The Illusionist

[Marky Lazer]

I just saw a trailer of The Illusionist. It looks like a great movie to me; anyone seen it or knows about it?

 

[Trey Greyjoy]

I posted my review of it here:

http://www.chronicles-network.com/forum/725993-post1856.html

Although based upon the reviews its received from professionals, it looks like I hold the minority opinion...again....

To summarize, I would give it a "B to B-"

Ill repost it here, so I can correct the spelling and make it a bit clearer...
(as always I probably missed some spelling errors, need to install that spell check thingy )

Well...it wasnt a bad movie, but we werent really all that impressed either to be honest. I know the reviews were really postive, but I didnt read them so I dont know what they stated.

Paul Giamatti was great as always, Im a big fan of his, I love to see him getting bigger and better roles.

Edward Norton was solid also but...it was like watching John Cusack in Must Loves Dogs...I love the guy, but the role didnt really challenge him much. Still, he gets my money every time.

Jessica Biel wasnt bad either. My wife thought she didnt do the accent very well, I thought she was fine. Certainly one of the most beautiful women Ive seen.

Rufus Sewell stole the show as the Crown Prince. An excellent job. Time for him to get a mainstream leading role again!

The editing and cinematography were quirky and inconsistent. I hated the closing shutter transition, reminded me of something...maybe Young Frankenstein? I just associate it with humor. For a film that needs to be atmospheric, you need to bring your "A" game to the technical aspects.

Im assuming the audience is not supposed to be surprised by the ending, as you see it coming from a mile away. That leaves the film to be an atmospheric-love story-period piece. If you like that, great. Youll like the movie.

One of the previews we saw was of The Prestige with Christian Bale...now I think thats the movie I really wanted to see

To summarize, it wasnt bad, but I dont think it was what I was in the mood for either. I dont think there was anything gained by seeing it on the big screen, so Id wait for DVD or HBO.

btw, the Illusionist is based upon a short story by Steven Millhauser. I love his books and tentatively recommend them to all readers. Why tentatively? Its not going to be everyone's cup of tea. Fans of Neil Gaiman should enjoy Millhauser also. They seem to both enjoy similar themes of magic in the modern world, or "other worlds" just below the surface of ours.

 

[Nesacat]

It's not showing in the cinemas here yet and the pirates don't have it either. But it does look intriguing and I'll probably go watch it when it does make it here. Am keeping my tail crossed for a media preview.