“The Incredible Burt Wonderstone” is a comedy about magicians without much magic to it.

Steve Carell plays the title character, a Las Vegas headliner with an ego bigger than his billboard on the Strip, someone who must learn humility before finding a happy ending. Five years ago this could have been a Will Ferrell movie; 10 years ago it could have been a Jim Carrey movie (coincidentally or not, Carrey has a key supporting role as a rival magician).

Burt shares an act with his boyhood pal Anton Marvelton (Steve Buscemi), who is either the Roy to his Siegfried or the Siegfried to his Roy, in case there’s a difference. Their act is billed as “A Magical Friendship,” which clues us into the major theme. “Burt Wonderstone” has the kind of script that makes sure the audience comprehends every bit of subtext.