80
New York Daily News by Elizabeth Weitzman
If this lovely tribute sends viewers in search of the real thing, that would be a neat trick indeed.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
80
For its 80 minutes, the movie creates the illusion that not just Tati but his form of cerebral slapstick lives.
100
Wall Street Journal by Joe Morgenstern
Exquisite images, poignant humor, echoes of cinema history and a sense of having watched genuine magic.
80
Chomet builds this beguiling symphony of sadness to a poignant finale that does ample justice to the many layers of Tati's tale, both in text and out.
90
Los Angeles Times by Kenneth Turan
There is something magical about The Illusionist's world, and that's as it should be.
91
Entertainment Weekly by Lisa Schwarzbaum
The many fans of the uniquely droll 2003 animation Oscar nominee "The Triplets of Belleville" will recognize the inventive hand-drawn sensibilities of French filmmaker Sylvain Chomet in his loving and lovely new feature The Illusionist.
100
Christian Science Monitor by Peter Rainer
A breathtakingly beautiful achievement in every way.
100
A true masterpiece of visual enchantment. One of the most original and unique geniuses in cinema today, Mr. Chomet directed, wrote, illustrated and composed the music for this holiday jewel, an homage to the sweet, sad melancholia of the legendary French comic Jacques Tati.
80
Boxoffice Magazine by Richard Mowe
For all lovers of old style animation it should build up the same cultish following as "Triplets."
60
Movieline by Stephanie Zacharek
The animation itself is technically gorgeous, a class act all the way. But there's so little to be found in the faces of the characters, or even in the way their limbs move (much of it adopted, cleverly enough, from Tati's own physical style), that it's not clear what we're supposed to feel for them.