Death Defying Acts

Aroview: Handsomely mounted period romp from Aussie director Gillian Armstrong in which the illustrious escape-artist Harry Houdini (Pearce) becomes romantically entwined with a crafty psychic (Zeta-Jones) who preys on his grief.

Call it a cynical cash-in on the box-office crest of recent magician films if you will, but it can't be accused of lacking visual verve, and while not boasting the marvellous dexterity of THE PRESTIGE, doesn’t demand to be taken too seriously, and will satisfy for lovers of lighter fare. The eye candy ain’t half bad, either.