Review of Now You See Me 2 (2016) by Sam S — 02 Jul 2016

Reviewers are usually more humorous than some of the comedies they rate, and no, that was not a complement. Professionals who are lucky enough to be paid for taking some popcorn and soda into their private home screening rooms even more often discredit themselves considerably more than films they despair. They take themselves too seriously becoming proud, yet blissfully unaware owners of a "god complex", little 'g' earned and intended. The second installment of the Now You See Me franchise should be prominently featured in bold, red letters on the front page of every charlatan critic's. resume for as proof. The movie certainly bears a greater-than-average high expectations bar because of subject matter and the necessary intellect required to appreciate on all available levels but when all is said and done, did it entertain?

Absolutely.

Anyone-friend, foe, critic, Academy Awards ballot bearer who cannot find enjoyment in this outing is in for more of life's disappointments than those of us who value content and context as much or more than unrealistic anticipation. There is a solid plotline in the movie as it seeks to dramatize the show within a show approach. There is an overabundance of "what's next" and who can you trust moments from open to closing credits. Twists are not rare, but in fairness sometimes you obvious. The characters are quite easy to align with, choosing sides, and selecting favorite vs. least favorite participants is part of the fun. Determining underlying principles of the players is not as simple as other films, and a case could be made for or against accepting the ethics of even the supossedly "good guys". Suspension of belief, figuratively, creatively, and rationally is also not a true/false or yes/no question. Once the viewer allows his or her self to surrender control of preconception, then there is a lot of entertainment here. In fact, the near impossible plot does a fantastic job of forcing fair minded viewers to go for the ride instead of insisting they should be the conductor. Visuals, CGI or not, may actually deserve a credit line as a cast member for sheer execution. This movie, as all movies do, has places that can and perhaps should be critiqued but as entertainment, good entertainment, its merits considerably outweigh those of critics who refuse to just have fun. Go and you will see something you will still remember favorably longer than most. Expect to have a good time, and you will. Otherwise, as in life, you reap what you have sewn. This is a very good film with a difficult act to follow (pun intended), and by following my own advice has become a favorite franchise to every member of my immediate family. Yes, if given a chance, it is that good.

Apologies for my Android spell check's level of arrogance and word hijacking skills.