Magicians DVD Review

"Magicians" reviews

DVD

Magicians

Author

anonymous

Date reviewed

2007-09-14 14:50:24

Provider

DVD Review

David Mitchell and Robert Webb, of Peep Show fame (and those Apple Mac v PC ads) attempt to transfer their unique brand of British humour to a feature length film.

The comedy, penned by the pair and Peep Show writers, is set in the world of stage magic.

Despite having wildly opposite personalities, Harry (Mitchell) and Karl (Webb) have been best friends since they were young, their love of magic making them the greatest magic double act in the country. But after Karl is discovered sleeping with Harry's assistant/wife, and a guillotine illusion goes horribly and spectacularly wrong, their friendship and their careers are finished.

But four years later neither Harry nor Karl can find work as a solo act. Desperately in need of cash, they agree to come out of retirement to take part in a Magic Table competition taking place in Jersey, that has a £20,000 prize. But old emotions surface while tentative new relationships beckon, and the magic's looking decidedly rusty.

It's typically quirky stuff and there are good turns from Darren Boyd (Green Wing), as Otto, Karl's repressed gay manager and Jessica Hynes (nee Stevenson from Spaced) as Linda, Harry's besotted assistant among other familiar faces.

It's a film that probably wouldn't appeal to many outside of the pair's fanbase but it does have cult appeal.