The Prestige

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson, Piper Perabo
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama, Thriller
2006

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Two rival magicians (Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale) compete to outdo each other. As their struggle for superiority increases, the game turns deadly.

Review:

Tim: This is an enjoyable movie from Director Christopher Nolan (is there a more exciting young director right now?) that combines an amazing cast with some magic tricks and illusions. We are left with a very solid movie. I actually quite enjoy movies about magicians (The Illusionist was quite good as well), and this one does not disappoint.

Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale are both excellent as rival magicians. Both of these men can act, and they are in top form here. Their hatred of each other fuels the entire movie, and they convey this emotion so well that the rest of the movie is believable because of this raw emotion. Michael Caine is wonderful as Jackman's close friend. He never oversteps the bounds of his supporting role, but he provides a lift to the film whenever he is on screen. Scarlett Johansson also gives a good performance in her supporting role. Even David Bowie is effective. The cast is what makes this movie fun. Nolan directs a dark and mysterious movie that creates an amazing atmosphere. Whether this is a spooky field illuminated by lights or Jackman's astonished expression when he says, 'It was the greatest magic trick I've ever seen," Nolan is completely in control of his film. He sets the mood, and we go through the movie never knowing what to expect. This all culminates in a finale with several surprises, some of which are difficult to fully grasp. Did Nolan go overboard, or does this actually all fit in within the confines of the movie? I do not know for sure, but I do know that I was entertained, and I left the movie puzzled, and unable to forget its conclusion.

The Prestige is not flawless, and the third act starts to break down a bit. However, Nolan has the right cast in place and gives us a unique movie that will stick with you. Some movies are only meant to entertain and occasionally wow, and The Prestige is a perfect example of a movie that does that, and does that well.



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: The Illusionist, Insomnia