Now You See Me

Now You See Me is a slick and entertaining heist thriller that blends magic with crime in a way that keeps you engaged from start to finish. The plot is well-paced, introducing its characters quickly but effectively, making sure each magician stands out with their own style. The mystery unfolds in a way that keeps you guessing, with some moments that feel genuinely clever and others that rely on misdirection. While the twist works, it feels like it was designed more for shock value than something deeply layered, but it still delivers on the fun factor. The directing does a solid job of balancing action with the illusion-based storytelling, making each trick feel larger than life. The cinematography leans into the sleek and stylish, using dynamic camera movements that enhance the sense of spectacle. There’s a good rhythm to the editing, making sure the pacing never drags, though some moments feel a little too quick, as if rushing to the next big trick. The sound design and score add to the energy, keeping the excitement high throughout. Acting-wise, the cast is strong, with Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, and Dave Franco each bringing distinct personalities to the group. Mark Ruffalo plays his role well, though his character sometimes feels overshadowed by the magicians. Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine add weight to the film, though Freeman, as always, feels like he’s playing a version of himself. Mélanie Laurent is a welcome addition, though her role is somewhat underdeveloped. The script is sharp, filled with witty dialogue and a sense of mystery that works well for this type of film. While it may not be a deeply thought-provoking movie, it’s a stylish and enjoyable ride that keeps you entertained throughout.

The closer you think you are, the less you'll actually see. Now You See Me is directed by Louis Leterrier and collectively written by Ed Solomon, Boaz Yakin and Edward Ricourt. It stars Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, Mélanie Laurent, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine and Michael Kelly. Music is by Brian Tyler and cinematography by Mitchell Amundsen and Larry Fong. An F.B.I. Agent and an Interpol Detective are tracking a team of illusionists who appear to be pulling off bank heists during their performances. Real magic? Or elaborate criminology?. We are in the realm of the fantastical, where illusions and impossible tricks reside. It's a nifty backdrop to this splendidly flashy slice of misdirection hokum. Our four magicians, each with their own personal skills - and calling themselves "The Four Horsemen" - enact a number of elaborate stage shows that has all members of the law baffled. Their rich benefactor played by Caine, is smug about his charges, Freeman is the myth buster trying to unearth the secrets of the "four", while the cops are constantly pulling their hair out. What does it all mean? How will it pan out at the end?. Well it's great fun, the tricks are expertly staged, the cast give gravitas to their respective characters, if only the big reveal at the end wasn't a bit too far out there... There's a bit of a steal and a nod to another heist caper film, while that finale can make or break your overall opinion of the piece. Yet the journey is so enjoyable and intriguing, it's kind of forgivable anyway... 8/10

Rewatched in preparation for NOW YOU SEE ME: NOW YOU DON'T. Rating: C Rewatching NOW YOU SEE ME in anticipation of the third film leaves me standing firmly on the same mixed ground I occupied after my initial viewing. On the surface, the concept is fantastic, perfectly blending the spectacle of magic set pieces with the intricate plotting of a heist flick, promising a truly great and entertaining ride. The main cast shares an engaging chemistry, and the film's commitment to high-speed entertainment makes it a notably fast-paced experience. That experience, however, is severely hampered by an extremely convoluted narrative. The script is burdened with twists and turns that stray into nonsensical territory, climaxing with an ultimate character reveal that feels bafflingly unearned — it's just extremely incompatible. There's also an excessive reliance on dull, unconvincing exposition, largely provided by Morgan Freeman, to explain the tricks, yet even these explanations leave significant questions unanswered. While I rarely focus on "movie logic" issues, NOW YOU SEE ME pushes the required suspension of disbelief past its limits. This is clearly a case of style dominating substance, prioritizing visual spectacle over character or narrative depth; consequently, the characters feel shallow and uniform in motivation. I don't love it, nor do I hate it; I remain fundamentally mixed, enjoying certain moments while being deeply annoyed by some of its flaws.