A young man struggling to find his place in the world takes a job as an assistant to a famously eccentric, but declining, mentalist and stage magician, "The Great Buck Howard". As he navigates the bizarre world of magic and a dysfunctional family, he forms an unlikely bond with his boss, learning valuable lessons about perseverance and the nature of success.

The Great Buck Howard received a mixed reception from critics, who generally praised the performances, particularly John Malkovich's portrayal of the titular character, and the film's heartfelt moments. However, many found the plot to be somewhat predictable and underdeveloped, with some critics feeling it didn't fully explore the potential of its premise or characters.

• Praised for its strong performances, especially John Malkovich.
• Commended for its touching moments and exploration of mentor-mentee relationships.
• Criticized for a predictable plot and missed opportunities to deepen character development.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's humor and the chemistry between the main actors. Many found it to be a charming and lighthearted movie with a positive message, although some felt it was a bit too sentimental or slow-paced.

The film is loosely based on writer-director Sean McGinly's own experiences working as an assistant to mentalist The Amazing Johnathan.