My Movie Reviews

Release Date: 1 September 2006
Time: 1 hr 50 min
Distributor:
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, Jessica Biel
Grade: A

Synopsis: 'The Illusionist' stars Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti as two men pitted against each other in a battle of wits: Norton as mysterious stage magician Eisenheim, and Giamatti as Vienna's shrewd Chief Inspector Uhl, with Jessica Biel sharing the screen as the beautiful Sophie von Teschen. When word of Eisenheim's astounding illusions reaches the powerful and pragmatic Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell), the ruler attends one of the magician's shows in order to debunk Eisenheim during the performance. But when the Prince's intended, Sophie von Teschen, assists the magician onstage, Eisenheim and Sophie recognize each other from their childhoods and a dormant love affair is rekindled. As the clandestine romance continues, Uhl is charged by Leopold to intensify his efforts to expose Eisenheim, even while the magician gains a devoted and vocal public following. With Uhl doggedly searching for the reasons and the man behind the trickery, Eisenheim prepares to execute his greatest illusion yet.

My Review: This movie was great. It kept my interest from the very beginning with the excitement of the magic tricks and carried all the way through to the surprise ending. Ed Norton does a superb job and the storyline is very good. Too be honest, it was quite different from what I was expecting but that didn't mean it was bad. I actually really enjoyed the basic plot and storyline.

Recommend: This is a fun film for everyone. The kids may lose interest mid-way through because it does turn a little more to the story than magic, but they should still enjoy it.