no tricks, just plain old. great storytelling!

Rating: 9/10 (22 August 2006)

I just saw The Illusionist last night and I have to say that I enjoyed the movie thoroughly particularly for 3 reasons: 1.) scenic photography of the location and period; 2.) the twist in the end; and 3.) Paul Giamatti (enough said).
Ed Norton was really good, too. I liked how he carried his character with the right amount of subtlety it required. And surprisingly, Jessica Biel was not bad in her role as well. She seems to have really matured in her role now and it's refreshing to see her perform from the 7th Heaven character we're accustomed to.
I really liked the way this movie was shot, likewise, especially the long shots they had with 19th century Vienna in the background. All in all, this movie was well worth my ten bucks! =)