‘Now You See Me’ (2013) was one of those films that didn’t seem to be crying out for a sequel, but I liked it enough – despite the disappointing final act – to want to see the sequel once it was announced.
Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, and Dave Franco return as 3 of the 4 horsemen, a group of elite magicians, with Lizzy Caplan replacing Isla Fisher who was unable to reprise her role. This time, they re-emerge a year after the conclusion to the first film, aiming to expose a corrupt businessman. However, the tables are turned on them and they are forced into collaborating with a shady Daniel Radcliffe who is holed-up in China.
The plot is far too convoluted to go into any more detail, but, once again it is the sheer bravura of the set pieces that are the main reason for watching this film. There is one particular extended sequence involving the theft of a microchip in a playing card that brilliantly choreographed and suspenseful. Also, the performances of Eisenberg (Daniel), Harrelson (Merritt) and the great Mark Ruffalo (Dylan) as their boss are all very pleasing. Eisenberg, in particular, was born to play his part, and the interaction of the likeable characters, with Caplan fitting in well, that keeps this film eminently watchable. However, it was mistake to introduce Merritt’s annoying brother (also played by Harrelson) who adds nothing to the film.
So, for the most part it was a lot of fun, although some of the weaknesses from the original film are apparent again. The plot ultimately ties itself up in knots too much trying to resolve all the loose ends, but it creates too many plot holes in doing so, especially if you think back to the events of the first film. Once again, it is the last half hour or so that is the weakest, and it is so ridiculous that the horsemen are world-famous magicians – we see thousands of adoring fans turn up for their shows – but when the plot demands, they can pull of their stunts without anyone recognising them.
It is best not to think too deeply and enjoy it as a romp.
Rating: 6.5 out of 10