The Prestige (2006)

The Prestige: Prestegious

If you truly want to be entertained, and you appreciate magic (as in: professional stage magic and magicians) you will adore this film.

All the actors are at their best, here. And, the film holds a bit of a surprise at the end, although cynical folks will say they saw it coming.

It's easy to say, after one has viewed the film, that it was all so obvious...but, it wasn't all so obvious on the first viewing.

Repeated viewings do yield some interesting gems, even when one knows what happens at the end.

November 21, 2008

Best magician movie I've ever seen!

Superbly done film from beginning to end. The cast is outstanding. The plot is very imaginative. David Bowie is unrecognizeable! The sets, costumes, dialogue and cimematography are all top drawer. One of the most entertaining movies ever. Keeps you guessing right up to the final frame. If you're not entertained by it, check for a pulse! November 16, 2008

Good Film, And Better The Second Time

I've seen this film twice now - about a year ago and then a few weeks ago on Blu-Ray (which looks super) - and thoroughly enjoyed it both times, even the second time when I remembered some of those fantastic twists in the last half hour. Sometimes it's even more fun to view a film like this when you know a few things, because earlier scenes take on new meaning.

It's not an easy film to totally digest, even with two viewings, because that ending has some mind-boggling revelations. Without having to resort to spoilers, let me just say the story is extremely interesting, the acting very good, the period pieces fun to view and it's a pretty clean movie so grandma can also enjoy it, too, without language or sex concerns.

Basically, it's a story about obsession between two magicians in the last decade of the 19th century. They continually try to top one another and things get nasty along the way. Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale are both fun to watch in those roles, as are Michael Caine and Scarlett Johansson in supporting roles.

This is one movie guaranteed to have you thinking about it when it's over! November 13, 2008

Listen To Michael Caine...

At the beginning of THE PRESTIGE, Michael Caine asks us an important question, then tells us the three main stages of a magic trick. This is very important, as the rest of the movie is set up in these stages, while retaining an atmosphere of suspense and mystery. The symbolism of the canaries is crucial, in that they represent the living "pledge". Where do they go when they disappear? What happens to them? How does this pre-figure the quest of Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Borden (Christian Bale) to perfect the ultimate illusion? What is it's price? What are the similarities between the canary trick and the Transported Man? Where is the "turn"? What is the "prestige" (payoff)? What does Tesla really offer these men? I find this movie fascinating. It raises so many interesting questions! Like a good puzzle, it keeps me working at it, even when it confounds me! Check it out... November 8, 2008

Nolan's Genius

Once again, Christopher Nolan sets the perfect mood for the "The Prestige" as he did in "Memento" and "Insomnia." David Julyan's ever present musical score is also a perfect fit in this compelling drama. October 24, 2008

More reviews at Amazon.com ...