Prepare to pay attention to every detail...the film is a trick in itself..

Rating: 8/10 (23 October 2006)

Prepare for non-linear, plot twisting writing. The film is shot in a 3 act fashion which is the secret formula to a great film whether non linear or shot in order. The acting was superb and the character development fully fleshed out all the characters most importantly Bale and Jackman as two competitors in show business in Vicorian era London where the beautiful costumes and set design transport the viewer there in the middle of early metropolitan media hyped civilization. Sometimes a showman is in the business strictly to hear the applause of a crowd, to feed the ego. A showman will go to desperate lengths to be # 1 on the billboard charts or in this case invent the best magic trick in a time when magicians were as popular as pop singers and rock stars. But what if the magic trick is not magic as we know it. Magic is a trick. But real magic is science.
The film is not a realistic revenge drama/mystery. I suggest you walk into the theater prepared to see a Science Fiction film. The movie can deceive you into thinking it's a serious factual film. The film is never boring though. To me at least being a huge Twilight Zone and Star Trek fan. The characters really hate each other, and you feel their envy, hatred and jealousy in every scene. The only problem with the film is that it shifts from realistic revenge drama to a long twilight zone episode after the midway point, which can cause some audiences to be let down or disappointed . Love it or Hate it film. But it's not easy disregard the smart script, off guard plot twists, and great acting. Spiritual religious people and Science fans will love the story because of the hope we get from realizations that humanity can achieve when all the bad emotions are tucked away. Science heals and science kills, but it all depends on the soul of the man who controls the science. 3 1/2 stars. 7/10.