Watch The Great Buck Howard

The Great Buck Howard is a 2008 drama film directed by Sean McGinly and starring Colin Hanks, John Malkovich, Tom Hanks, and Emily Blunt. The film tells the story of Troy Gable (played by Colin Hanks), a law school dropout who becomes the personal assistant to a fading magician named Buck Howard (played by John Malkovich). Buck Howard was once a famous mentalist who performed on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and was a regular guest on the talk show circuit. However, his popularity has waned in recent years and he now performs mostly in small towns and at corporate events. Troy is initially skeptical of Buck's abilities, but quickly becomes enamored with the illusionist's charisma and showmanship.

As Troy accompanies Buck on his never-ending tour, he meets a variety of colorful characters and gets a firsthand look at the ups and downs of show business. Along the way, he also develops a romantic interest in Valerie Brennan (played by Emily Blunt), a publicist who works for Buck.

The film is a heartfelt tribute to the world of magic and the people who dedicate their lives to entertaining others. It's also a meditation on the nature of fame, and the question of whether it's better to burn out or fade away. John Malkovich is brilliant in the role of Buck, capturing both the grandeur and the vulnerability of a once-great performer who is struggling to stay relevant.

Colin Hanks is also excellent as Troy, bringing a sense of honesty and sincerity to a character who could easily have been a one-dimensional sidekick. And Tom Hanks, who produced the film and has a small role as Troy's father, adds his own charm and warmth to the proceedings.

What sets The Great Buck Howard apart from other films about performers is its attention to detail and authenticity. Writer-director Sean McGinly did extensive research into the world of magic and illusion, and it shows in the film's accurate portrayal of the backstage workings of a touring show.

But more than that, the film is a celebration of the human spirit and the power of showmanship to uplift and inspire audiences. At its core, The Great Buck Howard is a film about finding meaning and purpose in life, even when the spotlight has long since dimmed.

The Great Buck Howard is a 2009 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 63.