Not promoting anything here, but thanks to a cool promotion at Blockbuster, I've got unlimited free rentals until the beginning of next month. And, I'm using this opportunity to watch all the movies I've missed over the last year and change.
Film #16:
The Illusionist (2010)
This movie was nominated alongside Toy Story 3 and How to Train Your Dragon at the 2011 Academy Awards. Did it deserve to be there?
You bet your ass it did.
Director Sylvain Chomet, who also did the magnificent Triplets of Belleville, has made a wonderful film about a man realizing he's been away far too long from his daughter. With the help of a young girl, he understands his want in being there for his child. It's a tragic little film, but there are some truly laugh-out-loud moments.
The animation itself can be breathtaking at times, though not in the way the flying sequences in Dragon did. This is a much smaller film, but with big emotions. There is also very little dialogue, which works with the films of Chomet.
After watching The Illusionist, I wanted to see it again. I think that's high praise. (4 1/2 out of 5)
