I recently went to see the new film "Now You See Me". I must say I enjoyed it very much. I must point out that I quite like magic and tricks anyway, which may mean I enjoyed the film more than your average cinema goer (and definitely more that the "I know how they did that" cynics). It is still however a film I would recommend even to the most cynical.
A good cast with Isla Fisher and Jesse Eisenberger representing the younger generation and Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and Woody Harleson batting for the older guys. Also starring Mark Ruffalo who is somewhere in between the aforementioned generations. First I must point out that both Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman have very small roles, so if you're planning to see it as a fan, don't be fooled.
An interesting casting was Morgan Freeman's part, as he plays, let's not say the bad guy, but someone who you don't really like much. Out of the comfort zone of the nice guy who everyone likes with the cool voice. Caine also plays someone, to whom the audience do not become attached to. Although he is well known for playing the lovable butler Alfred in the "Dark Knight" Series, he has played some less appealing roles, but still a slightly surprising casting. Don't mistake this for a criticism however because both play their parts as well as any other part they've played. Ruffallo pulls of a superb performance and although it's a close call, I would go as far as to say that his was the best performance, with Fisher, Eisenberger, Caine and Morgan all following equally closely behind, as well as the not quite so well known Dave Franco & Mélanie Laurent.
Let's move onto the plot. A relatively easy idea made into a very exciting and not so simple film. I enjoyed this film very much and that's partly due to the twists that seem to be waiting around every corner. Another reason that I enjoyed this so much, was because be it the director or the producer, someone was leaving very subtle clues throughout the film and if you like a brainteaser then you'll enjoy this one. It gives you just enough to want to keep looking for the answer without giving anything away. Four magicians pulled together by some unknown character and called the four horsemen. The reason? we don't know yet, but in their final show, a year after they all met in a mysterious manner, they ask an audience member to help them rob a bank. This is obviously a cause for speculation and the FBI inevitably get involved,which is where Ruffalo comes in, giving a fantastic performance as FBI agent Dylan Rhodes. Freeman's character is weaved in cleverly here. He plays an "Ex-Magician" who exposes other magicians in his own television show. The FBI obviously need his help and therefore reluctantly hire him to expose the horsemen. Again there's an unexpected twist here, so keep your eyes peeled.
The Four Horsemen
- Jesse Eisenberg as J. Daniel Atlas (The Lovers), a street Magician
- Woody Harrelson as Merritt McKinney (The Hermit), a Mentalist
- Isla Fisher as Henley Reeves (The High Priestess), an Escape artist
- Dave Franco as Jack Wilder (Death), a street Magician
Again for the romantics out there, there are 2 very thin love stories so don't panic!
There is major use of symbolism in this film and at the end it all seems to tie up and you end up going back through scenes and remember things that meant nothing at the time. Which makes it all the more fun.
My only criticism of this film is that there are a few questions that are seemingly left unclear or unanswered. The question you have to ask here is "Is this a directorial technique?" Is the director leaving you on the edge of your seat even after the film is finished. Perhaps. The fact that the overall storyline is solved by the end is the main thing and you will feel satisfied, even if you do feel a little confused.
Definitely would recommend this and would give it 4 Stars ☆☆☆☆
That's All Folks
Fay♥
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