Now You See Me A triumph of spectacle over substance, this film is as hyperactive as it is over- ambitious. There's lots going on and plenty of star attractions to keep you watching but ultimately, too much time is spent trying to be cool and not enough trying to be credible. Watching the film requires a willing suspension of disbelief far beyond the acceptable for a serious film and even then, it falls a little flat at the overblown finale. Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Mark Ruffalo, Morgan Freeman and Isla Fisher, the story centres on a group of magicians and tricksters who use their 'Las Vegas' style shows to seemingly rob banks around the world, donating the profits to their ever-growing audiences. If you can get past the obvious plot holes and logistical silliness, then there is a good, basic thriller to be found that will keep your interest. It is a decent romp of a film but I think that it tries to be too clever whilst asking too much of the audience. For me, it missed the mark on both counts. The final twist was heavily signposted and the style of the film overran the characters, meaning that I wasn't really engaged by any of the main players. The harder you look, the more problems you see. Fun but over-worked.
6.5 out of 10
Cert 12A (uk)
2013. 115mins
Good review Phil. Personally, the cast made this work, but everything else was just too much twisting and turning to make sense of. And I don't even think that that's a hit against me, as I think the film just wanted to be confusing, for the sake of being so, without much rhyme or reason. Unlike say, a Christopher Nolan film where everything feels deserved, twists included.
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