Magicians (2007)

I’ve always had a fondness for magicians in movies and TV shows – Phil and Luke from Modern Family, The Prestige, Ned’s brothers on Pushing Daisies, and of course, GOB.  I dunno; it’s just a small niche-world that I’m not a part of, a tiny subculture with its own norms, codes, and rivalries.  Goodness knows how accurate any of these depictions are – as Arrested Development would say, I’m a mere Howdy Doodat – but it’s usually entertaining to immerse myself for a bit.

 

Magicians is the story of Harry and Karl, who were a well-known double act before a horrific onstage accident four years ago.  The accident and the events surrounding it fractured their partnership, friendship, and respective careers, and the two are finally ready to break back into the magic scene.  After a disastrous attempt to bury the hatchet and get back together, they enter as separate acts in a glitzy magicians’ competition.  Along the way, there’s girl trouble, assistant trouble, crises of confidence, and unpleasant conversations about their past.  Ultimately, it’s an amusing movie with some funny magic gags and a good dynamic between the lead characters.

 

PC plays Mike Francis, who organizes the competition and emcees the proceedings.  I get the sense that he truly enjoys magic – he’s like an excited teenager when he meets Harry and Karl – but has high standards and makes no secrets about it.  He has a lot of disdain for subpar acts, backstage drama, and PR red tape, and he makes his feelings known with every chance he gets.

 

It’s not an especially demanding role, but PC has a decent amount of screentime and is very funny.  Mike’s ornery refusal to suffer fools makes for a good contrast with the cheesy costumes and overall silliness of the general goings-on.

 

David Mitchell and Robert Webb star in Magicians.  They’re a popular British comedy duo, though I don’t know much about them.  Actually, they play the lead characters on Peep Show, which was an early entry in Capaldi Fall; I hadn’t known who they were at the time.  Andrea Riseborough, who starred in The Devil’s Whore, also has a large role, as does the wonderful Jessica Hynes.  Plus, The Thick of It alums James Smith (Glenn) and Alex McQueen (Julius) show up briefly.  It’s a veritable Who’s Who of people PC has worked with before and since.

 

Accent Watch

 

Very Scottish.

 

Recommend?

 

In General – Maybe.  It’s a fun little film, and I had a good time.

 

PC-wise – Possibly.  I got a crack out of Mike, even though it’s not the most impressive part out there.

 

Warnings

 

Some sexual content and discussion, implied violence, drinking, and some profanity.