Now You See Me

NOT EVERY film can bluntly tell the audience they will be lied to for the next two hours of their lives and get away with it.

But much like lead characters “The Four Horsemen”, a Travelling Wilburys-type supergroup of illusionists, it is exactly what they do time and time again.

Now You See Me is a 116 minute mind-bending ride riddled with crime, deception, and a slight hint of magic.

If you follow the instructions of J. Daniel Atlas (played by Jesse Eisenberg of The Social Network fame), get in and take a closer look, because the real tricks are happening somewhere else.

His advice to audience members is applicable to the film’s stars, as while Eisenberg has top-billing in the film and leads the Four Horsemen, the real magic comes from the supporting cast.

Woodey Harrelson and Isla Fisher encapsulate the fun aspects of their roles as illusionists Merrit McKinney and Henley Reeves respectively.

Dave Franco steps above and beyond as the fourth and final Horseman Jack Wilder, providing much of the laughs and jaw-dropping stunts including lethal card throwing, ninja-style close quarter combat and rolling a car.

Generally speaking, every magician has a secret that, once revealed, unravels the rest of the act.

This film is no different, as we witness minimal character development after the opening 10 or so minutes.

Everything we know about the group is revealed in that time, leaving them to merely go through the motions for the rest of the film.

There is some potential that I had too close a look and missed it, which you could argue is the film’s intentions.

And with a sequel already announced, it is fair to suggest they had to leave a few tricks up their sleeve. 

Now You See Me: 116 minutes (rated M)