Movie Review- Now You See Me

“Now You See Me” is a tantalizing film, giving audiences the bright lights and sparkle of a modern magic show in Las Vegas, as well as heated chases through the harsh streets of New Orleans and everything in between. Fast-paced and character-driven with unexpected twists until the last few frames, this thrilling show will keep you at the edge of your seats right from the beginning to the very end.

Acting heavyweights Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine go head-to-head, Freeman playing the role of Thaddeus Bradley, a famed magician debunker and Caine as Arthur Tressler, businessman and magic show sponsor. Mysteriously, successful street magicians from extremely different backgrounds Merritt Osbourne (Woody Harrelson), Jack Wilder (Dave Franco), Henley Reeves (Isla Fisher), and Daniel Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg) are brought together by an outside force to form the magician super-team named the Four Horsemen.

Becoming wildly successful with their daring shows and charismatic public personas, the team rises to public acclaim… but this all comes with a price. Mark Ruffalo, playing Agent Dylan Rhodes with the perfect blend of grit and heart, dedicates all his energies to uncovering the hidden plot behind the increasingly audacious and law-skirting magic tricks of the Four Horsemen. Interpol Agent Alma Dray (Melanie Laurent), assigned to the case with Rhodes, initially throws a wrench in the machine, but then becomes vital to solving the case. With lush cinematography, this movie succeeds in making the audience sympathetic with all the rich characters, blurring the lines between the good guys and bad guys. They satisfy with skilled camera work, perfectly executed patter from the able cast, and efficient pacing.

The film explores complex ideas, such as whether or not it is morally comprehensible to play Robin Hood with someone else’s money, is revenge ever righteous, and the difference between dishonesty and planned illusion for entertainment purposes. The movie also shows how depressingly easy it is to persuade a crowd to give in to mob mentality and cheer on criminal activity, if there they are given the gift of eye candy and emotional thrills. Laden with hidden twists and turns, this film leaves the audience second-guessing their every assumption and expectation.

If you are one who enjoys dazzling magic tricks and spectacular illusions, exciting car chases and intriguing mysteries, then the movie is one for you!

Chloe Wong (2L)