The plot is too trickery; the payoff is flat

Rating: 8/10 (24 September 2012)

Two magicians seek to revenge against each other, by trying to destroy each other. The premise is intriguing, but the delivery is trickery.
This is the Nolan brothers' movie that went a bit too labored. The plot is awkward, just like the walk of the Chinese magician (portrayed in the movie who did the goldfish trick), and the wisdom dispensed is too stretched (about "sacrifice") . Even its analogy about the audience seeking a moment of escape from the miserable world they are living in by going to see a magic show (as comparing to going to a movie) is a clichÃ©.
The characters were mostly miscast, from the two leading roles (the magicians) to their women (Scarlett Johansson in particular). Not that those actors are not talent; just they are misfit for this early 20th century London scene. Only Michael Caine came cross creditable and convincing.
If this movie were a magic show, then, despite of the fanfare of all three acts-- Pledge, Turn and Prestige, the payoff for the audiences is as flat as the bird being snapped upon in the cage.