Review of The Illusionist (2010) by Jesse O — 07 Sep 2011

Absolutely incredible movie. Might be one of my favorite animated movies before it's all said and done. It's really impressive how Sylvain Chomet can create a story without actually using any dialog to guide you along, it's all in the actions of the characters and this movie has far better character development than a lot of movies WITH dialog so that has to count for something.

This movie can get away with no dialog because it's also so incredibly detailed. The character animations are absolutely fantastic and the world is absolutely beautiful and lively. The thing about Chomet, because the Triplets of Belleville had this too, is that he pays attention to the little details that other people wouldn't pay attention to.

And his movies are littered with small things that a lot of people won't pick up on. And that's what makes this movie incredible. The movie also has a pretty lovely story of this relationship (father-daughter) between Alice and Tasticheef.

It is kind of sad at the end, especially knowing the real life motivation, but you can tell that Jacques Tati wrote this story from the bottom of his heart. It's also interesting seeing how new forms of entertainment are making Tasticheef's art (and several other performers) obsolete and how he struggles to find his place.

I really cannot find anything to complain about with this movie, other than how, and rather unfortunately too, more movies like these aren't made. And how they're still looked over in favor of films like Toy Story 3.

Don't get me wrong, I love that movie, but this movie is far better, at least I thought so and there's no way in hell in any serious movie awards show that Toy Story 3 would win better animated movie over this one.

It's just not happening, it's also symbolic in a way. CGi movies are becoming the norm and these type of movies are sort of the dying breed (like the plot of the movie) and the masses are far more entertained by the newer form of entertainment, when there's still a lot of beauty and charm in this type of animated movie.

Just an incredible movie, it's a must watch, no matter what, it's almost a perfect movie.