Thanks to the smash success of his Memento (2000) and Batman Begins (2005), Christopher Nolan's new big-budget, star-studded film is one of the most anticipated films of the year. Aptly titled The Prestige, it is a grand and ambitious period epic that boasts handsome production values and even more handsome lead actors.

Set at the turn of the 20 th century, studmuffins Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale play stage magicians who are obsessed with outdoing each other. Their rivalry becomes dangerous and deadly, especially when stage assistant Scarlett Johansson becomes the third point in a bizarre love triangle. The film ventures into a heady realm of fantasy in its third act, and this is where its trippy images are likely to confuse viewers.

The interesting thing about director Christopher Nolan is that whether he is doing an intimate thriller (Memento, Insomnia) or a bombastic action picture (Batman Begins), his films are always so deliciously dark. The Prestige allows him to explore the murky depths of men's ambitions as well as the mysterious and rarely-explained world of magic and illusion.

Although the plot does not quite gel together, The Prestige is still worth watching for the scope of its ambition and risk-taking. The performances (particularly Hugh and Christian) are also compelling enough to keep you watching. And after all, who can resist the chance to see Wolverine (Hugh) going mano-a-mano with Batman (Christian)?