Movie Reviews: The Call and The Incredible Burt Wonderstone

Jerry Williams
March 21, 2013

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THE CALL

Director: Brad Anderson
Writers: Richard D’Ovidio (screenplay), Richard D’Ovidio (story)
Stars: Halle Berry, Evie Thompson, Abigail Breslin

Halle Berry plays a 911 operator who gets a call from a girl (Abigail Breslin) trapped in the trunk by a kidnapper. Not only is this a nail-biting rescue, it becomes a police procedural as we watch the resources used to find the caller. Most of the time, the film makes smart choices that keep you involved and sometimes even wanting to scream at the screen. The filmmaking is sharp with some flashy editing touches and solid sound design. Even though the conclusion is a bit much, up til then, it’s a well-crafted, gripping ride.

GAY ANGLE: It’s a gay-free LA. At least the villain isn’t gay.

 THE INCREDIBLE BURT WONDERSTONE

Director: Don Scardino
Writers: Jonathan M. Goldstein (screenplay), John Francis Daley (screenplay)
Stars: Steve Carell, Luke Vanek, Steve Buscemi

Steve Carell plays the title character, a flashy Vegas magician. His career crashes after he splits with his partner (Steve Buscemi). That means he must struggle to make the predictable rebirth. Although Carell is sometimes funny, his character isn’t likable, which makes it hard to care about him. Buscemi adds nothing and Jim Carrey (as the hot new competition) is uncomfortably weird. No matter how much you want to like this movie, it’s trying too hard to be over-the-top funny and only rarely succeeds.

GAY ANGLE: Carell & Buscemi have a “special friendship” but not THAT special.

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Jerry Williams reviewed movies for WTVR-TV for 14 years and for Style Weekly for 10 years. When he launched his own website in 1998 at TVJerry.com, he took his reviews to the Internet. Through those hundreds of reviews, Jerry kept his sexual orientation muted. So, he's excited to be adding "gay angles" to his postings for GayRVA.com.