Magicians [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.

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.

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!