Energetic and Entertaining

Rating: Null/10 (23 May 2013)

In a rare lucky event, I won tickets to an advanced Screening of this movie yesterday. I was intrigued by the preview during another movie, but I certainly wasn't expecting such an awesome display.
The Plot of the movie is this: 4 street artists (Dave Franco as Jack, Jesse Eisenberg as Michael, Isla Fisher as Henley and Woody Harrelson as Merritt) with individual talents receive an invitation from a source with out much explanation, just a time and address. A year later, they are a successful group called The Four Horsemen, working together putting on the best magic shows on stage. Their biggest illusion is to rob a bank while never once leaving the stage and live audience. You can guess what happens next, as without being successful, there would be no movie to watch. Enter the FBI and a round of interrogations that have never been funnier. And, before you know it, you're on a wild chase and loving it.
The visuals and magic 'tricks' in this film were beautifully crafted without being over the top. The plot was fun and wild taking the audience on a crazy chase where it was hard to predict what was going to happen next. Just when you think you've got it figured out, they twist it.
The performances by the stellar cast were amazing. Even though the audience doesn't really get to know the characters well, the pace of the game moved so quickly it really doesn't matter. I was only mildly disappointed that we didn't get to see more of the characters in their starting points - how did they get to where they were before their source? There was some obvious history between Michael and Henley which was never explored. And, where did Merritt learn his techniques? Lots of questions which were left open - hopefully with a sequel or prequel in mind. It sure felt like there was more story to tell but as Micheal Atlas says in the beginning of the movie ' You're looking too close'. The bigger picture of the movie is what makes it so spectacular. I'll be back in line to see it again when it is officially released on May 31st. I don't think you'll be disappointed either.