The Prestige

There are three parts to a magic trick:

The Pledge: The magician shows you something ordinary
The Turn: The magician makes the ordinary do something extraordinary
The Prestige: This is where you see something shocking, which you've never seen before.

Trying to describe the plot of this film could prove an exercise in futility; There are so many twists and turns in this film, and they were all so much fun to see, I wouldn't want to spoil the glorious plot.

The basics though, are:

Obsession, jealousy, and deceit define the tense relationship shared between two turn-of-the-century magicians in 'Memento' and 'Batman Begins' director Christopher Nolan's dizzying tale of sleight of hand. Rupert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) are London-based magicians of the highest order, both blessed with spectacular powers of deception and both cursed with unrelenting envy for one another's skills. When Alfred performs an awe-inspiring trick for which there seems no logical explanation, the friendly competition shared between the pair turns to deadly rivalry as the enraged Rupert determines to uncover his rival's deepest secrets. In the world of illusion, however, nothing is ever quite as it seems, and the rules of the physical world simply don't apply. Now, as bitter competition quickly begins to consume the souls of both performers, the firestorm birthed by their anger threatens to consume all who surround them. Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson, and David Bowie co-star.

Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale put out some terrific performances. The special effects were well-done, including a sci-fi twist toward the end. I'm a Christopher Nolan fan also. His films always have a unique feel to them, and generally include plots and twists that keep you thinking. That's the kind of film I really enjoy.

This 'magic'-themed film was better than 'The Illusionist,' though I really liked that one too. I guess it's clear I'm hooked on fantasy. I love things that break away from the norm, and show us extreme possibilities.

Grade: A
Recommended for anyone who likes a movie that keeps you guessing.

Have a great day, All!