'THE GREAT BUCK HOWARD' Starring John Malkovich and Colin Hanks to Premiere as a Sneak Preview on HDNet Movies

'THE GREAT BUCK HOWARD' Starring John Malkovich and Colin Hanks to Premiere as a Sneak Preview on HDNet Movies

Film to Premiere Wednesday, March 18 at 8:00 p.m. ET - Two Days Prior to its National Theatrical Release

DALLAS, March 16 /PRNewswire/ -- HDNet Movies presents a special Sneak Preview of the movie THE GREAT BUCK HOWARD, starring John Malkovich and Colin Hanks, Wednesday, March 18 at 8:00 p.m. ET.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080313/LATH533LOGO)

Critics are raving about THE GREAT BUCK HOWARD. Owen Gleiberman of Entertainment Weekly says, "I was enchanted. It gives John Malkovich the showcase he deserves." Sara Vilkomerson of the NY Observer calls THE GREAT BUCK HOWARD, "A sweet and funny film. John Malkovich's performance is equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking." Scott Weinberg of Cinematical says that, "It might be the most affectionate look back at old-school entertainment since 'My Favorite Year.' A feel-good movie that doesn't make you feel stupid for feeling good."

Once upon a time, Buck Howard (John Malkovich) spent his days in the limelight. His mind-boggling feats as a mentalist extraordinaire - not to be confused with those of a mere magician - earned him a marquee act in Vegas and 61 appearances on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show. In his own humble opinion, his talents go far beyond simple sleight of hand - he can read minds and hypnotize not just a single soul but an entire room of people! But nowadays, it's clear to everyone but Buck that his act has lost its luster; he performs in faded community centers and hasn't sold out a theater in years.

Yet, with a hearty handshake and a trademark "I love this town!," Buck Howard perseveres, confident in his own celebrity, convinced his comeback is imminent. He just needs a new road manager and personal assistant. As it turns out, recent law school drop-out and unemployed, would-be writer Troy Gable (Colin Hanks) needs a job and a purpose. Working for the pompous, has-been mentalist fills the former requirement, but how it satisfies the latter is questionable, especially to his father (Tom Hanks), who still assumes Troy is in law school. Nonetheless, with the aid of a fiery publicist (Emily Blunt) and a bold stroke of fate, Buck surprisingly lands back into the American consciousness, taking Troy along for the ride of his life.

As the coveted spotlight again shines on the great Buck Howard, Buck becomes the unlikeliest of teachers as Troy learns a few tricks he couldn't possibly have picked up in law school.

With cameos from Jon Stewart, Martha Stewart, Regis Philbin, Kelly Ripa, Tom Arnold and, in an amusing in-joke, George Takei of "Star Trek" fame, THE GREAT BUCK HOWARD scores with viewers and critics alike.

THE GREAT BUCK HOWARD is the latest installment in the HDNet Movies "Sneak Preview" series. Only HDNet Movies presents exclusive "Sneak Previews" of films to viewers before they premiere in theaters. All Sneak Preview films are free to HDNet Movies subscribers.

HDNet Movies will offer THE GREAT BUCK HOWARD as a special Sneak Preview on Wednesday, March 18 at 8:00 p.m. ET, with encore presentations at 9:30 and 11:00 p.m. ET that same evening.

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Only HDNet Movies delivers exclusive Sneak Previews of new movies before they hit theaters. The HDNet Movies Sneak Preview series features top Hollywood stars in critically acclaimed performances including Gwyneth Paltrow, Joaquin Phoenix, Demi Moore, Michael Caine, Tom Hanks, Vera Farmiga, Parker Posey, Brian Cox, Matthew Broderick, Brittany Snow and Eric Bana.

Upcoming Sneak Previews include "The Great Buck Howard," starring Colin Hanks, John Malkovich and Tom Hanks, and "Harlem Aria," starring Damon Wayans.

In addition to being the exclusive home of Sneak Previews, HDNet Movies presents viewers with over one hundred films and an average of twenty-five "HD Premieres" each month. HDNet Movies viewers enjoy the best films from the classics of the 1950s-1970s, to favorite films from the 1980s and 1990s, to recently released theatrical films.

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PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com/

Source: HDNet

CONTACT: Colette Carey of HDNet, +1-303-542-5576

Web Site: http://www.hd.net/

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