The Story:
Two magicians one 'good' one 'bad', tutored by the same mentor, become obsessed with their art, with proving themselves, and with trying to out-do the other... with desdly consequences.

The Cast:
Hugh Jackman is good in his role as Robert Angier, but is slightly overshadowed by Christian Bale's Alfred Borden. Michael Caine is obviously brilliant as the mentor to them both, and Scarlett Johansson, like Bale, pulls off a surprisingly convincing British accent. Unfortunately the same can't be said for David Bowie's Nikola Tesla, whose Russian accent is at first suspicious, and becomes almost tortuous to witness.

The Review:
Pretty good, to be honest. If you're observant, you'll spot the final 'shock' coming from about halfway through the film, but the twists are powerful nonetheless. The great thing with a film about magic is that you can present the story like you'd present a trick: Begin with something that looks unquestionable, then confuse the audience by repeatedly throwing them off track until they've nearly forgotten the starting point, and end by letting them know that everything they'd previously conceived as logical must be called into question. This film does exactly that, and you will (like I did) eagerly lap up the sleight of hand, because you, like I, and everybody else, like to be harmlessly outwitted.

The Rating:
8 out of 10.