Fine indie gem (The Great Buck Howard (Blu-ray))

Member Name: shaneo632

Product:	The Great Buck Howard (Blu-ray)
Date:	19/07/09 (7 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great performances and punchy direction

Disadvantages: Could have fleshed out a few more of its ideas

The Great Buck Howard is written and directed by Sean McGinly, who was in fact the former road manager of famed Mentalist The Amazing Kreskin (upon whom the character of The Great Buck Howard is based). The film is produced by Tom Hanks, who became intrigued by the project after seeing McGinly's previous film, Two Days. Thus, Hanks' son Colin stars in the film as Howard's assistant, Troy Gable, and his father Tom appears in two scenes as his on-screen father.

However, the film mostly belongs to the unremitting screen presence of John Malkovich, who plays the quirky and irritable Mentalist himself. His frenzied performance is genuine enough to be emotionally convincing, whilst being off the wall and truly strange enough that Buck becomes a dynamic and unique character that'll keep your interest well and truly piqued. Emily Blunt also serves as appropriate backup as a feisty PR girl who becomes Gable's love interest.

This is a rich film that's very much about personal discontent, with the polarised views being embodied through the two Hanks men - Tom Hanks' father character tells his son to get a job at his Law firm and live a flush, wealthy life. Troy, though, simply must go for what he loves - writing - and even if he fails, at least he can say that he tried on his own terms. It's quite a moving statement that never escapes or romanticises the fact that one must nevertheless have money to get by.

Great performances from John Malkovich and Colin Hanks elevate this quirky indie comedy about a down-on-his-luck Mentalist and an unfulfilled Law student who becomes his assistant. It's a delight to see Tom Hanks share two notable scenes with his son, and although this isn't an outrageously hilarious film, it's a genuinely poignant tale about personal growth and fulfillment.

Summary: A well developed and unique film