So, in short? Well, the scenery is very pleasant and this film would kill a couple of hours on a plane. But I don't think I'd advise schlepping to the cinema rather than, say, staying at home for a nap then a bit of cheese.

| Jan 30, 2018

| Original Score: B | Feb 18, 2012

Despite its two strong lead performances and terrific visual verve, The Illusionist ends up as a great example of an overly ambitious movie that's not quite sure what it wants to be.

Full Review | Mar 24, 2007

Norton looks tortured and old before his time as the humourless Eisenheim.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Mar 13, 2007

In its unassuming way, the film shows that reality is more mystifying than illusion.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Mar 3, 2007

With exquisite performances (Giamatti's, in particular), it leaves you thrillingly hovering, happily uncommitted to any one interpretation.

| Feb 28, 2007

Keeps you vaguely approaching the edge of your seat.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Feb 27, 2007

It's not on a gasp-inducing making-the-Statue-Of-Liberty-disappear level, but with its opulent presentation and confident storytelling, The Illusionist has the power to keep an audience rapt like a good old-fashioned card trick.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Feb 27, 2007

Not everyone will be taken in by the plot's final twist, but even if you guess how Eisenheim does it, you'll be won over by his showmanship.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Feb 27, 2007

It gives you a chance to warm to a couple of beautifully calibrated and engagingly understated performances.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Feb 23, 2007

You may be temporarily beguiled, but not fooled.

| Original Score: 3/6 | Feb 3, 2007

What (director Neil) Burger and his colleagues have done is to entrance us with a richly acted, beautifully produced story.

Full Review | Oct 26, 2006

The film's best effects are Norton's compellingly enigmatic performance and Giamatti's considerable sympathy and charm.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Oct 25, 2006

The magic practiced by this illusionist does not extend to the screen.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Sep 2, 2006

Conjures up a world of mystery, romance and suspense.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Sep 1, 2006

A pleasant diversion serious enough to offer a little soul.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Sep 1, 2006

While Burger's screenplay isn't always graceful, the movie's lovely enough that you might not notice.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 25, 2006

Underneath its hocus-pocus is a compelling story, very well told.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 25, 2006

Because the plot spins out in such a smooth fashion and the acting is so darned good, we're distracted from the film's flaws.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Aug 25, 2006

The Illusionist has several tricks up its sleeve, not the least of which is Edward Norton's impeccable performance as a master magician in turn-of-the-century Vienna.

Full Review | Original Score: B | Aug 24, 2006