Very few movies even make my shortlist. This one got into my collection without even being on the shortlist!

Rating: 9/10 (25 December 2007)

If you go into this movie expecting a wonderfully original storyline, you'll be missing the point.
The basic plot is the simple period piece, which is still used because it works, even though we've all seen it before (Yawn). However, combine the period piece with another old favourite, the mystery, and you have the potential for an Oscar, which I honestly believe this movie deserves.
I respected Ed Norton before The Illusionist, now he's one of my favourite actors. He seems comfortable in any role thrown at him (Think Fight Club, then watch this.) Jessica Biel backed up her beauty with some truly accomplished acting, Paul Giamatti gave the chief inspectors internal struggle depth and realism, while Rufus Sewell almost became the ruthless Prince Leopold.
I loved this movie. It made me cry, it made me laugh and it reminded me to tell my wife how much I love her. The effects, even though computer generated and not illusions, were wonderful and somehow still managed to retain some of that old-world feel. The cinematography weaves a wonderful tapestry all around you, while creating a visual masterpiece (of course, Jessica Biel always helps...)
Period films, as a general rule, are not my favourites - maybe because there are many mediocre ones out there - but the mystery and romance embroidered into The Illusionist helped it work its way into my heart, and my small DVD collection.
Forget the nay-sayers, just watch (and love) this movie.