talkmagic.co.uk

Hi all,

Just thought that I'd share with you info about a forthcoming film release based upon the life of 'The Great Houdini'. Death Defying Acts is released this August in the UK and stars Guy Pierce as Houdini, Timothy Spall as his agent and Catherine Zeta Jones as a spiritualist/medium (yeah, you guessed it ... love story ensues etc. but don't switch off there).

I saw a preview of it and was very impressed with it. If you are expecting twist and turns like the Prestige, or illusions and magic as seen in the Illusionist you will be slightly disappointed. It relates the story of how Houdini challenges the world of mediums and spiritualists to contact his dearly beloved dead mother and reveal what her dying words to lil' Erich were. If they can reveal the word then he will pay them $10,000 cash.

The plot is very good and takes place in Edinburgh, with Guy Pierce portraying the arrogant side of Houdini very well. The chemistry on screen between himself and Jones is also very believeable and makes the film flow with ease. The film closes with Houdini taking that fatal punch, but to my dismay the director seems to have gotten her facts and timings wrong... not wanting to be a nerd about this or particularly anal but you can't release a film that is factually incorrect!

On the whole, is worth a watch as I'll think you will all enjoy.
The-Harlequin

p.s. watch out for the cameo by Lawrence Dallaglio (ex English Rugby Player)