Are magicians Hollywood's latest darlings? Following hot on the heels of the big name, bigger budget The Prestige, comes this latest insight into the intriguing world of magic.

Beautifully shot and perfectly cast, what The Illusionist at times lacks in pace it makes up for in sheer spectacle and fascinating characterisation.

The story, set in early 20th Century Austria, follows cabinet maker's son Abramovitz (Edward Norton) whose talent for magic hecomes an escape from his poor childhood. The boy is forced to leave his home when his friendship with upper class Sophie (Newcomer Jessica Biel) is discovered by the authorities.

Some 15 years later the pair are dramatically reunited on a Vienna stage. Abramovitz has reinvented himself as Eisenheim the Illusionist - a celebrated magician playing to packed theatres - and Sophie is now engaged to the Crown Prince Leopold.

The prince unwittingly reintroduces the pair by volunteering his wife-to-be to take part in an illusion. Only when they are up close on stage do they recognise each other and instantly their spark is reignited.

When the prince learns his fiancee and the magician have been meeting in secret he orders the police chief (Paul Giamatti) to warn him off.

Although magic is obviously central to this story, The Illusionist is more about the struggle for social status and power. The Crown Prince is an aristocrat and the illusionist is a commoner but his celebrity status means they become more socially equal. The prince resents this and pursues a battle of wills and power with the illusionist. To win, Eisenheim must execute his greatest illusion.

Director Neil Burger's opulent presentation makes this film watchable even when the pace sags a little.

The illusions are spectacular but while the secrets of some are revealed others must have been computer generated trickery.

Edward Norton is brilliant as illusionist Eisenheim. He is a charismatic but understated showman with a professional and personal integrity which infuriates the Crown Prince.

The jealous prince, played by Rufus Sewell, is captivating in his refusal to give up Sophie - a woman he does not love but who serves as a useful political tool - and in his determination to beat his rival Eisenheim whom he considers a commoner.

Giamatti as the police chief is also superb as he struggles to obey the prince's orders as he warms to Eisenheim and begins to question the prince's motives.

Although I guessed the plot twist a good half hour before the end - to give away more would ruin the story - it was thoroughly enjoyable seeing how this masterstroke was pulled off.