There is Beauty in Misdirection

Rating: 10/10 (7 March 2008)

It is rare for Hollywood movies to engross a real adult in a film, but this one succeeds. Certainly there are magic tricks, but magic is really just the gimmick that allows this fascinating tale of an all-consuming competition for stage dominance between two master magicians to unfold.
And there's more magic behind the individual amazing performances. Not only do the actors convince the audience of their sincerity in the performance of their role, but nearly every one is performing their role in a foreign accent. Hugh Jackman is Australian putting on a fine American sound. Christian Bale is Welsh providing an impressive London street sound.
There will be a need to see the film a second time, to see how cleverly the screenplay was written. Beautiful work. The overall effect is that you are watching a mystery, romance, suspense movie all at once. Great costumes, beautiful look and feel to the piece. Fabulous acting. A really well-cast film masterfully achieved.