Now You See Me

Now You See Me

Rated PG-13 and Released in Grand Rapids 5/31/13

Reviewed 6/2/13 at Celebration North Theatre

with Aaron and Danelle

3 1/2 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

Yes - Now You See Me is unrealistic, and unbelievable, but so are pretty much all movies. But I find the film entertaining and original. I can't help it, I really liked it...a lot. Maybe 10 or 15 minutes out of the 116 minute reel was somewhat diminished in spite of the creative lofty plot and it's too bad because it could have been the ultimate plot ruse. Aaron liked it and give it a 3J, which is a little more than Danelle, as she is the ever skeptic.

Jesse Eisenberg (J. Daniel Atlas) in the right role can be dazzling, like in The Social Network, and Now You See Me is another for him. He shines. And Woody Harrelson as the mentalist Merritt McKinley? Who doesn't like his crypt, dry humor!? Sometimes these stars are enough and...this...almost is.

The final two of dubbed group "The Four Horseman" are Henley and Jack (Isla Fisher and Dave Franco) completing the magical team. Some unknown is calling in all the "cards" for the magician quartet - answering the same call, at the same location, while getting some spell binding directive they jump on board with. After receiving their marching orders, the story leap frogs ahead one year in Las Vegas to jump start their stunts. Robin Hood here we come: steal from whomever and drop it on whomever for the taking!

Mark Ruffelo, playing Detective Dylan Rhodes, in hot pursuit leads the bumbling team of investigators. It's a pretty stereotypically lame portrayal of the NYPD. We do have more competent law enforcement, right? Throw in a little Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman and we are in the blender for a hodge podge mix that blends these characters into really stellar performances. Twists are supposed to catch us off guard, but having them is not really any surprise, but what they choose for the twists is where the film drops a bit. But stick with it to the end, keeping all this in mind, and you'll enjoy being magically entranced with Now You See Me!

QUIET Rating system: 3 1/2  Js

1. Quality: JJJj

2. Understood story:  JJj

3. Interest: JJJJ

4. Entertainment:  JJJJ

5. Time:  JJJ