"A cheap inventory of old-hat period romping that downplays Houdini's contempt for psychics while saddling him with corny mommy issues." - Ed Gonzalez

Should have been much better. The underlying idea is intriguing enough, but the internal conflict between Houdini's sceptisism and his desire to connect with his dead mother is largely bypassed for an insipid and totally unbelievable romance. Combine that with a poor script, lacklustre cinematography and Zeta-Jones' laughable attempt at a Scottish accent and you have yourself a snooze-inducing bore.

Great Houdini movie. I think the title of this movie should have inclueded that. Great performances by Guy Pearce and Zeta-Jones.

Although a fair attempt at a periodic piece, with some factual elements, 'Death Defying Acts' gets meandering and dragging, and ends up being not in the least suspenseful nor thrilling.

Dont have a big magic, but it carries out well his proposal.

Certainly interest-defying..... A fictional account of a love-thang between Harry Houdini and a "psychic" performer, played by Zeta-Jones. There seemed little of a spark between the main leads, and the "little bit fact, little bit fiction" aspect of the story frustrated me somewhat. However, Saoirse Ronan's performance was excellent, and the whole movie is well shot.

Good for nothing story. Did not tell much about Houdini. Zeta-Jones was struggling with Scottish accent.