Entertaining but lacks a certain spark

Rating: 8/10 (19 August 2006)

I went into The Illusionist with high expectations and, though I thoroughly enjoyed the film, I wasn't completely satisfied. The simple story of a magician in turn-of-the century Vienna who encures the wrath of the Crown Prince by stealing the affections of his fiancÃ© is a promising one and manages to delight even while its somewhat predictable. The magic tricks in the film are fun to watch even though a good chunk of movie magic had to have been involved. The story and the tricks set up location (filmed in Prague) that is fascinating. The film was filled with solid performances: Edward Norton chalks up another quality outing (though he seems somehow out of place at points), Jessica Biel is lovely but doesn't have much to do and no one plays charming villains better than Rufus Sewell I was most impressed with Paul Giamatti as Inspector Uhl. His conflict in being forced to arrest a man he clearly respects and whose mysteries he long to solve. Giammatti also provides most of the laughs in the film, and reminded me of the fantastic Claude Rains in Casablanca.
There were a few problems with the movie: Inspector Uhl's narration seemed out of place and put the story in an odd time line. Also, the love story was just too pat and was not given enough time to develop into a believable affair. Just suspend your disbelief and go along with the idea that two childhood sweethearts would reunite after 15 years of separation and a plethora of logistical boundaries. The love story aspect really sums up why the film isn't better: its not that it lacks chemistry, it lacks a spark. The stakes aren't quite high enough to make us completely engrossed in the film. The level of suspense isn't quite enough to make us forget everything and only follow where the characters lead.
The Illusionist is a well made, entertaining film with a quality story and performances, but it ultimately lacks that elusive oomph to make it into something really special.