Review of Now You See Me 2 (2016) by Thequietgamer — 07 Sep 2016

Sillier and cheesier, this perhaps unnecessary sequel is just concerned about the fun. It doesn't take itself too seriously. It's more excessive with it's visuals and more over the top with it's plot and tricks. While not all of them are bad, it's ridiculous flourishes keep this sequel from attaining what made it's predecessor such a surprise hit. That being said, it's not without it's entertaining moments.

Things like Woody Harrelson's delightful double performance and the inclusion of the always wonderful Daniel Radcliffe are greatly appreciated. Lizzy Caplan joining the cast is not. Meant to be the comedic relief, Caplan's character ends up being grating instead.

The plot itself is fine, but it's beats are familiar. It tries to fit in so many different twists and character reveals that it just feels too packed that it's hard to care about everything going on. Maybe it's time to trim down on the number of heroes and villains here.

Mark Ruffalo gets the majority of the attention here. His character is left with the more serious side of the plot, while Eisenberg and the rest of the horsemen are left to wander around and pull off flashy tricks. Considering they're the ones doing the cool stuff, perhaps we should've been focusing on them.

So how is the magic in this sequel? That is, after all, the biggest part of the movie. Well, quite frankly they are stunning. There are a lot of cool, crazy things happening onscreen. It's the one part where the movie goes bigger and actually does end up with something better. It also doesn't skimp out on the explanations either. Things like an extended card throwing sequence (not exactly magic, but still cool) and Eisenberg controlling the rain are a treat to watch. The only problem is that it's biggest trick is one you can see coming from a mile away.

When it comes to the flash, spectacle, and magic tricks this sequel doesn't let viewers down. However when it comes to the plot holding it together it stumbles. Quite a few of it's reveals are obvious and familiar. It's big ending trick is one you'll know how it plays out. It's inability to take itself seriously does lead to some entertainment, but ultimately hurts it in the end. Yet, the horseman still have a few tricks up their sleeves to make it not a total waste of time for fans of the first movie.

6.