"It was for the look on their faces!"
After much hype and anticipation, I finally watched "The Prestige" last night, and I'm still thinking about it this morning. The trailers make it appear as if the story is about two magicians trying to outdo one another, and that's a fair enough teaser to get most people to watch the film. I would venture to say that this movie is less about magic and more about obsessions and the difference between when a man has an obsession and when the obsession has him. The story is both alluring and tragic and although it runs a little on the long side, I found I couldn't stop watching.
In general, I was far more impressed with Christian Bale's performance over Hugh Jackman's. I can't go into too much detail here because it would spoil one of the "tricks" to the movie. Yes, there are tricks and surprises and dark plot twists and it is all worth it. Michael Caine was brilliant as always, though he did carry a small role. I would've also liked to have seen more of Scarlett Johansson, but that's more due to my admiration of the actress than the actual role she played in the movie. She was wonderful, though, and had a few good lines of her own.
However, despite what everyone else seems to be saying, I would not rate this movie above "The Illusionist". The are very close, I will give it that. By all means, you must watch both of the movies and compare for yourself to see which you feel deserves the top spot. Yes, I am recommending everyone reading this go rent this film when it releases next Tuesday, the 20th.
I give it 4 stars.
In general, I was far more impressed with Christian Bale's performance over Hugh Jackman's. I can't go into too much detail here because it would spoil one of the "tricks" to the movie. Yes, there are tricks and surprises and dark plot twists and it is all worth it. Michael Caine was brilliant as always, though he did carry a small role. I would've also liked to have seen more of Scarlett Johansson, but that's more due to my admiration of the actress than the actual role she played in the movie. She was wonderful, though, and had a few good lines of her own.
However, despite what everyone else seems to be saying, I would not rate this movie above "The Illusionist". The are very close, I will give it that. By all means, you must watch both of the movies and compare for yourself to see which you feel deserves the top spot. Yes, I am recommending everyone reading this go rent this film when it releases next Tuesday, the 20th.
I give it 4 stars.