It's amazing how much I agree with the other reviews

Rating: 6/10 (4 September 2013)

This is the first time in IMDb history I wish there was a like button because every 6 star review said the same thing I'm about to say.
It's not an awful film. But wasn't happy that It was much different than I expected. I was led to believe that it was more humorous than serious, which it did have a few knee slappers I guess, but it was similar to dark shadows in the way it seemed to be marketed one way and was something totally different.
I agree with many other reviewers that it was trying to be way smarter than it actually was (ironically all the 9-10 stars mentioned it was very smart? Haha coincidence... I think not) Jesse Eisenberg's character was supposed to be self-serving yet smooth like you'd imagine a world class magician to be. But unlike the other reviewers I very much disliked him being the superficial intelligent guy. I don't think he pulled it off and it was unnatural/unconvincing. He doesn't have that Anthony Hopkins factor that makes you believe this man knows more than me and is already mentally dominating everyone in the room. Maybe could pass as a fairly intelligent guy because I'm sure he is, but he can't talk the mad scientist talk. That being said the parts that didn't force him to speak out of his range he did as solid as ever. I do genuinely like the guy.
Woody shinned and kinda made me desire a much bigger part from him. Seemed like a waste to pull the starting Qaurterback in the 4th quarter if you catch my drift. Young Franco did better as an actor than his other roles but maybe could've chose someone better to do the fight scene. It was well put together and everything but I was sitting there like..... 5 foot nothing 160 pound Dave Franco couldn't forcefully take a box of thin mints from a girl scout.
But here's the grand pisser. Those who say the movie was thrilling and smart with huge twist are kind of shooting blanks here. They weren't as much twists, more the "plot pinch". No crazier than Monsters Inc. & Toy Story. And the "Thriller" element is greatly exaggerated. You're not guessing the whole movie, pretty much the last 20 minutes is like.... Somebody's in on this. Of course you're going to self - consciously make assumptions, but there's no shifting in your seat. No cold sweats and hair twirling. It's almost an after thought in plot that really delivers very little.
Overall it's being listed as a mystery action crime thriller. Instead of being under an umbrella of genre's like all the greatest films, it seems to be stuck between stations. Woven thin like a cheap wash cloth. The reoccurring theme is that it's missing a few pieces and some others fit incorrectly. Worth a watch if you're a movie buff, but a Rewatch may not be rewarding.