fairly predictable, but enjoyable

Rating: 7/10 (14 February 2007)

For some reason, when watching a Hollywood movie about magicians, before you've seen a single frame, you expect Hollywood magic as well. Magicians, perhaps owing to the number of fantasy movies coming out in recent years, immediately make one think of wizards, not illusionists. At least that how it was for me, and that is how I watched this movie. When looking for the unexpected, which most people will do given the advertising for this movie, it is not hard to find at all, and while the exact details are only revealed later in the movie, the ending of the movie becomes clear at least an hour before it occurs, taking the edge off the 'suspense'. This is in part the fault of the decision to use flashbacks. Had the storytelling been more linear, the careful listener would not have heard details which reveal what is only shown later in the movie.
So much for the plot. The acting is very enjoyable for this type of story. The chosen time period, while not shown in detail, adds charm to the story. Although I never do get that feeling of really looking at the past, the locations are wonderful, as are the costumes.
I do think the film is concerned too much with the plot, and not enough with the characters, but given the plot, that is to be expected as well, perhaps. A little more depth wouldn't have hurt, though.
An enjoyable movie, even if you can see the conclusion coming. I wouldn't have liked to have missed it.