“Now You See Me” beckons you to come closer, because, as several of the film’s magicians tell us, the more you think you see, the easier it’ll be to fool you.
Directed by Louis Letterier may come as a bit if surprise to summer film goers.
The film was seriously under advertised, but is an entertaining addition to this summer’s blockbuster lineup.
The members of the Four Horsemen (Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, and Woody Harrelson) are a ragtag group of magicians of varying success, brought together by a mysterious benefactor.
Their act centers around misdirection, sleight of hand, and crime. For their first act, the group robs a bank. A performance that doesn’t go unnoticed by FBI agent Dylan Rhodes (Mark Ruffalo). Unfortunately, it’s hard to convict anyone when the only witnesses believe the illusion.
From there, the Four Horsemen go on to perform two more amazing acts of illusion and misdirection, and their larger purpose is revealed.
I won’t reveal any secrets, but the movie does.
“Now You See Me” promises to be as suave and smart as “Ocean’s Eleven” and in some ways, it delivers.
The elaborate illusions are fascinating to watch, and then watch again as the film reveals the cons’ inner workings.
However, with all the show and flash lead up to the film’s finale, it feels like it’s missing that final “Ta Da!”. It just kind if tapers off after building you up.
All in all, it’s an entertaining cast and a smart film. It’s worth viewing in theaters, but forgivable if you want to wait for the dvd.
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