The Prestige (2006)

As I mentally prepare myself for this weekend of softball, I decided to watch something relaxing and somewhat thought-provoking. After some thought, I decided on the 2006 sci-fi/mystery The Prestige.

Plot/ Two stage magicians engage in competitive one-upmanship in an attempt to create the ultimate stage illusion.

Any movie that features Nikola Tesla is an automatic winner in my book, plus when the amazing David Bowie is playing that genius, it is a home run. That is exactly what The Prestige is, an amazing journey to another time that doubles as a tremendous character study with a dark look at obsession. Complete with an outstanding storyline, an incredible cast with top-notch performances, and spot on direction and cinematography, this movie does not disappoint in any way. Not to mention the sci-fi/steampunk twist added into what was already a great trip into the world of illusion. Yes, it was a touch predictable if you pay attention to the dialog and hints that are sprinkled in, but that does nothing to bring the movie down. In the end, if you have not seen this film, you are really missing out. It is honestly one of Christopher Nolan’s best movies and a darker film that I could watch over and over again. Highly recommended.

Tom Holland's Twisted Tales (2013)

When I returned Mr. Jones the other night, I had a film jump off the shelf and catch my attention. While I should know not to rush into flicks based on packaging, this one felt different. That film was 2013s Tom Holland's Twisted Tales.

Plot/ Tom Holland's Twisted Tales was a web series hosted by our friends over at FearNet. There are nine short films, all written and directed by Tom Holland that cover a myriad of topics as only he could envision.

One of the biggest miseries I have had since moving from New Jersey is living without FearNet. Yes, I could watch it on my computer, but I am usually working on something. When I saw this DVD on the shelf, I had mixed emotions. As with any anthology, especially ones made specifically for the web, I knew there would be quality issues because of their lower budgets. I was right! While there were some interesting pieces, there was a wide range from best to the worst in the series. There were also some acting flaws, pacing flaws and too many clichéd moments for me to love it. Yes, there were some entertaining and good moments in this, but for the average horror fan, it would not be enough to keep them enthralled for the entire 146 minute run time (something that should have been cut down if it were me). In the end, this would likely have been better for me to watch as they were originally intended on the web and one at a time. While it is not terrible, there was truly nothing new and it was a bit of a disappointment.

The Illusionist (2006)

After taking Saturday off to recover from soccer, softball, and fishing, I decided to kick back and watch something with a bit of a lighter feel. After doing some football coverage with my first mock draft of the season, it was time to find something. That is when I found one of my favorite period pieces / mysteries; the Illusionist from 2006.

Plot/ In turn-of-the-century Vienna, a magician uses his abilities to secure the love of a woman far above his social standing.

This movie is rare, as it took two genres and pulled off merging them into one entertaining and fluid pieces of cinema. Everything about this film worked extremely well. The cast bought into their roles and performed them perfectly, the cinematography and visuals are amazing, the scripting keeps you guessing, and the ending was perfect. Honestly, even after viewing it multiple times it is still fascinating to watch. If you have not seen it, yet, then I ask why not? This is a tremendous film and one that should viewed. Check it out!

Now You See Me (2013)

One thing that sometime gets to me is the inability to venture out to see movies in the cinema. Do not get me wrong, I could, but with the over-exurbanite price of everything, I prefer to head to the drive-in, where it is more cost effective. In doing that, there are often movies I miss on the big screen, and I am forced to wait for their release. Now You See Me (2013) was one of those movies.

Plot/ An FBI agent and an Interpol detective track a team of illusionists who pull off bank heists during their performances and reward their audiences with the money.

Now that I have seen this, I understand why I heard so many differing opinions at work. While visually stimulating and an interest premise, the potential was here for so much more. The acting was solid, the idea was strong, and the execution was used to create an entertaining movie. However, the lack of characterization, the invisibility of the tremendous cast as a whole, and the overwhelming clichéd ending will in the end keep this from being all that it could have been. Yes, the characters are interesting, but there was no definitive back story, just some disconnected elements that were hinted at throughout. In the end, this one is entertaining and fun, with enough visual to keep you interested the first time through, after that it may be a challenge. 

Lord of Illusions (1995)

It has been an interesting few days at work, as my new class and I overhauled a 1950s RCA Victor phonograph (it sounds awesome) and built a weird vibrating rocket ship. Of course, here at the house, we focused on completing some things for the Fayette County Fair, which we got to enter today. Overall, it was just another busy week. Fortunately, I had some time to squeeze in a movie, Clive Barkers, Lord of Illusions.

Plot/ During a routine case in L.A., NY private investigator Harry D'Amour stumbles over members of a fanatic cult, who are waiting for the resurrection of their leader.

This is by far my favorite film by Clive Barker. The atmosphere, characters and storyline are tremendous with Barker’s signature style permeating throughout the movie. More importantly, there is a nice blend of blood, death and strange happenings woven into the fabric. Yes, some of it may be a bit over the top, but for me, that was only a small detractor. In the end, it may not be as famous as Hellraiser no have the cult following of that classic, but it is a intriguing journey into a magical realm of darkness and a flick that must be seen (especially, the directors cut).