susieflann

How is it the masculine mind can conceive and execute brilliant concepts? Surely a cousin to Nicoli Tesla, enter the Illusionist. He doesn't answer that question, but demonstrates it to perfection. In a time of arranged marriages, a woman he loves is trapped. In life we know that while rescue is not always possible, a final justice may be. The confounding events accelerate, becoming a problem for Inspector Uhl, played with intelligence and a newly-found absolute handsomeness by Paul Giamatti. The very subtle performances by Edward Norton and Jessica Biel are enchanting and hot. The wardrobe is crafted by the LORD OF THE RINGS costume designer. The musical score by Phillip Glass is a gift, passionate and quick, echoing the flying pace of the story. We're also treated to the stunning vistas of 1900 Vienna. Intrigued a bit? Go. Hard core cynics need not apply.

The delivery of some very humorous rude lines by Pierce Brosnan is alone worth the price of admission. He plays a kind of "James Bond's psycho twin brother", separated at birth, no doubt. As an intense hit-man, his character is very sexual but even better, very funny. Add the kind-hearted, uber-likable American "guy next door', Greg Kinnear, to set up contrast. The myriad locations, vivid colors, and quick-witted humor provide great entertainment. Hope Davis is well cast as the "gem of a wife". But the focus of the film is on the two fellows, a new "Odd Couple", and that's the part that works very well. Have a great (probably R-rated) laugh, and look for the places where the story goes a little deeper.

Walter Salles work is deeply authentic. I appreciated following the journey of young Che Guevera, but what I valued most was refecting on the honesty and yearning of the young man he is in this film. Che sees the unfairness of the world and makes the harder choice of wanting to change it, instead of laughing at it. The beauty of the land and faces rings true.