Oh that’s where John Malkovich has been hiding. He’s been hanging out with supporting characters in a feature film with Zulu and Ben from Parks and Rec. And nothing satisfies a film more than seeing Tom Hanks play the father of a character portrayed by his son Colin Hanks. One of those, “I see what you did there” moments… but I digress

“The Great Buck Howard” was actually a fun film. It’s hard to find Netflix movie with strong talent and well known actors considering a lot of the popular films are still DVD only or in theaters now. It was refreshing to see Malkovich in something a little toned down and to catch another Colin Hanks film in which the main character is avoid law school in order to become a writer… It’s like Orange County 2 without John Lithgow.

The events in the film were inspired by a true mentalist known as the Amazing Kreskin who is still alive and kicking and predicting crazy stuff like the weather and losing streaks to this day. What makes the movie enjoyable is that John Malkovich may very well be insane and he displays that in his characters. So give him the role as a 50 something out of work mentalist with an ego and the rest will fall into place. Plus, I just love Colin Hanks and why shouldn’t I.

[STATUS REPORT]

BROAD vs. NICHE - I think this is a broad movie. It was a good film, not too strange like Burn After Reading and not too much of a cult following like Orange County seemed to acquire. I’d put this more in the family category and I’m pleased to annoucne that I think I’ve found a movie that anybody can enjoy.

WATCHABILITY - I found this rather watchable, but at times I lost some interest as a lot of the story requires patience for development. You can’t just jump in and see a struggling entertainer, you have to see him struggle and that takes time. But the introduction of new characters helps ease that process and the cast is a great ensemble of my favorites [Adam Scott, Steve Zahn, Emily Blunt…] so I was quite amused to catch their performances scattered throughout.

WHEN TO WATCH - I have no idea. This is a weekday movie, or perhaps something to cozy up to on a Sunday evening with the family when there’s nothing else going on and you just want something to watch together. Pretty wholesome more or less and an entertaining film to say the least. If you’re still captivated by the intrigue of illusion and magic, you will probably enjoy this film.