Messing With Tricks

Rating: 7/10 (1 June 2013)

Now You See Me is basically a heist film which involves magicians, and it seems like it's going to be one of those illusion themed films that adds mind tricking elements throughout the plot. It begins featuring impressive magic tricks before it proceeds to its intriguing premise. It works best as a fast paced thriller with all the crazy action and ideas it brought, but as a clever mindbender, it effects rather differently than what it wants. The good thing is it's just simple and fun for embracing its own magic. Some tricks may get out of hand, but Now You See Me is a film that is easy enough to be charmed.
The plot sounds silly, but it's hard to not feel the excitement behind these illusions. No matter how dangerous it turns, it's still all about the magic. The most fun parts are when they're performing their thing. The whole merit of the film is its heart to show that these tricks are actually entertaining. Even the simplest ones like the deck of cards and hypnotism are still fascinating to watch. The cast keep these acts alive. Jesse Eisenberg and Isla Fisher seem to have the enthusiasm of performing these tricks. Woody Harrelson is always a joy to watch. Mark Ruffalo, Dave Franco, and Melanie Laurent also made their roles a bit memorable, while Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine are just sitting around doing their fine usual thing.
When it goes to the second act, they should be cracking the code of the illusions. It's ought to be a thought-provoking mystery, but it disappointingly over explains every detail. Even at every twist it reveals, they have to talk it out how the entire set up was built plus flashbacks to be clearer. The concept of being mind boggling is compromised and now stays to the comfort zone of bringing typical action set pieces. Some of the action can be whimsically inspired which fits to this environment.
The result of Now You See Me is not "Pure Magic" like what the tagline says nor genius, but it's an honest piece of cinema that offers real thrills even without the over-serious tone that moviegoers today suggests. The film still needs to be trickier. It started out overwhelming then slowly becomes the opposite later on. Despite the missteps it makes, the experience is undeniably endlessly entertaining, thanks to the enthusiasm for magic and delightful performances. Now You See Me didn't apply as being cleverer, but it's still a good blockbuster anyway.