Steve's Movie Blog

Seeing as these two films were released seven weeks apart from each other in theaters it led me as well as many others to question... "When the hell did early 20th century magicians become so popular?"

Perhaps the more important question is which is better? Now that I've finally been able to get a copy of The Prestige from Blockbuster I can decide. Maybe that's saying alot about the two films. I was able to rent the The Illusionist no problem when it was released on DVD in early January. However, it took me while to finally get a copy of The Prestige when it was released about a week ago. Although I'm sure the popularity of The Prestige was partially fueled by writer/director Christoper Nolan's involement (Christopher's brother Johnathan also co-wrote the story).

Ok ... right off the bat, I've got to say I enjoyed The Prestige much more than the Illusionist. While it's debateable that both of the film's plots are somewhat predictable, I think the Illusionist fell into this trap more than The Prestige. When you finally start to understand what is happening in The Prestige, it still has a few more surprises for you. On the other hand, I saw the Illusionist as being somewhat one-dimensional which led me to loose some interest in it. At a certain point there isn't anywhere else for the plot to go.

The Prestige's story is so much more intriguing because of the rivalry between Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Borden (Christian Bale). They battle throughout the movie, but you're never really sure which one is going to come out on top in the end. The Nolan brothers create an incredibly intense and mysterious atomosphere throughout the film using the same unique style of writting used in Memento that skips back and forth in the plot (for those of you that didn't enjoy this aspect of Momento, the Prestige doesn't over use it).

While I did enjoy both films, it is almost unjust to compare the two because The Prestige is in a league of it's own in my mind. The main advantage The Prestige has over The Illusionist is the Nolan brothers' standout writing that keeps you on the edge of your seat trying to put the pieces together throughout the movie.

I really wasn't sure what to expect going into this movie. While the trailer will undoubtedly gain your curiosity it doesn't explain much to potential viewers.

Black Snake Moan is a "unique" love story about a young southern couple whose relationship gets put to the test when Ronnie (Justin Timberlake) heads off to the Army. While they promise each other that they will do their best to stay together, Rae (Christina Ricci) has a tough time dealing with Ronnie's departure- to say the least.

After a party at a friend's house Rae is intoxicated when Ronnie's good friend Gill offers her a ride home. On the way home Gill tries to take advantage of Rae. After Rae fights off Gills attempt he leaves her bloodied and bruised on the side of a remote road.

Meanwhile Lazarus (Samuel L. Jackson) is dealing with the fact that his wife has left him to be with his younger brother. Distrought after this ordeal Lazarus heads back to his remote southern home. After taking out the garbage one morning Lazarus notices Rae unconscious on the side of the road. He then takes her into his home to try and help her recover.

After helping nurse Rae back to health, Lazarus soon gets a shock when he discovers that Rae is a Nymphomaniac. Determined to help her make something of her life and stop her evil ways he decides chain her up inside his home to help keep her under control and help rehabilitate her.

What follows is a very strange story of Rae and Lazarus' friendship which eventually leads to Rae's redemption after she faces her demons. The plot thickens when Ronnie returns home and is faced with the truth about his sweetheart Rae.

The cast and director Craig Brewer keep the film interesting regardless of the outrageous plot. While I was concerned that Samuel L. Jackson was further attempting to sabatoge his career after Snakes on a Plane, I actually enjoyed his character. Lazarus is a good combination of a broken man who has suffered hearthache as well as a man that's trying to make something of his small-town life.

I've read some reviews that claim the film is "Vulgar and salacious" as well as a ridiculous story. While I really can't argue with these statements, I can't also can't deny that the film is really quite entertaining in a very odd way. Mother#*$@ing! Samuel L. fans will be pleased. Otherwise, if you're looking for a really strange twist on a love story Black Snake Moan is your ticket.