Terribly uninvolved

Rating: 2/10 (14 July 2007)

First of all, showing "magic-tricks" in a movie is somewhat dead and pointless idea to begin with. At least they should never be the main issue, AT LEAST so that no explanation is given to a (film)viewer despite their often supernatural elements, like especially in this case. ("The Prestige", though also very flawed film, anyway showed us what was happening behind (and under) the sets too.) But these malfunctions aside, even outside the stage there's not much to say about the plot anyhow, only that it's shallow and predictable.
But what really makes this film utterly a failure is terrible handling of its character-development and realization. Yes, there are moments people are obviously trying very hard to show emotions, but none of those moments ring true, none. In a film like this, where all kinds of illusions are the king, all the more important it'd be to have lively and genuine performances and characters. Jessica Biel looks pretty but as an actor she's totally transparent. There's nothing happening inside her. Sadly, same goes for Mr Norton here too. He's in his role of a great magician also outside his act so much that every time he tries to break out from his numbness it's too late and unbelievable. (As a matter of fact, Edward Norton, one of the greatest actors of the 90's, has been frighteningly disappointing for the last 5 yrs or so.) Rufus Newell as a Crown Prince, unknown to me and by this performance, remains so. And finally Paul Giamatti. He should only concentrate on comedy, rolling those big eyes just don't do the "trick" anymore, especially here as a Chief of Police. He's no hero and is a little bit too weak and small and overweight even for Everyman.
The movie was produced by the same guys who did Sideways and Crash, both enormously overrated films too. But character-wise, The Illusionist is actually very fitting continuation. Weak, weak, weak. And director is someone called "Burger". Well, for me that name is only half right...