Review of Death Defying Acts (2007) by Amanda L — 15 Apr 2008

There is a scene towards the start of this film where the Great Houdini, before plunging into his water tank, entreats his audience not to emulate him by holding their breath. So of course we all did, only I was hampered by having just drunk a litre and a half of coke, and in the suspenseful set piece that ensued my determination was no match for my hideous bloated stomach and I passed out.

This was the high-point of a movie that didn't know what it was, and failed to hit a single convincing note. What makes directors think you can turn formulaic empty sentiment into something genuine and true by rendering it in a scottish accent? Except for the bits in which you are actually unconscious, this movie is so irritating you just want them to put the little girl on the game and be done with it.

What were they thinking?