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I bought this film ages ago and finally got round to watching it with my partner this weekend, and I am so glad that we did in the end! I can honestly say that I think The Prestige is one of the best things that I have watched in a long, long time!

The film is based on the book The Prestige by Christopher Priest, and has been adapted into a film by the director Christopher Nolan and his brother, of Batman Begins fame. They have done a good job in making the film interesting viewing which leaves you gripped, and completely mesmerised by.

The premise behind the film is the basis of a magic trick. Each magic trick consists of 3 parts: the Pledge, the Turn and the Prestige. In this film, we are trying to find out the prestige of the trick Borden performs, and makes Angier mad by trying to emulate and better it.

The films stars Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine and Scarlett Johannsen in the leading roles, Piper Perabo also makes a fleeting appearance early on in the film. Jackman and Bale are young keen magicians, who want to learn the art of magic under the guidance of Cutter (played by Caine) who designs magic tricks. They are part of a small show with Robert Angier's wife Julia as the magician's assistant. However, it goes horribly wrong and Julia is killed whilst performing a trick before Cutter can save her.

This is where the rivalry between the 2 young magicians comes from...Robert is convinced his friend Alfred Borden (Bale) is to blame for his wife's death but Borden thinks otherwise. The rivalry between the two men becomes an obsession, one that will carry on at all costs. They are determined to better each other, become a better magician than the other, and ruin each others lives.

Just as you think you can guess what is coming, the film throws in a completely new twist which you are not expecting, and it throws the film into a completely new direction! You can get taken in by the magic tricks in the film and end up missing bits in the film, but don't worry, all is made clear by the end of the movie!

The film does jump around a lot, time wise, so you do have to make sure you are paying attention closely otherwise you could get lost in the time frame of the film! It is done through the readings of journals and diaries belonging to the young magicians, but in a way you can keep up as long as you concentrate!

Both Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale excel in their performances as 19th century magicians embroiled in a bitter rivalry. Bale really impressed me as Borden, he really put on a great British accent, and was quite menacing in his role.

The film was amazing, and you cannot guess any of the twists and turns that come about. It is a thriller, a mystery and above all, an absolute joy to watch. I think this film will appeal to anybody who enjoys a good film which can keep you gripped for the entire 2 hours it will be on your tele! Watch it, you wont be disappointed!

Starring:
Hugh Jackman ... Robert Angier
Christian Bale ... Alfred Borden
Michael Caine ... Cutter
Scarlett Johansson ... Olivia Wenscombe
David Bowie ... Tesla
Andy Serkis ... Alley

Running time: 2hrs 15 mins

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