The Magicians (2000) (TV)

Director:

Lorraine Senna

Writers (WGA):

Bennett Cohen (story) &
Kim LeMasters (story) ...

Release Date:

10 March 2000 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Fantasy | Romance

Plot:

A magician searches for his successor to fight evil. |

Cast

Charlie O'Connell	...	Michael DeVane
Peter Firth	...	Simon Magus
Kimberley Davies	...	Regina
Gabrielle Fitzpatrick	...	Kiley
Sam Healy	...	Molly DeVane
Marin Mimica	...	Shroud
Nicholas Bell	...	Reverend Thompson
Warwick Rummer	...	Wicker
Daniel Murphy	...	Jones
Boris Brkic	...	Turk
Mark Chique	...	Jason
Lucky Grills	...	Fat Man
Gerry Day	...	Cabbie
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Dawn Albinger	...	Female Cop
Matthew D'Argent	...	Long Haired Type
Jamie Honey	...	Jail Guard
Christian Jacobsen	...	Young Dealer
Sam Lovejoy	...	Thin Woman
Carla Marie	...	Ursula
Craig Marriott	...	Child Dealer
Warwick Rimmer	...	Wicker
Bronwyn Schmerl	...	Spiked Hair Chick
Paul Shedlowich	...	Shaved Head Man
Jesse Stapleton	...	Dangerous Kid

Also Known As:

Death by Magic (USA) (working title)
Shadows in Magic Town (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

Brazil:89 min | 120 min (including commercials)

Country:

Australia | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Iceland:16 | Germany:12

Filming Locations:

Queensland, Australia

Company:

Village Roadshow Pictures Television

A bit light in plot and drama

I assume that this was written after The Matrix and Tomb Raider, though that's not always the way. At first when this chap keeps harping on about finding "the one" the focus was wavering. Then the "Illuminati" aagh, Fatboy Slim tunes diving through my head. Stop it, stop it.

So that aside, from the first 20 mins we managed to get the idea of a master "magician", who was trying to find a replacement for himself. The reason for the magician: to fight for the good, against the evil. What was the threat from the evil?... well there isn't really much direct 'evil people' doing 'evil stuff'. They seem to push some drugs or castor sugar, but other than that all 'badness' was blamed on them without screen evidence.

So we have a sister as plot device and a few philosophical view points, which given credit, elevate the story from sheer nonsense. The effects were fine for the budget. The acting was not laughable, but some of the dialogue was hard to shift without creating a smirk on the viewer.

I feel the main problem with the film may lie in its similarity to other productions, which were made much better, thus this film comes off with a cheap laughable feel. There is no real passion from the characters, (or at least, is was not conveyed to me). Which promotes a lack of caring.

So to stop rambling, and conclude, I'll tell you... Kimberley D looks good, but the film is a tad poor. I'm sure a few will love it, but most will find it hard to feel worth their while.