WEEKEND LOOKBACK MOVIE REVIEW: THE PRESTIGE

– ★★★★★

Once you get to ask me what my favorite movie of all time is, there’s only one in my mind and that’s The Prestige and it is directed by non-other than The Dark Knight trilogy director, Christopher Nolan.

 

FILM OVERVIEW

To give you an overview; The Prestige follows two friends played by Wolverine, Hugh Jackman and Batman himself, Christian Bale who have the same line of passion which is to become a grand magician and in the long run became arch enemies and business rivals because of certain reasons and one of it is Scarlet Johansson (I can’t blame both).

The rivalry ascends to a higher form of lies and betrayal, because both of them know that there could only be one. It came to a point where a grand magical act has to be performed accurately to wow audiences and gain tons of cash as well. Hugh Jackman’s character needs to find a way on how to do this, while Bale’s character digs his way to stop and shame him to take the throne.

This is where Nikola Tesla’s character comes in, yup, you read it right. Nikola Tesla’s greatest technological invention which is the discovery of electricity is a huge deal in the movie because it served as the solution to Jackman’s greatest magical act.

Anyhow, the story wraps up in Jackman’s biggest performance of his life which is also turns out to be a compromise, as well as the standing-ovation-worthy twist at the end.

WHY DO I LOVE THE PRESTIGE?

Now, why do I love The Prestige? One, it is because of the compelling story-telling. Christopher Nolan is the winner in this because of the immensely captivating story of two magicians who were friends from the start but became the greatest enemies all because of fame-lust, having a bitter-sweet ending for one of the characters.

The jumping from present to past scenes and the ultimate revelation in the end is a really enthralling type of storytelling that needs focus, but then, you don’t need to because you’re going to be fixated on the screen for the entire two and a half hours of the movie, and that’s how immersive the film is.

The casting is good because all of them already are veteran, except for Scarlet Johannsson which at that time when the film was released, she hasn’t yet garnered that much attention (compared after Iron Man 2), but you can then see potential of a great actor from her, and that’s really commendable.

The musicality is also perfect for each of the scenes.

What I also love about the film is that it also tackles the moral part of being human: about lusting for fame and how far will someone go to acquire this. Would that someone take down the best friend of his before? Well, yes for this film. Will that someone cheat just to learn the tricks his rival had on becoming successful? Yes for this film.

In short and to relate in real life as well; The Prestige is a dark themed film figuratively depicting business rivalry and their necessary evil doings just to be on top of the other which results into a tragedy for both.

Also, I love the fact that in the end you’ll question the morality of both main characters, which for sure you’ll be rooting for one and will then ask ‘Who’s the hero and who’s the villain?’

But later you’ll realize that it’s not the right question to ask, instead you will pose, ‘Is the winner the winner? Or is the winner just the lesser evil?’ and that’s the thought provoking wonder you’ll have to ponder by the start of the film credits.

Anyhow, you will feel agitated, confused, happy, bewildered, amazed and just be affected right after watching The Prestige because it is one hell of a film that gives you a fact wherein magic composes bags of dark secret, treachery, lies, immorality and betrayal.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER MOVIE REVIEW (PLUS A MID-CREDIT PREVIEW) [VIDEO]

 

– ★★★★★

 (This review contains spoilers)

  ‘An ambush of engaging sequences that leaves you satisfied’

Once upon a time there was Iron Man 3 where I thought wouldn’t be surpassed by any other sequels/spin-offs or interconnected film. The level of Iron Man 3 (not from a fan-boy perspective) was above the top. From the storyline to its action sequences to its comedy were above commendable (although fan-boys would not agree with me, of course).

Then, there was Captain America.

The first movie was a little bit dragging from the beginning up to the end, but the storyline was strong and was complementary to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The tone was sepia-ish due to the timeline of 1940’s too. But little did I know that the entire first movie of CapAm was vital for the sequel: The Winter Soldier.

It revolves around Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) and the events after the cataclysmic Avengers in New York. In his struggle to blend with the modern time and facing another familiar enemy which would destroy the entire empire of S.H.I.E.L.D. Also a past friend who is sinister in the present, naming himself “The Winter Soldier” (Sebastian Stan), will rock Rogers’ world. Betrayal and Loyalty are his ultimate struggles on who he will give his trust, to win over the first ultimate test in the modern world he and the S.H.I.E.L.D. will ever know.

There’s a lot going in the film, but is not distracting, and the pace is just perfect for the two hours and fifteen minutes run of it. The character build-up was enough for each, especially for Falcon (Anthony Mackie), the ex-military/side kick of Captain America. With Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), his character was focused from start to finish because he’s the focal point of the movie on which the main characters should act upon. But one superstar, aside from Captain America himself, who garnered an applause and bravo credit in the film, was Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson). Her finesse, sinister moves, unprecedented one liner punchlines and sensual aura made it work for the entire movie. She is that one person in a film that would give a cool effect. Not to mention that she’s a woman, so, it all works. I think its Marvel’s way to introduce her because of the rumoured Black Widow movie… and I’m up for the line.

The only character that was little most exposure was Sharon Carter (Emily VanCamp), but well, I am biased to this because I just so love her. But I guess it’s a build-up on what’s to come for her and Steve Rogers in the future.

The story of The Winter Soldier was really compelling. The ambush to the main characters was believable in the sense of real life situation dangers. The betrayal of some will pose a question on whether a main character will die. And that’s exciting and dreading at the same time, not knowing if your favourite character will make it or not.

All the action in the movie was up-beat and well done. Although, I just hoped the camera movements weren’t that much moving a lot, but still it works.

What I appreciate about Captain America: The Winter Soldier was that from start to end, because of the compelling storyline; it will engage you to focus and love every scene. It’s a must watch. I’m kind of in battle to what’s better, Iron Man 3 or Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and the later is a bit revamped on the storyline.

 

POST CREDIT SPOILER:

For the post credit scene, which you can see on this LINK here, you will have the glimpse for the second Avengers movie starring the twins; Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch.

 

Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a 2014 sequel Marvel Studios Film, a ninth instalment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, third film of the second phase leading to Avengers: Age of Ultron, Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo. Starring Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Samuel L. Jackson, Anthonie Mackie, Emily VanCamp, Hayley Atwell, and Robert Redford.