THE GREAT BUCK HOWARD (2006)

Directed by: Sean McGinly
Written by: Sean McGinly
Studio: Magnolia Pictures
Starring: John Malkovich, Colin Hanks, Tom Hanks
Rated: PG

About the film:
A young man signs on as the personal assistant of an aging and demanding illusionist trying to stage a comeback to the national stage.

Movie Quote:
“Only something fake could work 100% of the time.”
Troy Gable (Colin Hanks) In The Great Buck Howard (2006)

Bible Quote:
“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.”
Ephesians 4:14 (NIV)

Commentary:
Troy’s skepticism is certainly understandable in our day and time. How many times have we been led to believe something or someone only to discover that what we thought was true and reliable was anything but? However, just because we have been disappointed in the past does not mean that truth does not exist. It just means that we’ve been looking for it in the wrong places.

Buck Howard’s illusions may, upon first glance, appear to be real and sometimes amazing but appearance and truth are not interchangeable. Deception, sleight of hand, and misdirection are all tricks of the trade for any magician or illusionist. But there is one, capable of the greatest acts man has ever seen, who needs not to rely upon tricks and illusions. In fact, He is incapable of them.

Our God, Creator of the heavens and the earth, cannot lie. He will not turn even unto the shadow of the truth. The Bible, which God revealed to man, is the one source we can turn to and rely upon for the truth (when read with proper spiritual discernment.) It will work 100% of the time without any kind of “fakery.”


Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. Is it easier to believe an illusion you can see than an invisible truth? Why or why not?
2. What can we do to keep from accepting a lie or deception as truth?