Not perfect, but a refreshing change

Rating: 8/10 (17 July 2006)

Kudos to Paul McGuigan for directing one of the finest slight-of-hand movies of the year. A second viewing of this flick made me realize how painstakingly obvious the major plot elements were, but my initial viewing had me constantly scratching my head.
McGuigan includes a couple of scenes early in the movie that would ordinarily not be missed if they were omitted. However, their inclusion leaves the viewer wondering what importance they have. After a viewing of the movie, one realizes that these scenes' only importance was to make one wonder what their importance was.
Add to this outstanding slight of hand the terrific acting by an ensemble of truly outstanding performers. Morgan Freeman gives a riveting performance, as does Josh Hartnett. Bruce Willis, a man who I thought was a great actor mired in a myriad of terrible films, finally finds a film that gives his acting prowess justice. Lucy Liu and Ben Kingsley round out a cast that leaves little to be desired.
The movies one weakness is simply the fact that when we add up all of the elements, it is simply a theme that has been done over and over again. So, with a poor score given to originality, the rest of the aspects of this film really round it out. Not a must see, but any devout movie goer will not be disappointed.