The Illusionist is definitely a sleeper.
The only weakness is the plot, but with a little imagination, one can make it work. I found it a little hard to believe that a few forbidden snogging sessions at age 14 or so would result in a monumental true love that would last through the ages. But once the movie got past that, it was quite easy to overlook.
The magic is excellent, by the way. The traditional stage illusions are well done and the special effect illusions are not big and overpowering; they add to the overall depth, not detract from it.
The final illusion is very, very well thought out and very well executed. Excellent acting from Norton, Biel, Giamatti, and Sewell just oozes malice as the bad guy. You have to fight to restrain yourself from throwing your popcorn at him.
This movie should grab some Oscars. Highly recommended.
The only weakness is the plot, but with a little imagination, one can make it work. I found it a little hard to believe that a few forbidden snogging sessions at age 14 or so would result in a monumental true love that would last through the ages. But once the movie got past that, it was quite easy to overlook.
The magic is excellent, by the way. The traditional stage illusions are well done and the special effect illusions are not big and overpowering; they add to the overall depth, not detract from it.
The final illusion is very, very well thought out and very well executed. Excellent acting from Norton, Biel, Giamatti, and Sewell just oozes malice as the bad guy. You have to fight to restrain yourself from throwing your popcorn at him.
This movie should grab some Oscars. Highly recommended.