Who better to center a glitzy over-the-top heist caper on than masters of misdirection? Director Louis Leterrier offers us a tale of four talented but struggling magicians (Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco) brought together be forces larger than themselves to become the most sought after magic show in the world. And in their free time they also rob banks.
Those looking for an example of what separates a good movie from a great movie need look no further than the script by Ed Solomon, Boaz Yakin, and Edward Ricourt. That, along with the film's talent cast and a slick look balancing real sleight of hand with CGI effects, gives Leterrier all the necessary ingredients to offer us what could have been the coolest movie of the Summer. Despite a great set-up, however, Now You See Me eventually runs out of gas with an over-complicated final act, a questionable late twist, and a prolonged epilogue that draws out events well beyond what is necessary. The film's biggest weakness is not allowing itself to play the magician or be willing to leave the audience with any questions about what they have seen.
