A diamond heist reunites retired Horsemen illusionists with new performers Greenblatt, Smith, and Sessa as they target dangerous criminals.
Proving that nearly anything can become a franchise, Lionsgate unleashes another film in the magician-heist series NOW YOU SEE ME with the cleverly titled third film, “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t.” Set a decade after the last installment, this go-round sees the Four Horsemen (Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, and Isla Fisher) team up with a new generation of illusionists to take down business mogul and international criminal Veronika Vanderberg (Rosamund Pike).
Director Ruben Fleischer (reteaming with Eisenberg and Harrelson after the ZOMBIELAND movies) kicks things off with a display of stage trickery, introducing the trio of new recruits: Bosco (Dominic Sessa), June (Ariana Greenblatt), and Charlie (Justice Smith). In true blockbuster fashion, and with a wink toward the ‘Fast & Furious’ saga, this trio refers to themselves as a family — a franchise-friendly theme that’s become almost obligatory. The trio is soon recruited by J. Daniel Atlas (Eisenberg) for a high-stakes diamond heist targeting Vanderberg. Pike makes a fine villainess, giving Vanderberg poise and bite, clearly having fun with the role.
After the heist, the magicians find themselves on the run; the film never really slows down after that. Fleischer handles the large cast confidently; no character feels lost amid the chaos and sleight of hand. The magic, obviously aided by editing and CGI, is the centerpiece, aiming to dazzle with its spectacle. It mostly works, creating a grounded world that fits the film’s tone — even if the idea of illusionists doubling as action heroes still requires a leap of faith.
The movie requires suspension of logic, especially as plans rely on perfect timing and impossible coincidences. Fleischer’s brisk pacing rarely leaves a moment to breathe (or think) as the action unfolds. Things are kept light, humorous, and unpretentious, delivering a crowd-pleasing spectacle.
Is this a movie that’s going to win any awards? Probably not — and that’s perfectly fine. “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” is an easygoing, entertaining addition to this year’s roster of films. It’s light, breezy, and fun while it lasts (precisely the kind of escapism it promises). For those willing to sit back and go along with the ride, there’s plenty of popcorn enjoyment to be found.
In Theaters Friday, November 14th
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Very entertaining and intriguing. It had my attention from the begining thorugh the end. Had me wanting more and it seems, there is a window of opportunity.