The Less You See

Rating: 9/10 (2 May 2016)

Listen closely or watch from a distance. Do you see it, its misdirection, faith, trust, and art form, maybe its magic. As an audience, one must remember the most important thing. "The closer you look the less you see". Anyone who understands what I am talking about will know this film to be an incredibly underrated story. Making its debut in 2013 by director Louis Leterrier and Summit Entertainment, this film tells the tale of four incredible and talented street magicians. Chosen to work together, they are given the ultimate test in pulling off unbelievably over the top magic tricks to become part of "Eye". Legend has it that the "Eye of Horus" is an ancient Egyptian prophecy involving only the most talented magicians including former member, Lionel Shrike. With initiation opportunities twice every century, this secret society is considered the ultimate reward for magicians. They are the keepers and protectors of real magic for those who study it. Their ultimate job is to keep the hope and belief of true magic alive. Their seeker and creator study each magician for months lurking and watching their shows determining whether they are the right fit to embark on this fantastic yet dangerous journey. Lover and upcoming illusionist, J. Daniel Atlas played by Jessie Eisenberg, hermit and mentalist, Merrit McKinney played by Woody Harrelson, height priestess and escape artist, Henley Reeves played by Ilsa Fisher, death and con-man Jack Wilder played by Dave Franco are chosen as the four contenders. After receiving an invitation to an old abandon apartment in New York City, the recruiters are exposed to holographic blueprints to a magic show beginning their journey to the Eye. After a year of training, they finally become "The Four Horsemen" successfully robbing a French bank thanks to volunteer, Étienne Forcier, an account holder of the Credit Republican De Paris. Their success and exposure turn them into overnight international sensations. FBI agent, Dylan Rhodes played by Mark Ruffalo and Partisan Interpol agent, Alma Dray played by Melanie Laurent take on the four horsemen along with other members of the FBI in a cat and mouse game. With Thaddeus Bradley, the ever-famous former magician, played by Morgan Freeman out to expose the horseman to the world, these magicians must successfully perform each magic trick before time runs out. Thaddeus believes in his ability to expose these magicians since he did it once before to Lionel Shrike. After betraying their finance contributor, Arthur Tressler, played by Michael Caine, the horsemen embark on their final performance leading them to the mystery of whether the Eye truly exists. With rumors of a fifth horsemen, can these magicians pull off the unthinkable and become members of the Eye? A film, testing one's belief of magic and reminding ourselves the beauty of the unknown.
Overall, the film shows promise and inspiration for future magicians and film buffs keeping the magic of the art of film alive.