This magic trick you don't wanna miss.

Rating: Null/10 (12 February 2019)

A great performance by Ed Norton and fine direction by Neil Burger make The Illusionist a fine watch. The Illusionist is almost an art house/mainstream hybrid, containing elements of both. The setting and budget are in accord with what one might expect from a movie in a limited run. The cast, however, contains a trio of high profile names, one of which is commonly associated with teen-friendly multiplex fare. In addition, Burger's story is at its heart a crowd-pleaser, and many who guess the film's "trick" won't hold it against The Illusionist. Those who are sticklers for detail may appreciate that most of the magic acts illustrated throughout the film are replicated from their real-life 19th century counterparts (some of which were surprisingly sophisticated for that day and age). The Illusionist is a great watch- it looks great, is acted impeccably, and is a nice treat to those who complain of not seeing the 1800s presented on screen.