Twisting plot lessens 'Prestige'

THE PRESTIGE — ** 1/2 — Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine; rated PG-13 (violence, profanity, vulgarity, brief gore, nude artwork).

"The Prestige" features at least one plot twist too many. While this period thriller is clearly trying to keep moviegoers off-guard, eventually the cinematic cat-and-mouse routine becomes wearying.

Also, the film is so determined to toy with audience expectations that it neglects other aspects of quality storytelling, such as character development. And the two main people here are pretty unlikable, which is a problem.

Still, the intriguing premise and the cast do make the movie watchable, though it's certainly the most disappointing film to date from director Christopher Nolan, whose track record was pretty much perfect up to this point (2000's "Memento," 2005's "Batman Begins").

This adaptation of Christopher Priest's novel stars Hugh Jackman as Robert Angier, a 19th-century stage magician engaged in a professional and personal rivalry with Alfred Borden (Christian Bale). That's partly because Angier believes his former friend was responsible for the death of his wife (Piper Perabo). But it's also because Borden is better with sleight of hand. So Angier, the better showman of the two, becomes consumed with discovering all of Borden's secrets, even though that driving passion has already cost him dearly.

The look of the film is impressive, and as always, Nolan does know how to create a certain mood. Most of the problems lie with the screenplay and plotting, which he co-wrote with his brother, Jonathan.

"The Prestige" employs a gimmicky flashback story construction, and all the flash-forwards and flashbacks become confusing after awhile. There's also an apparent science-fiction twist at the end, which really wasn't necessary.

Nolan neglects his supporting characters in favor of Jackman and Bale, who aren't very appealing, despite their best efforts. Michael Caine, however, is fine as Angier's right-hand man, while Scarlett Johansson is almost relegated to cameo status as a stage assistant who winds up working for both men. (David Bowie's turn as Nikola Tesla is thankfully brief, considering his awful attempt at an accent.)

"The Prestige" is rated PG-13 for a couple of strong scenes of violence (a shooting and a hanging), scattered profanity and other suggestive language, brief gore, and glimpses of nude artwork (paintings and statues). Running time: 135 minutes.

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