The Prestige

One of the better movies of the year, but it's very predictable. I had the big twist figured out halfway through the film, but that didn't stop me from enjoying it to the fullest. The story of 2 friends who are trying to become stage magicians who part ways after a terrible tragedy, they become each others greatest competition, and as they try to out-perform each other more and more they begin to risk their lives/morality in doing so. Great performances from the top notch cast (even Piper Perabo is good), great and nuanced direction from Christopher Batman Begins Nolan and magnificent cinematography and score combine into one very interesting, if not flawed, movie event. It's also kinda disturbing in spots as well (the final shot is creepy). I'm keeping this one short as to not spoil anything. Way better than the other magician movie floating around theaters right now, The Illusionist.

4 out of 5


*written 12/9/06