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Gareth von Kallenbach (974 KP) rated Where the Wild Things Are (2009) in Movies
Aug 9, 2019
A film adaptation of Maurice Sandak’s beloved childhood tale of the same name, “Where the Wild Things Are” brings to life the worlds of Max a very imaginative child coming to grips with the emotional changes in his life. From his mom’s new boyfriend to his sister’s move into the teen years, Max is feeling very alone and runs away to a place where his needs are the first priority. In his world, Max is crowned king and he begins to deal with the issues of his real life through interaction and play with a variety of wildly imaginative monsters.
Taking a short children’s book and turning it into a compelling full-length film was the job of screenplay writers, David Eggers and Spike Jonzes, who also directed the picture. Among the film’s producers was Sandak and it shows. The film is seamlessly consistent with the original book while providing new and exciting content.
The roles are strongly cast from the lead of Max played by the up and coming Max Records, to that of the monster Carol voiced by James Gandolfini. The visual fantasy presented combines real and digital elements smoothly enough to accurately depict Max’s imagination while remaining realistic to the point of believability. Additionally, the fun yet abstract soundtrack manages to highlight the ups and downs of childhood exploration.
Seeming more like a masterpiece from Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki than an American created live action children’s film, the detailed crafting and imaginatively honest perspective created by “Where the Wild Things Are” takes viewers back into their youth. A delight that is enjoyable, heartfelt and true to the spirit of the book, “Where the Wild Things Are”, is a must see film for any child inside or out.
Taking a short children’s book and turning it into a compelling full-length film was the job of screenplay writers, David Eggers and Spike Jonzes, who also directed the picture. Among the film’s producers was Sandak and it shows. The film is seamlessly consistent with the original book while providing new and exciting content.
The roles are strongly cast from the lead of Max played by the up and coming Max Records, to that of the monster Carol voiced by James Gandolfini. The visual fantasy presented combines real and digital elements smoothly enough to accurately depict Max’s imagination while remaining realistic to the point of believability. Additionally, the fun yet abstract soundtrack manages to highlight the ups and downs of childhood exploration.
Seeming more like a masterpiece from Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki than an American created live action children’s film, the detailed crafting and imaginatively honest perspective created by “Where the Wild Things Are” takes viewers back into their youth. A delight that is enjoyable, heartfelt and true to the spirit of the book, “Where the Wild Things Are”, is a must see film for any child inside or out.
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Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Queen of Hearts (2019) in Movies
Mar 22, 2020
Very Enjoyable...And Cringy
I have to say, just when I thought I knew where things were going with Queen of Hearts, it totally threw me off the rails. I applaud the change in direction and is one of the numerous reasons I liked it. In this movie, a woman seduces her stepson and is faced with a tough decision as a result.
Acting: 10
Trine Dyrholm shines in a brilliant performance as mom Anne. I related to her conflict and the torment that followed. I was not only impressed with her but the entire cast of actors comprised in this movie.
Beginning: 10
The film doesn’t take a long time for the conflict to build. Even knowing what the movie is about, you’re still a bit at the edge of your seat waiting as the tension builds. After the first ten minutes, I knew what was coming and I was excited for it anyway.
Characters: 10
Conflict: 8
Entertainment Value: 9
Memorability: 7
Pace: 8
Plot: 10
Great story design from start to finish. Tension builds, it mounts, and just when you think things will settle, things get crazy again. I was entranced by this story and its reliance on deep characters to move the plot along.
Resolution: 5
I can’t speak for everyone, but the ending left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth. I felt it would happen, but it didn’t make it any easier of a pill to swallow when my fears were confirmed. No matter what, you have to understand with a story like this, it can’t end with sunshine and roses. Be prepared.
Overall: 87
Queen of Hearts is a rollercoaster of a story with intense conflict that steadily builds. I definitely didn’t see the twist coming which made me fully appreciate the value of the movie. Worth checking out!
Acting: 10
Trine Dyrholm shines in a brilliant performance as mom Anne. I related to her conflict and the torment that followed. I was not only impressed with her but the entire cast of actors comprised in this movie.
Beginning: 10
The film doesn’t take a long time for the conflict to build. Even knowing what the movie is about, you’re still a bit at the edge of your seat waiting as the tension builds. After the first ten minutes, I knew what was coming and I was excited for it anyway.
Characters: 10
Conflict: 8
Entertainment Value: 9
Memorability: 7
Pace: 8
Plot: 10
Great story design from start to finish. Tension builds, it mounts, and just when you think things will settle, things get crazy again. I was entranced by this story and its reliance on deep characters to move the plot along.
Resolution: 5
I can’t speak for everyone, but the ending left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth. I felt it would happen, but it didn’t make it any easier of a pill to swallow when my fears were confirmed. No matter what, you have to understand with a story like this, it can’t end with sunshine and roses. Be prepared.
Overall: 87
Queen of Hearts is a rollercoaster of a story with intense conflict that steadily builds. I definitely didn’t see the twist coming which made me fully appreciate the value of the movie. Worth checking out!
![How to Open and Run a Successful Restaurant](/uploads/profile_image/ae4/8904a0ba-5478-4f34-97b1-2ce545e60ae4.jpg?m=1522353648)
How to Open and Run a Successful Restaurant
Book
If youa re thinking of opening a restaurant, you have a lot on your plate! Dig into this...
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TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated The Choice Is Yours: 52 Choices for Happier Lives in Books
Feb 24, 2021
I loved Barbra Dahlgren’s sense of humor and the light in her heart that shines throughout this devotional. The humor in this book reminds me of Chonda Pierce and Jen Hatmaker. Barbra Dahlgren encourages Christians to find laughter in every day and to make good choices in our lives. I have only read about half of the devotions so far, there are fifty-two of them (Barbra Dahlgren suggests reading them over the course of a year). The devotionals I have read so far are great, very encouraging and upbeat with verse references mostly instead of the actual verse. As Barbra encourages us to read and verify the word ourselves rather than just basing it off what she says in the book.
One of my favorite quotes from the book so far:
“Christians are a rare breed when it comes to laughter. Just the knowledge of Jesus Christ as our Savior should fill us will joy, but Christians can be some of the biggest fuddy-duddies around.” -pg.40
I truly like this devotional, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a new devotional to read. I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars for the way it drew me in and has kept me coming back day after day, for the sense of humor Barbra Dahlgren interwove into every chapter, and for the circle always coming back to what God said in the Bible. It is a book that I will continue to read until I reach the end, and then I will regift it to someone else who needs some smiles in their life.
*I received this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
One of my favorite quotes from the book so far:
“Christians are a rare breed when it comes to laughter. Just the knowledge of Jesus Christ as our Savior should fill us will joy, but Christians can be some of the biggest fuddy-duddies around.” -pg.40
I truly like this devotional, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a new devotional to read. I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars for the way it drew me in and has kept me coming back day after day, for the sense of humor Barbra Dahlgren interwove into every chapter, and for the circle always coming back to what God said in the Bible. It is a book that I will continue to read until I reach the end, and then I will regift it to someone else who needs some smiles in their life.
*I received this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
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Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Reclaimed (Shadow Beast Shifters, #2) in Books
Jan 19, 2021
I picked this up from the Kindle Unlimited library on its release day because i was curious.
So it literally picks up where the last left off with Mera in a crazy going-to-kill-someone mood believing her friend had been murdered with the consent of Shadow. In her anger she once again draws from the Shadow World, bringing hundreds of shadow creatures across before panicking and trying to send them back. Shadow helps her cage them and then they have their argument, coming to an understanding before Angel rushes in, telling them the Shadow World's lock has been broken and they can now head inside so Shadow can claim his powers and his world.
So, yeah. I read it. I felt more interested in the romance between Mera and Shadow in this one. Their feelings grew a lot - or maybe i should say; they grew more comfortable around each other, enough to admit things when shit got bad at times. I will admit that I got invested in them. Without the pack and other distractions like the library, we focused more on Mera and what was happening in her head. She did grow on me quite a lot.
There were quite a few surprises thrown in towards the end involving Dannie and a few other things that I didn't entirely see coming and then the last chapter? Not a fan of what the author did with that but I guess she had to end it in a way that left the third book with a strong starter since the plotline from the start of this series was getting into Shadows World and him getting his powers back and that's all sorted now. I will probably read it when it comes out.
So it literally picks up where the last left off with Mera in a crazy going-to-kill-someone mood believing her friend had been murdered with the consent of Shadow. In her anger she once again draws from the Shadow World, bringing hundreds of shadow creatures across before panicking and trying to send them back. Shadow helps her cage them and then they have their argument, coming to an understanding before Angel rushes in, telling them the Shadow World's lock has been broken and they can now head inside so Shadow can claim his powers and his world.
So, yeah. I read it. I felt more interested in the romance between Mera and Shadow in this one. Their feelings grew a lot - or maybe i should say; they grew more comfortable around each other, enough to admit things when shit got bad at times. I will admit that I got invested in them. Without the pack and other distractions like the library, we focused more on Mera and what was happening in her head. She did grow on me quite a lot.
There were quite a few surprises thrown in towards the end involving Dannie and a few other things that I didn't entirely see coming and then the last chapter? Not a fan of what the author did with that but I guess she had to end it in a way that left the third book with a strong starter since the plotline from the start of this series was getting into Shadows World and him getting his powers back and that's all sorted now. I will probably read it when it comes out.
![Cut the Rope: Magic](/uploads/profile_image/3df/2da17201-b408-4fea-925b-7a14866973df.jpg?m=1522324903)
Cut the Rope: Magic
Games and Entertainment
App
ABRACADABRA! After more than 960 million downloads, the Cut the Rope series returns with a magical...
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Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Vicious Royals ( Nocturnal Academy book 3) in Books
Oct 25, 2022
197 of 230
Kindle
Vicious Royals ( Nocturnal Academy book 3)
By Margo Ryerkerk and Holly Hook
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A sadistic vamp lord. A rebellious fae. A vicious hunt.
The first term of Nocturnal Academy is over. Majors have been assigned.
I've made choices that brought me closer to the guillotine. But the fight isn't over, not yet.
I must get through the spring term. Not an easy feat when the vamp students are planning a sacrifice and have a bone to pick with me.
But even if I survive the prison academy, someone will be buying my contract after school is out, and rumor has it that the king of sadists is interested in me.
Whatever he wants, he gets.
But if he thinks I'll go down without a fight, he has another thing coming.
I'll even ally myself with Thorsten, the vamp guard whose family the sadist has wronged.
But working together with Thorsten brings new problems. The handsome jerk seems to hate me, yet keeps putting his head on the line for me.
My mind is growing more and more confused with him while my body craves him.
If I'm not careful, I'm going to leave Nocturnal Academy not just with a slavery contract, but also a broken heart.
Dive into a world where vampires rule over fae, and one girl is determined to change it all!
This world is a hard one if you’re Fae. It’s pretty brutal the way these vampires behave towards the fae especially the female. This is the best one so far it’s fully packed with action and drama. Also the bombshell at the end I didn’t see coming. Well worth a read if you like fantasy but it may need a trigger warning for some scenes. I do really like these two authors they are becoming firm favourites.
Kindle
Vicious Royals ( Nocturnal Academy book 3)
By Margo Ryerkerk and Holly Hook
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A sadistic vamp lord. A rebellious fae. A vicious hunt.
The first term of Nocturnal Academy is over. Majors have been assigned.
I've made choices that brought me closer to the guillotine. But the fight isn't over, not yet.
I must get through the spring term. Not an easy feat when the vamp students are planning a sacrifice and have a bone to pick with me.
But even if I survive the prison academy, someone will be buying my contract after school is out, and rumor has it that the king of sadists is interested in me.
Whatever he wants, he gets.
But if he thinks I'll go down without a fight, he has another thing coming.
I'll even ally myself with Thorsten, the vamp guard whose family the sadist has wronged.
But working together with Thorsten brings new problems. The handsome jerk seems to hate me, yet keeps putting his head on the line for me.
My mind is growing more and more confused with him while my body craves him.
If I'm not careful, I'm going to leave Nocturnal Academy not just with a slavery contract, but also a broken heart.
Dive into a world where vampires rule over fae, and one girl is determined to change it all!
This world is a hard one if you’re Fae. It’s pretty brutal the way these vampires behave towards the fae especially the female. This is the best one so far it’s fully packed with action and drama. Also the bombshell at the end I didn’t see coming. Well worth a read if you like fantasy but it may need a trigger warning for some scenes. I do really like these two authors they are becoming firm favourites.
![40x40](/uploads/profile_image/208/70d9cbd8-2073-4b51-8a63-dcc82cf7f208.jpg?m=1525846273)
okletmereviewit (4 KP) rated Shin Godzilla (2016) in Movies
May 11, 2018
The King of the Monsters is Back
Contains spoilers, click to show
I must say that when I heard that TOHO was coming out with a new Godzilla movie I was super ecstatic. I have enjoyed the Godzilla franchise since I was a kid. The movie starts with a modern Tokyo with the pretense that it is shortly after the Fukushima Nuclear meltdown and after several earthquakes. An explosion in the harbor alerts the officials to scramble to find out what has happened. At first there is a lot of chaos and uncertainties as to what is happening out in the harbor. Then a grotesque creature is seen swimming up the on of the rivers inland. The look of this monster is that of a Snake Shark and an Eel with hind legs. This underdeveloped monster is referred to as Godzilla's "1st Form". As it snakes its way through metropolitan area's, forced evacuations are sent underway to assure as many lives that can be saved could. As the fledgling Godzilla struggles with trying to maneuver on land, you see red almost blood looking liquid pouring from its gills. It shortly there after makes its way back to the bay and resubmerged. The Japanese Government is in a panic trying to figure out what this thing is, and how to best deal with it. Teams of researchers from around the country begin an unprecedented collaboration of the minds to classify and to come up with a solution on how to defend Tokyo and the rest of Japan from this creature. Next time we see the creature coming out of the water it begins to resemble the Godzilla we all know and love. But with sudo deformed forearms, and red coloring to its skin, and a misshapen mouth. This form is referred to as his 3rd form. This 3rd form Godzilla begins making its way through the cities headed for Tokyo. The government authorizes the use of any and all weapons in order to stop the best in its tracks. After some failures trying what they could. The Japanese reach out to America for help. The US deploys B2 Stealth Bombers with subnuclear missile's which cause significant damage, causing Godzilla to undergo another transformation, this time expelling fiery breath that is then focused into a plasma beam that destroys a large section of the city. Then the bombers go to make a second attack and in a wholly new never before seen attack in any of the Godzilla franchise, Godzilla shoots its plasma beams out of his back, in multiple directions destroying the attacking fleet. To which Godzilla enters a hibernation type sleep in the middle of all the destruction and chaos. Both Japanese and American governments as well as several other countries around the world begin sharing data and ideas with one another and a plan is formulated to 'freeze' Godzilla thus killing the creature. The entire country of Japan commissions local chemical plants to create a coagulant and freezing agent to stop Godzilla. A 4 Tier Attack plan is put into place. They begin by sending trains filled with explosives to awaken the monster. Then one after another the Japanese Military begins assaulting Godzilla. At which point Godzilla begins to use his Plasma beam from both his mouth and in another totally new move, from his tail. Godzilla is finally knocked down and the coagulant is then pumped into him, in two stages. At the last stage, Godzilla destroys the Cranes that were pumping the fluid into him, and as he stands to begin more destruction, you see him instantly freeze. At the end of the movie, you see a destroyed Tokyo trying to recover and find some form of normality. And before credit roll, you see up close of Godzilla's tail. It looks like miniature aliens or babies were being birthed from Godzilla's tail. And then it fades to black. Even though the whole movie was Englished Subtitled, I found it very enjoyable and action packed. TOHO has done it again.
![40x40](/uploads/profile_image/d11/fbd020fa-3108-444e-9d3a-0e7716834d11.jpg?m=1557034371)
Solomon Wendt (30 KP) rated A Deadly Education: Lesson One of the Scholomance in Books
Aug 28, 2021
Worldbuilding (2 more)
Magic
Coming of Age
Some descriptions lacking (2 more)
Confused on Series Plot
Good first book but not a stand alone story
A Deadly Slice of Life/Coming of Age Magic School
Magic School. Wizards. Teenage Angst. A lot of reasons I signed up for the giveaway of this novel and glad I got a copy.
For those who want the quick recommendation, if you enjoy wizard teens and magic schools, you will enjoy this book. Outside of that category, it is a decent fantasy novel that is worth a read, but no need to go and get right away.
First and foremost, books like "A Deadly Education" have the unfortunate hurdle of separating itself from the magic school genre alpha that is Harry Potter, to which I believe Naomi Novik did really well. Whenever I read such stories, I can't help compare to the Potter series, but the world that Novik builds is such a stark contrast that I quickly forgot about Hogwarts and Muggles and traded in for the Scholomance and mundanes.
The world that Novik builds is dark and untrusting. Inside the school, there are maleficera, or 'mals,' that try to consume the students' mana at every turn. This puts the place on edge, making almost every character paranoid to open anything or even go anywhere without at least one other person with them, usually at a cost. This darker side is refreshing, especially because the magic in Novik's world is hard magic as opposed to the soft magic of other series. To those who don't know the difference, soft magic is that magic just exists and spells come without consequence. Hard, on the other hand, has limits and comes from a source and takes skills and finesse to learn and use them. Any author who takes it upon themselves to make the magic in their world hard magic gives themselves a challenge, something that Novik clears easily.
The other part of the world that is dangerous are the mals that attack students. There are a lot of them, so much to the point there should be a separate book that could be referenced to know what they are fighting. Although your imagination can run wild, some of the descriptions, or lack there of, leave you to fill in a lot of blanks. I'm still not sure if they are shadows and/or goo with various metal attached or part of their bodies. The variety is so immense that you don't encounter the same thing twice it seems. When reading the encounters, it was hard to picture the exact nature of the fight in my mind. However, the sense of danger was ever present throughout the whole book.
The story itself is coming of age, or more so coming of friendship, mixed with a slice of life feel. Although there is a starting event, Orion saving Galadriel for the second time, there is not an overarching plot for the story. It is just to survive and possibly make an alliance for graduation. This is not my cup of tea when it comes to stories as I enjoy seeing a defined goal or enemy that leads to a finale or into the next book of the series. This story does not have that, which seems to lack an overall plot other that "just survive." Even the climax of this story felt a little out of the blue in terms of action, and then is superseded by a social bombshell and cliffhanger for the next in the series.
To wrap and reiterate, I enjoy the world that this story takes place. It is inventive and unique to standout against others within the magic school genre. There was some plot lacking, but is still enjoyable for not quite knowing what is coming around the next corning. This a clearly the first book of series which is not the strongest as its own installment, but definitely has me waiting for the next in the line.
For those who want the quick recommendation, if you enjoy wizard teens and magic schools, you will enjoy this book. Outside of that category, it is a decent fantasy novel that is worth a read, but no need to go and get right away.
First and foremost, books like "A Deadly Education" have the unfortunate hurdle of separating itself from the magic school genre alpha that is Harry Potter, to which I believe Naomi Novik did really well. Whenever I read such stories, I can't help compare to the Potter series, but the world that Novik builds is such a stark contrast that I quickly forgot about Hogwarts and Muggles and traded in for the Scholomance and mundanes.
The world that Novik builds is dark and untrusting. Inside the school, there are maleficera, or 'mals,' that try to consume the students' mana at every turn. This puts the place on edge, making almost every character paranoid to open anything or even go anywhere without at least one other person with them, usually at a cost. This darker side is refreshing, especially because the magic in Novik's world is hard magic as opposed to the soft magic of other series. To those who don't know the difference, soft magic is that magic just exists and spells come without consequence. Hard, on the other hand, has limits and comes from a source and takes skills and finesse to learn and use them. Any author who takes it upon themselves to make the magic in their world hard magic gives themselves a challenge, something that Novik clears easily.
The other part of the world that is dangerous are the mals that attack students. There are a lot of them, so much to the point there should be a separate book that could be referenced to know what they are fighting. Although your imagination can run wild, some of the descriptions, or lack there of, leave you to fill in a lot of blanks. I'm still not sure if they are shadows and/or goo with various metal attached or part of their bodies. The variety is so immense that you don't encounter the same thing twice it seems. When reading the encounters, it was hard to picture the exact nature of the fight in my mind. However, the sense of danger was ever present throughout the whole book.
The story itself is coming of age, or more so coming of friendship, mixed with a slice of life feel. Although there is a starting event, Orion saving Galadriel for the second time, there is not an overarching plot for the story. It is just to survive and possibly make an alliance for graduation. This is not my cup of tea when it comes to stories as I enjoy seeing a defined goal or enemy that leads to a finale or into the next book of the series. This story does not have that, which seems to lack an overall plot other that "just survive." Even the climax of this story felt a little out of the blue in terms of action, and then is superseded by a social bombshell and cliffhanger for the next in the series.
To wrap and reiterate, I enjoy the world that this story takes place. It is inventive and unique to standout against others within the magic school genre. There was some plot lacking, but is still enjoyable for not quite knowing what is coming around the next corning. This a clearly the first book of series which is not the strongest as its own installment, but definitely has me waiting for the next in the line.
![40x40](/uploads/profile_image/85f/38c79958-e98e-4e91-8d04-b9b67783785f.jpg?m=1522360014)
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated The Prestige (2006) in Movies
Mar 22, 2018
Underrated and underseen gem
Along with INSOMNIA, the 2006 film that Nolan directed, THE PRESTIGE is probably one of his least known and least viewed films and that is too bad for it is a wonderful motion picture that proves he is a strong director with a strong vision.
Dubbed "The Warring Magicians" film, THE PRESTIGE stars Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman as two 19th Century Magicians who are...well...at war with each other. Of course, they started out as partners, but soon became enemies, each trying to out do each other and to discover the other magician's secrets.
Cleverly written by Nolan and his frequent collaborator, his brother Jonathan Nolan - and based on the novel by Christopher Priest, THE PRESTIGE will keep you guessing throughout, trying to figure out "how they did it" and are constantly being surprised by double turns, back stabbing and second guessing.
Bale, by this time in his career, has established himself as a powerful actor - and he shines here. Joining Bale is Nolan regular Michael Caine as the mentor of the two magicians, a young-ish Scarlett Johannsen as a a woman who falls in love with both of them (of course) and Rebecca Hall and Piper Perabo as Bale's and Jackman's wives, respectively. But...the surprise to me in this film when I first saw it - and again when I recently re-viewed it - is the performance of Hugh Jackman. This film shows that Jackman is more than just Wolverine - that dude can act. As a magician, he is showing glimpses of being "THE GREATEST SHOWMAN" (but that is another movie for another day) and more than holds his own against a fierce Bale. Finally...special notice needs to be made to the actor who portrays inventor Nikola Tesla - perfectly cast in this role is Ziggy Stardust himself, David Bowie. It's a shame that Bowie did not act in more films for he captures the screen in the brief appearances he makes in this film.
As for Nolan - he is now coming into his own as a Director. The action is fast paced, the twists and turns are "honestly" played, the composition of the pictures on the screen are interesting and beautiful to look at and I walked away satisfied.
If you haven't seen THE PRESTIGE (or if you haven't seen it in awhile) - check this one out. You'll be glad you did.
Letter Grade: A (and...that's a surprise to me, I figured it would be a B+/A- film)
9 (out of 10) stars and you can take that to the Bank (ofMarquis)
Dubbed "The Warring Magicians" film, THE PRESTIGE stars Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman as two 19th Century Magicians who are...well...at war with each other. Of course, they started out as partners, but soon became enemies, each trying to out do each other and to discover the other magician's secrets.
Cleverly written by Nolan and his frequent collaborator, his brother Jonathan Nolan - and based on the novel by Christopher Priest, THE PRESTIGE will keep you guessing throughout, trying to figure out "how they did it" and are constantly being surprised by double turns, back stabbing and second guessing.
Bale, by this time in his career, has established himself as a powerful actor - and he shines here. Joining Bale is Nolan regular Michael Caine as the mentor of the two magicians, a young-ish Scarlett Johannsen as a a woman who falls in love with both of them (of course) and Rebecca Hall and Piper Perabo as Bale's and Jackman's wives, respectively. But...the surprise to me in this film when I first saw it - and again when I recently re-viewed it - is the performance of Hugh Jackman. This film shows that Jackman is more than just Wolverine - that dude can act. As a magician, he is showing glimpses of being "THE GREATEST SHOWMAN" (but that is another movie for another day) and more than holds his own against a fierce Bale. Finally...special notice needs to be made to the actor who portrays inventor Nikola Tesla - perfectly cast in this role is Ziggy Stardust himself, David Bowie. It's a shame that Bowie did not act in more films for he captures the screen in the brief appearances he makes in this film.
As for Nolan - he is now coming into his own as a Director. The action is fast paced, the twists and turns are "honestly" played, the composition of the pictures on the screen are interesting and beautiful to look at and I walked away satisfied.
If you haven't seen THE PRESTIGE (or if you haven't seen it in awhile) - check this one out. You'll be glad you did.
Letter Grade: A (and...that's a surprise to me, I figured it would be a B+/A- film)
9 (out of 10) stars and you can take that to the Bank (ofMarquis)