No Illusion. Just Magic.

Rating: 8/10 (8 June 2015)

The Illusionist (2006): Dir: Neal Burger / Cast: Edward Norton, Jessica Biel, Rufus Sewell, Paul Giamatti, Eddie Marsan: Compelling drama about reality and fantasy starring Edward Norton as a magician whose magic warrants investigation. Director Neal Burger establishes a fine premise where the magic supposedly begins as well as a childhood relationship that was deemed forbidden. The explanation given the conclusion is clever accompanied by enchanting visual flair to showcase the magic. Norton is superb as someone gifted with questionable talent yet longing for a love that was taken from him. Jessica Biel plays the fiancé of the crown Prince who remembers Norton from years earlier and still carries the special necklace given to her. Rufus Sewell is disappointing as the tyrant tight ass Prince whom Norton believes committed murder. We can predict a big showdown between the two adversaries and Biel ending up in the right direction. Paul Giamatti steals scenes as the police inspector as he struggles to figure out the magician's secrets and always falling short. Eddie Marsan plays Norton's manager and the role would take an illusion to render it interesting. While at times clever it also falters to formula periodically but it never fails to entertain. It argues the effects of magic yet never denies its explanation but its creativity and sensational style is no illusion. Score: 8 ½ / 10