The Illusionist

five out of ten

This is a story similar to Prestige in that it follows the life of a man trained in the art of illusions. Jessica Biel plays his love interest, a wealthy woman engaged to an arrogant but important man. The lead Edward Norton has performed in great films such as "Fight Club" but this was not his best film. It was almost as though he was exhausted and couldn't care less, in it just to pay his electric bill. Jessica Biel however I think really wanted to act well, but she just does not fit what you have in mind of a turn of the century young lady. Her face, her figure, her demeanor all exude the here and now, not the long ago, and no amount of period era clothing can disguise that.

Since Prestige is so similar yet ten steps better than this flick, I can use it to explain my disdan for Illusionist. Illusionist is a short story. One topic explored to exhaustion while Prestige was an array of things. Both have riddles and mysteries you are trying to solve. Both involve love. Both involve magic. Yet one manages to offer depth and perspective while the other (Illusionist) simply tells one simple story and then is done with it because it is has done its job and hopefully a box office smash will come forth from its clever riddle. For me, not quite.

The Prestige

seven out of ten

This is a suspense story following the lives of two magicians, once partners, now sworn enemies after a fateful day when a tragic event inspired closing the heart of one magician towards the other forever. Their animosity turns to obsession as they both move up and down the theatre circuit trying to learn one another's secrets.

I liked the movie because it kept my attention and it was like a riddle that you were trying to solve. The magic tricks (save one which will be obvious) are all real ones that have been developed and done. I watched it twice because the second go around makes you understand it better.

Its good, not amazing or fabulous, but worth a rental.