Movie Magic Redux

Rating: 9/10 (24 December 2006)

The reason you go to movies is to be entertained, period, end of story. After seeing this movie you'll realize that reason is undoubtedly your true motivation more than ever. In this day and age, when every movie seems to be bent on clubbing you over the head with some overt political message, or to nag and goad you into going along with some heavy-handed social arm twisting, what a pleasure it is to discover a movie that returns to the roots of what movie making is, or at least what it truly should be: Escape, imagination, mental challenge, enjoyment, fun... you get the idea. If that is what you look for in a movie, search no further. This movie will whisk you away for two hours of pure fun and escape from your everyday worries and cares. Go, have fun, enjoy. It's worth it.
This year we have been treated to no fewer that two turn-of-the-century movies about magic. this one and The Prestige. While they are both good, this movie wins in the "entertainment" category merely due to its much more likable characters and plot. We can identify the good guys and villains and feel good about the first, while loathing the second. In The Prestige, there aren't any heroes.
The movie also possesses one of the best surprise endings seen recently. The magician in the movie keeps you so mesmerized, you don't even notice his true sleight of hand until it is revealed to you at the end. It is truly ingenious, remarkable, satisfying.
Unfortunately, the movie doesn't seem to be getting as much press as some others. Perhaps it is a result of the lack of politically correct content, or, more likely, because it was made by independent film makers, but it deserves much more notice, and audience. If you see it, you see why.