The Illusionist

I thought the film had too ho-hum of a pace to it (plus I also guessed the outcome early in the film). The energy level was too understated, with the exception of Rufus Sewell, who's a royal bastiche with no redeemable qualities. Norton is good, but understated as the Illusionist. Biel is not as vacant as she typically is, given her past film credits, and actually connects with Norton in their scenes. Giamatti does his darnedest to be convincing in a role that ultimately undermines his character, but purposefully so. The minor nitpicks have to do with some of the illusional cheats for the film's time period that lower the plausibility of the illusions. It's definitely worth a matinee viewing if you are a fan of actors involved in the film.

I give it 2.75 stars, or a grade of B-.