The Illusionist (2006) Critic Reviews

Rather than taking viewers on a twisty, provocative journey through a mazelike meditation on appearance and reality, The Illusionist finally just sits there, looking like a very well-produced pilot for PBS's "Mystery!" series. It's a sophisticated snooze.Read the full review

Sewell and Giamatti ham it up as the imperious pretender to the throne and his ambitious but conflicted minion in this uncheesy but entertainingly tricky mystery. There's more heat between the two of them than between the sappy lovers.Read the full review

The Illusionist casts an exquisitely bewitching spell with its dreamy atmosphere and pervasive sense of suspense.Read the full review

It's an exquisitely crafted period picture that keeps promising more and more as it goes along--smarter ideas, richer themes, spookier plot twists--and keeps delivering on every promise, right up until the rug-pulling and overly hasty final sequence.Read the full review

An infectious mix of romance, mystery, and magic.Read the full review

Outstanding production values and mysterious subject matter give the film a surprisingly opulent feel for an independent Sundance entry.Read the full review

It's important to keep in mind that little in The Illusionist is quite what it seems. That goes for the movie itself, fashioned from smoke, mirrors and, fortunately, Mr. Norton's magical performance.Read the full review

The Illusionist looks rigorously styled and measured, and every one of Norton's postures feels chosen. Yet the interesting actor has chosen so thoughtfully that we're riveted.Read the full review

A rich and elegant film, full of sly, devious characters with complicated motives.Read the full review