The Prestige – Catch and Release

“The Prestige” –
Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Scarlett Johanssen, Michael Caine

I enjoyed the “Illusionist” far more. This was complex, convoluted, and tragically romantic. I guess I am at that peculiar stage where I just don’t understand, any longer, the level of competition that kills not just dreams but lives. This was like the “Wall Street” of magician movies. There are no winners, only bad guys who get ahead regardless. What message is this sending? Yes, Michael Caine is in great form and clearly has had a bit of work done to maintain his ageless demeanor, but after all it is all about magic.

“Catch and Release” –
Jennifer Garner, Timothy Olyphant, Fiona Shaw, Juliette Lewis

How little we truly know of those closest too us! And how willing we are to assume the worst, and pay a debt we don’t even owe. I enjoyed this thoroughly, particularly the happy ending part (okay so they set it up for a sequel, maybe “Cast and Fry?”) Garner is a delight, though I think that character development was a bit weak, I never could figure out what she did for a living or how she met the fiance that suddenly died (or even how he died!) Lewis steals most of her scenes with an overtop blonde vegan masseuse who plays a bit fast and loose but does have an adorable 4 year old boy with her. Shaw seems a unique choice for the mother-in-law, not sure of the significance of the Brit influence since it was unclear about the fiancé.