Clever fun unexpected

Rating: 9/10 (16 July 2013)

The story about a group of diverse magicians assembled for a purpose that isn't clear till the end. There is fun magic in different locations and a few twists and turns that are not what you'd expect.
I thought this might be a crime caper in the vein of Ocean's etc but it was way more interesting.
The cast is good because it doesn't rely too much on one cast member. Jesse Dave and Isla lack star quality to lead a movie so they are fine in supporting roles. Woody looks younger than of late. Mark Ruffalo is suitably disheveled and bewildered. Melanie Laurent is quite lovely to look at as the Interpol agent assisting Mark. Hope she gets more English speaking roles - all she need to do is improve the clarity of her English pronunciation a little. Morgan Freeman - seems to be in every other movie is alright.
There was some critique about the ending not resolving things enough and leaving too many red herrings unanswered. I think the ending is clear about what happened if you had concentrated throughout but it was a bit rushed in not showing enough flashbacks of the explanation of things. Still liked the feel good story and momentum of the movie - it doesn't drag and keeps you guessing.
Worth a watch - good plot dialog humor and enough originality with a feel good ending.