related incident that has grave consequences for his wife. Several years later, a struggling Harry decides to enter a magic competition with a large cash prize. He recruits his enthusiastic if untalented friend Linda as an assistant (Jessica Hynes - nee Stevenson, Spaced) and persuades Karl to join him in attempt to win the competition, forcing the pair to try to put aside their differences. In the wake of 2006's magic based dramas The Prestige and The Illusionist, Magicians offers a welcomingly comic look at the world of illusionism. As the film features the stars and writers of Peep Show, much of the humour is the same, although it doesn't allow the audience to hear the main characters inner monologue, as is the case in Peep Show. There is much to appeal to both fans of Peep Show and people who haven't watched a single episode in this entertaining British comedy.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Comedy duo Mitchell and Webb team up properly on the big screen for the first time, playing feuding magicians.
There's a witty premise here and plenty of opportunity to make fun of over-serious stage performers and, especially, recent magic-themed films. But the writers ignore that in lieu of more traditional TV-style gags, which must have seemed funny on the drawing board, and perhaps even on set, but fall a little flat on the big screen. It's not a total disappointment though with some comical set pieces, such as Linda's dance number audition, being oddly amusing but a few of the running gags, such as Otto's constant gay innuendo, never go anywhere. The only things that draw laughs are throwaway lines of dialog and daft performances.
Mitchell and Webb have terrific on-screen chemistry, so it's a problem that they're barely together in this film. They have completely separate plots, including two formulaic romantic-comedy storylines, and it's when they're together that the film finally comes to life. The final segment, set during the last round of the competition, is clever and funny and rather sweet, boosted by a hilarious turn by Capaldi as the top judge.
All in all, somewhat disappointing yet strangely warm & amusing. Think of Steve Coogan's PAROLE OFFICER as an example; not the split-your-sides-laughing you expected, but still entertaining and highly watchable.
There's a witty premise here and plenty of opportunity to make fun of over-serious stage performers and, especially, recent magic-themed films. But the writers ignore that in lieu of more traditional TV-style gags, which must have seemed funny on the drawing board, and perhaps even on set, but fall a little flat on the big screen. It's not a total disappointment though with some comical set pieces, such as Linda's dance number audition, being oddly amusing but a few of the running gags, such as Otto's constant gay innuendo, never go anywhere. The only things that draw laughs are throwaway lines of dialog and daft performances.
Mitchell and Webb have terrific on-screen chemistry, so it's a problem that they're barely together in this film. They have completely separate plots, including two formulaic romantic-comedy storylines, and it's when they're together that the film finally comes to life. The final segment, set during the last round of the competition, is clever and funny and rather sweet, boosted by a hilarious turn by Capaldi as the top judge.
All in all, somewhat disappointing yet strangely warm & amusing. Think of Steve Coogan's PAROLE OFFICER as an example; not the split-your-sides-laughing you expected, but still entertaining and highly watchable.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Magicians is a film which has received very mixed reviews and it is easy to see why.
Whilst it is never as hilarious as Peep Show there are some genuinely funny moments. The story though never really gets going and it's obvious from the first act what the ending will be. Mitchell and Webb are as entertaining as always but find it difficult to break away from the characters established in Peep Show.
Overall, fans of Peep Show will probably find this entertaining enough just don't expect many laugh out loud moments. If however, you have never seen any of Mitchell and Webb's comedy before, then a lot of the film will probably leave you cold.
Whilst it is never as hilarious as Peep Show there are some genuinely funny moments. The story though never really gets going and it's obvious from the first act what the ending will be. Mitchell and Webb are as entertaining as always but find it difficult to break away from the characters established in Peep Show.
Overall, fans of Peep Show will probably find this entertaining enough just don't expect many laugh out loud moments. If however, you have never seen any of Mitchell and Webb's comedy before, then a lot of the film will probably leave you cold.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I wasn't expecting much from this film after hearing so many negative comments about it - but I found it to be an enjoyable comedy.
It's never going to be ranked amongst the top comic films - but it does have some laugh out loud moments and Mitchell and Webb seem perfect for the roles. As the film is written by Jesse Armstrong and Sam Bain (the same writers behind the fantastic Peep Show), there's a comfy feeling of familiarity and the cast seem to gel perfectly.
As usual, David Mitchell is typecast as the gawky, socially awkward one - but that's no bad thing, it's something he does to perfection and it's how we all love to see him. And when he accidentally kills his wife live on stage in a botched guillotine trick, he and long-time-magician-stage-partner Karl (Robert Webb) go their own ways.
Much of the comedy comes from the recognition that the 'business' is looked down upon by many as a bit naff and tacky. The film never picks fun at the industry though - rather it celebrates it as we follow a bunch of Magicians through a national competition. Some of the jokes are running jokes and not particularly sophisticated whereas some have more depth and make quite an impression.
You can pretty much guess the ending, but that doesn't matter - it's the ending that you want and the film manages it with a good dose of sentimental depth without being too cheesy.
The additional features include a commentary (with is well worth watching to listen to the guys enjoying themselves watching the film!) and two behind the scenes videos. However - most of the footage used in the behind the scenes video diary is also used in the `making of' feature - so once you've seen one, you feel a bit cheated with the other!
In a nutshell: This is one of those films that you probably won't watch over and over again - but once you've watched it and you happen to catch it on telly a few months later - you'll stay with it and remember why you enjoyed it the first time round. It might not be the funniest film in your DVD collection but it's loaded with pathos and is essential viewing for fans of either Mitchell and Webb, or Jesse Armstrong and Sam Bain - or both! I was stuck between giving 3 and 4 stars, 3.5 isn't an option and I felt too mean opting for 3, so I've gone for 4 - though really if I'm honest with myself - a 3 is probably nearer the mark!
It's never going to be ranked amongst the top comic films - but it does have some laugh out loud moments and Mitchell and Webb seem perfect for the roles. As the film is written by Jesse Armstrong and Sam Bain (the same writers behind the fantastic Peep Show), there's a comfy feeling of familiarity and the cast seem to gel perfectly.
As usual, David Mitchell is typecast as the gawky, socially awkward one - but that's no bad thing, it's something he does to perfection and it's how we all love to see him. And when he accidentally kills his wife live on stage in a botched guillotine trick, he and long-time-magician-stage-partner Karl (Robert Webb) go their own ways.
Much of the comedy comes from the recognition that the 'business' is looked down upon by many as a bit naff and tacky. The film never picks fun at the industry though - rather it celebrates it as we follow a bunch of Magicians through a national competition. Some of the jokes are running jokes and not particularly sophisticated whereas some have more depth and make quite an impression.
You can pretty much guess the ending, but that doesn't matter - it's the ending that you want and the film manages it with a good dose of sentimental depth without being too cheesy.
The additional features include a commentary (with is well worth watching to listen to the guys enjoying themselves watching the film!) and two behind the scenes videos. However - most of the footage used in the behind the scenes video diary is also used in the `making of' feature - so once you've seen one, you feel a bit cheated with the other!
In a nutshell: This is one of those films that you probably won't watch over and over again - but once you've watched it and you happen to catch it on telly a few months later - you'll stay with it and remember why you enjoyed it the first time round. It might not be the funniest film in your DVD collection but it's loaded with pathos and is essential viewing for fans of either Mitchell and Webb, or Jesse Armstrong and Sam Bain - or both! I was stuck between giving 3 and 4 stars, 3.5 isn't an option and I felt too mean opting for 3, so I've gone for 4 - though really if I'm honest with myself - a 3 is probably nearer the mark!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Magicians [DVD]
I wanted to see this film because I had been watching Mitchell & Webb sketches on YouTube and found those two together hilarious. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Anake
It's not a BAD film, but doesn't show off their greatest work either.
If you're a Mitchell and Webb fan (like I am) then this is a good film that allows you to see more of the duo performing together. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Lucy Russell
Enjoyable.
As others have pointed out,its not laugh a minute hilarious,but it is an enjoyable film nonetheless. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Jack Redburn.
be fair
If you are a big Mitchell/Webb fan you probably will be a bit disappointed - but be fair; this is not Peep Show but an amusing and warm movie. Read more
Published on 21 Feb 2010 by bookshelf
Waste Of Time
So bad as to be totally embarrassing. I was given it for a present & have now given it to a charity shop. Read more
Published on 12 Nov 2009 by R. J. Wickens
The rabbit's got stuck in the hat
This film could have been so funny, but there are points where it just strays off and loses momentum. The acting is good, the concept is good, but it's just missing something. Read more
Published on 25 July 2009 by Beebee
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. Read more
Published on 29 Oct 2008 by J. W. Berry
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. Read more
Published on 30 Sep 2008 by stelly
Excellent!!!
I found this to be a brilliantly funny movie - not just were Mitchell & Webb superb but the whole cast shone. Read more
Published on 31 Mar 2008 by alan
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!!! Read more
Published on 20 Jan 2008 by Ms. F. I. Macdonald
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