The Illusionist

Have you noticed that sometimes movies with similar premises are released within the same year? Some notable examples include Dr. Strangelove and Fail-Safe, and Armaggedon and Deep Impact. Another one includes 2006's The Prestige and The Illusionist.

Eisenheim (Edward Norton) is a magician in early 1900's Vienna who falls in love with Sophie von Teschen (Jessica Biel), a woman well above his social standing. When she becomes engaged to Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell), Eisenheim uses his powers to free her and undermine the stability of the royal house of Vienna.

Comparing this to The Prestige, I think it's clear to say which one's better (it's The Prestige). I mean, The Illusionist is good in itself, but it doesn't come close to The Prestige. It doesn't mean I'm not recommending The Illusionist; I'm just saying The Prestige is better.

My Rating: ****