Review of Now You See Me (2013) by Alex M — 20 Oct 2014

I'd really like to see a movie like this done without visual effects, just to see how inventive the cast and crew can get. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the visual effects in this movie - they're about as flashy and sweet looking as special effects get - but I want real tricks, not tricks aided by effects.

That aside, Now You See Me is good popcorn fun. Its screenplay is muddled and filled with holes (and I hated the ending - so stupid), characters are as thinly developed as paper, and there are more than a number of plot points that feel forced - but despite all this, it's entertaining to watch the magicians and authorities play games with one another.

The cast is also exquisite, with Eisenberg leading a very strong ensemble. I just wish the same amount of effort that went into the magic went into the script. Maybe with its sequel, the cast and crew can achieve something akin to The Prestige (albeit more fun) - now that I would pay to go see.