Huge fun!

Rating: 9/10 (5 July 2013)

Arrogant illusionist J Daniel Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg), escapologist Henley (Isla Fisher), down on his luck hypnotist and mentalist Merritt (Woody Harrelson) and street magician and pickpocket Jack (Dave Franco) are mysteriously brought together and, some time later, under the auspices of wealthy mentor Arthur Tressler (Michael Caine) perform a trick in Las Vegas in which they transport an audience member instantaneously to a bank vault in Paris, steal the contents of the vault, and shower it upon the Vegas audience. Or appear to... At any rate, the money has disappeared, so the FBI and Interpol are interested. And this is only the first of 3 performances!
The trailer tells you this much and, as a lover of stage magic/illusions, I was intrigued especially as the answer was teased with the possibility of something supernatural, or fictional technology. I'm going to say nothing specific, but I will say that this is the very start, the movie keeps you guessing throughout, and also that it plays fair with the audience: it doesn't make any promises it can't keep.
The story is very good, the script is better (oh how often I wish I could praise the script but can't!), and the characters are very well written and performed.
I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a film so much while I was watching it, and I was aware that the rest of the audience was enjoying it, too. If you like stage magic you should love this and, even if you don't, you'll probably have a good time, because the ride is great fun.