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DAY 151: January 31st, 2009.
The Illusionist
The Illusionist had two hurdles to go over, one was competing against another magician themed film, which had a superior cast and director, the other was getting over that hurdle of everyone knowing that there was a twist ending because of the plot, title and marketing.
Not saying the film is bad, it's just plain. I was never really interested in the story or the characters, rather I was just amused by what was happening. I knew what the ending was, but it was neat seeing how they went about it and the reveal is still satisfying.
Norton and Giamatti are excellent, as always and Sewell plays villain so well, as he does in many other flicks. Jessica Biel tries her best yet again to try and prove to people she can act and is not just another pretty face, she is stuck in the same boat as Jessica Alba and countless others. She doesn't annoy and the role proves to be one of her better ones. Just don't expect her to really knock your socks off.
The writing is key here, as it is with all mysteries. Peeling away bit by bit at the story it what makes the film work. The twist might catch some people off guard, but for most of us it's the excitement in seeing how it all happens thats the key.
The Illusionist
The Illusionist had two hurdles to go over, one was competing against another magician themed film, which had a superior cast and director, the other was getting over that hurdle of everyone knowing that there was a twist ending because of the plot, title and marketing.
Not saying the film is bad, it's just plain. I was never really interested in the story or the characters, rather I was just amused by what was happening. I knew what the ending was, but it was neat seeing how they went about it and the reveal is still satisfying.
Norton and Giamatti are excellent, as always and Sewell plays villain so well, as he does in many other flicks. Jessica Biel tries her best yet again to try and prove to people she can act and is not just another pretty face, she is stuck in the same boat as Jessica Alba and countless others. She doesn't annoy and the role proves to be one of her better ones. Just don't expect her to really knock your socks off.
The writing is key here, as it is with all mysteries. Peeling away bit by bit at the story it what makes the film work. The twist might catch some people off guard, but for most of us it's the excitement in seeing how it all happens thats the key.