Magic Overload!
Due to the miracle that is NetFlix my wife and I have recently seen three movies featuring magicians. I’ll present them in the order we saw them:
Besides being about magicians the movies share a few other connections. Two of the three star both Hugh Jackman and Scarlett Johansson. Two are period pieces. Two feature romantic rivalries. Two feature supernatural explanations of critical magical events. Two feature rivalries in which a character tries figure out a magician’s tricks. Three feature notebooks. Two are told somewhat out of order, Pulp Fiction style. Two of them might merit two viewings, as you’ll catch things on a second viewing that you’ll miss the first time around. All three feature murders.
To avoid spoilers I won’t say which of these movies feature which of these elements, but I will give mini reviews.
Scoop is a watchable Woody Allen movie. I should note that I am not a fan. In fact, he is the worst aspect of the movie and is a bit grating. That said, it is a funny mystery that held my attention and came to a satisfying conclusion, especially if you hate Woody Allen.
The Illusionist is a story about a poor boy who uses magic to torment his romantic rival, the local prince. This leads to legal troubles as well as heartache. Fans of con movies such as The Italian Job will be pleased.
The Prestige is a movie about rivals and the lengths they will go to outshine one another. It reveals more secrets than the others, showing how all its tricks are performed. This is both rewarding and unfortunate as the mystery is removed, but the movie isn’t really about magic. Magic just happens to be the profession of the protagonists. It is about the all-consuming rivalry. Also, David Bowie shows in a surprising role.
So how do they stack up? I guess it depends on what you want. If you want a love story, then the ranking is The Illusionist, Scoop, The Prestige. If you are looking for plot, acting, or my opinion then the order is The Prestige, The Illusionist, Scoop. But all of them are worthwhile.
In any case, NetFlix will allow you to watch them all in a row if that floats your boat, and I think the similarities and contrasts make them more enjoyable together than they would be alone.
Posted on May 9, 2007, in DVD, Film. Bookmark the permalink. 15 Comments.
Steve Evans
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Clark Goble
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Tim J
The Italian Job wasn’t a con movie it was a heist movie. Big difference although occasionally, as in The Heist, there is overlap.
Clark,
I can accept that. I’m trying to think of an acceptable comparison and I’m coming up blank for now.
I loved The Prestige, though it is a bit creepy for some. I thought Scoop was good, though certainly not top-tier Woody. I haven’t seen the Illusionist, though I happen to have it here in my house and, based on your review, I’m going to go watch it.
How’s Ian McShane in Scoop? If I were to rent it (which I probably won’t – I love Woody Allen if you ignore that last 12 or so years), he would be the sole reason.
Brian V,
His character dies as the movie is starting, but don’t let this fact drive you away!
After that he steals the show repeatedly. All the funniest moments belong to him.
That said, he isn’t in the movie nearly as much as Woody and Scarlett.
Of the three I’ve only seen the Illusionist. I thought it was pretty good. I’ve actually seen it twice and didn’t get bored the second time through.
I liked both “The Illusionist” and “The Prestige” a lot. As similar as they are, they were actually quite different. “The Illusionist” was almost minimalist and elegant in its plot. “The Prestige” was very complex, but holds up quite well in the way it’s structured. “The Prestige” was also pretty creepy, but it was more intellectually creepy than gory.
Random John, I now believe in magic thanks to you.
They’re not tricks! They’re illusions.
A trick is what a whore does for money!
…no, candy!
Some of them are actually pretty good tricks.
I will have to see the Illusionist (love edward norton) and Scoop. I did see the prestige, and really enjoyed it.
Great cast (Michael Caine! Christian Bale!) Amazing visual imagery (Hats, lots of Hats falling). Some of the twists were a bit predictable, but in a way that made them feel like twist in the gut.
Really though Michael Caine’s performance was great, like a great loaf of french bread.
Can someone on this board do a very long list sometime of best heist/con movies? I’m in constant need of more of those. I’ll take them in whatever form they come. I’m a sucker every time.
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