Film Review: Now You See Me: Now You Don’t

Now You See Me was a real lightning in a bottle film. Merging the heist genre with the magic genre was a great way of telling a “Robin Hood” story of stealing from the rich and giving back to the poor. The first two films had a great cast who provided some great chemistry on screen, this made it feel like a modern version of Ocean’s Eleven. That combined with the use of real magic and visual effects, the filmmakers and cast managed to pull off a magic trick that set the box office alight. It is great that the series has reached its third instalment, with potential for more to come too, but the title of this third film felt more fitting for the second, but with that confusion aside we now have Now You See Me: Now You Don’t.

The film takes place years after the second film. The Four Horsemen are no longer together and they’re all living their separate lives. The mysterious magic organisation, The Eye, manages to bring them back out from their personal lives for a new trick, with a new target too. Rosamund Pike plays Veronika, a capitalist who owns a diamond company and it is the task of the Four Horsemen to bring her to justice from her hypocrisy. Joining the Horsemen though are three younger magicians who are equally talented at grifting and conning the wealthy with Bosco, June and Charlie. Dominic Sessa, Justice Smith and Ariana Greenblatt all play the younger magicians and their charm and sense of fun helps to carry the film.

Woody Harrelson, Jessie Eisenberg, Isla Fisher and Dave Franco all return as the Horsemen, with Morgan Freeman also returning as well. There are many twists and turns along the way which the series is now known for. The reveals and the surprises are equally as thrilling but sometimes feels a little pandering at fans. Some of the twists and reveals are also not too entirely surprising with one big plot point sticking out from the start of the film. Saying that this is a film that relishes on the entertainment value and it certainly delivers plenty of that.

The magic is what sells the film and the magic this time is very playful and creative. From a manor with trick rooms to impossible escapes and a great set piece in Abu Dhabi, the film is never short on providing some great and genius moments where audiences are captivated by the real magic. Much like the Ocean’s films that helped inspire these films, the reveals at the end of each trick are just as impressive as the tricks themselves. It is also a film about the ego that magicians have and seeing each character attempt to prove themselves to each other is a fun little reoccurring gift that the film gives as well. Overall, the film is a big improvement from the second and it retains the magic and spirit of the first film. It may feel bloated and a little pandering in parts, but luckily this is one film that has that magic feeling.

★★★★☆

4/5

Final Verdict:

Now You See Me: Now You Don’t is a surprising third film in a series that shows no signs of slowing down or running out of creativity. The cast and filmmakers involved in the film clearly had a lot of fun creating the illusions and displays that are on show throughout the film. There is never a dull moment and you are constantly wondering how they pulled it off. It is incredibly smart and in several key moments of the film prove this with its many set pieces and magic tricks. There is a lot going on, with a huge cast and a singular story driving everyone. The film manages to bring everything together for a satisfying conclusion that opens the door for possible future sequels as well. For what its worth, this is a film series that will continue to surprise audiences.

Thanks for reading today’s blog!

Alex Murray, the Head of Eyesight Productions