Movies About Magic

From Christopher Nolan, starring Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, Michael Caine
Rated PG-13

The Prestige is a 2006 British-American mystery thriller film directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, and Michael Caine. The film follows a rivalry between two 19th century stage magicians, Alfred Borden (Bale) and Robert Angier (Jackman), whose intense competition to create the best stage illusion leads them to ever increasing acts of deception and sabotage. As they vie to outdo one another in a quest to create the ultimate illusion, their rivalry takes a tragic turn and they become obsessed with one-upping each other, leading to a dramatic climax that will have the audience on the edge of their seat. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Christopher Priest.

From Chris Columbus, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Richard Harris, Maggie Smith
Rated PG

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is the first installment in the Harry Potter film series. Directed by Chris Columbus, the film tells the story of an orphaned boy who discovers he is a wizard, and is invited to attend the prestigious Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Along the way, he must confront a dark force determined to steal the life-giving Philosopher's Stone and use it to bring evil to the world. Harry must team up with his new friends - Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley - to protect the stone, and ultimately defeat the dark lord Voldemort. With the help of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore, Harry and his friends must use their courage and magic to save the world.

From Neil Burger, starring Edward Norton, Jessica Biel, Paul Giamatti, Rufus Sewell
Rated PG-13

The Illusionist is a romantic mystery drama set in 1900s Austria-Hungary. It follows the story of Eisenheim, a master magician whose powerful illusions begin to blur the line between reality and fantasy. He meets the beautiful Duchess von Teschen and falls deeply in love with her. However, their love is forbidden by her betrothal to the powerful Crown Prince Leopold. In a desperate attempt to win her heart, Eisenheim uses his magical skills to try to disrupt the upcoming royal wedding. Meanwhile, the determined Chief Inspector Uhl is determined to bring Eisenheim to justice, as he believes his magical tricks are nothing more than a fraud. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that no one is quite who they seem, and secrets long buried come to light. In the end, Eisenheim must use his skills to battle the powerful forces of politics and power that threaten to keep him and the Duchess apart.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Asa Butterfield, Chloë Grace Moretz, Christopher Lee, Ben Kingsley
Rated PG

Hugo is a 2011 film directed by Martin Scorsese, based on the novel The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick. It follows the story of a young orphan boy, Hugo, living in the walls of a Parisian train station who, along with his friend Isabelle, try to solve the mystery of an automaton left by his father before his death. Through the course of the story, Hugo meets Georges Méliès, a former pioneering film-maker, and discovers the truth about his family's past. Hugo ultimately manages to save Méliès from a life of obscurity, and the two of them ultimately discover the power of imagination and the beauty of film. Hugo is a heartwarming and touching story of friendship, love, and the importance of keeping the past alive.

From Louis Leterrier, starring Jesse Eisenberg, Common, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson
Rated PG-13

From Directors: Robert Stevenson, Ward Kimball, starring Angela Lansbury, David Tomlinson, Roddy McDowall, Sam Jaffe
Rated G

From George Miller, starring Jack Nicholson, Cher, Susan Sarandon, Michelle Pfeiffer
Rated R

From Andrew Fleming, starring Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell, Rachel True
Rated R

From Sam Raimi, starring James Franco, Michelle Williams, Rachel Weisz, Mila Kunis
Rated PG

From Griffin Dunne, starring Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Stockard Channing, Dianne Wiest
Rated PG-13

From Richard LaGravenese, starring Alice Englert, Viola Davis, Emma Thompson, Alden Ehrenreich
Rated PG-13

From Don Scardino, starring Steve Carell, Luke Vanek, Steve Buscemi, Mason Cook
Rated PG-13