The slight-of-hand team is back in Now You See Me: Now you Don’t, a pleasing return to form of the previous two films. (Think Mission Impossible using magic.)
After ten years, The Four Horsemen, key members of The Eye, use their powers of illusion and misdirect to punish criminal entities and evildoers around the world. At the same time a formidable trio of talented magicians and con artists want to make their mark. When a wealthy, corporate head, Veronika Vanderberg (Rosamund Pike) plans to dominate the diamond market and strengthen her ties to the underworld, the two teams are brought together and learn to combine their unique talents. However, Vanderberg is powerful and vengeful, and the team risks not only going to jail but their lives as well.
In a story that spans locations from the French countryside to Antwerpen to Ahu Dhabi, the adventure keeps things on a brisk pace. The plot is convoluted and a bit contrived, but these films work due to the chemistry of the cast (including Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, and Dave Franco) and the visually impressive, set pieces of magic. In fact magic is the teams’ superpower. The team up between old and new magicians feels earned never forced or awkward. There are some surprises and fans will appreciate a couple of call backs and key characters returning. There are moments especially in a magician’s chateaux that feels like National Treasure.
Just
don’t think too hard about the logic of all the plot points, and you will have
a good, entertaining time. This film achieves exactly what it sets out
to accomplish, and if it seems like the cast is having fun, get set for
another sequel in the future!
***1/2
of ***** stars
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