The Prestige

Viewer Rating:Grouchy Marx has rated The Prestige rating: 4 Star

While many may compare this to the other magic flick of then year (The Illusionist) this is a different story altogether. While The Illusionist is a Who-dunit, this is a How-dunnit. Mike Sheridan (reviewer) is correct in that the characters are all well sketched out, maybe with the exception of Scarlett Johansen. Hers is a small role which she tries to make bigger than needs to be. Hugh Jackman is well cast and does admirably in a role infinitely more fibrous and demanding than the comic book schlock he is fed on these days. Christian Bale turns in a usually committed performance as the purist magicain Borden who lives his art rather than sell his entertainment. The twists in the tale are amsterfully executed and the director seems to constantly have his audience in mind. The Victorian London ambience is well recreated. The extras on the DVD are a bit of a let down, but let that not detract from a good film that keeps you hanging until the very end. Even David Bowie manages a well tailored cameo without being over the top. All in all very enjoyable, well paced and memorable. Worth renting

Review published on the 01 November 2007 13:53