2007 * PG * 1h 37m Like most kids, I was super into magic. And I was particularly fascinated by Harry Houdini, and read a bunch of books about him. So when this film came to my attention, I was all in! It features an excellent lineup of stars including Guy Pearce, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Timothy Spall and Saoirsse Ronan. The story takes place in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1926.
While touring Great Britain, Houdini (Pearce) makes a stop in Edinburgh. There he meets and falls in love with a beautiful Scottish woman Mary (Zeta Jones). Mary and her young daughter Benji (Ronan) have a psychic act. However, when the local theatre closes, they're out of work. Houdini has offered a huge reward to anyone who can tell him the dying words of his beloved mother. At first, Mary and her daughter are out to fleece him. However, things don't go according to plans when the two fall for each other.
The movie keeps you guessing. Are they really in love? Are the playing games with each other? It's this intrigue that propels the movie forward and makes it a fun ride. I enjoyed seeing Ms. Ronan in an early role. And Timothy Spall was excellent as always playing Houdini's cynical and cautious manager.
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free with your library card on Kanopy and Hoopla. Also on Tubi (for free) and on Pluto TV and Prime Video.
No comments:
Post a Comment