With the exception of a couple of twists at the end that feel very hurriedly tacked-on, this is not a difficult film to figure out. The result is an entire movie spent checking your watch and waiting for the characters to catch up with you; the condescendingly repetitive way the story unfolds doesn’t help, either.

It’s also lacking the atmosphere that made The Illusionist, thoguh equally predictable, a more charming and watchable experience. A magician movie lacking in presentation? Ouch.

It’s not a bad concept, just a clumsily and poorly executed film.

P.S./Disclaimer: Christian Bale, I still love you.