NOW YOU SEE ME 2 Review — Not as Magical as the First, But Still…
Now You See Me 2 Review — By Lisa Johnson Mandell
A movie based on glitzy, glamorous magic tricks performed by magicians played by Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco and Lizzy Caplan (the Masters of Sex star filling in for Isla Fisher) can’t help but be some fun. Especially when they’re back as the fabulous and frustrating Four Horsemen, who proved so entertaining in the original Now You See Me.
Note I wrote “some fun.” It’s not nearly as entertaining as it could be, but it’s still worth the price of admission and popcorn, especially if you enjoyed the first installment. And really, who didn’t? This time around the Four Horseman (plus one, played by Mark Ruffalo) set out to gloriously expose an unethical tech magnate, but run the risk of being exposed themselves. Add Daniel Radcliffe, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and Jay Chou to the mix, and they appear to be having the time of their lives.
I just wish they, as well as the plot, coalesced as well as they did in the original. Here we have outrageously inventive magic tricks loosely quilted together with the flimsiest of thread. It’s almost like a variety show, with each character mugging and doing his or her magic act, then occasionally coming together to do something truly jaw dropping. There ain’t much story or substance in between. Still, it’s a step up for director Jon Chu, whose last effort, Jem and the Holograms, was arguably one of the biggest flops of 2015
So I’m willing to forgive, and, unfortunately, probably forget. This is not going to be the hit of the summer, but the spectacle, energetic score and totally invested cast make it a worthwhile watch. It’s opening on an odd weekend, against fanboy fantasy War Craft, and horror fan favorite The Conjuring 2. I’m predicting Now You See Me 2 will draw in an older crowd, and, being part of it, I see nothing wrong with that.
Rated PG 13
1 Hour 55 Minutes
Get times and tickets at Fandango.com.
NOW YOU SEE ME 2 Review — Not Quite as Magical as the First, But Still…
NOW YOU SEE ME 2 Review — Not Quite as Magical as the First, But Still…
by Lisa Johnson Mandell
