Diandra Reviews It All

Now You see Me 2 will be released tomorrow, and to put it quite frank, it is a fun film. It is probably one of the funner movies to hit theaters recently. The magic tricks are bigger and longer, with one scene, in particular, being the longest card trick/ tossing I have experienced in my life. Despite a few plot holes, you go to this film to have a good time, and you will.

The film picks up a year after the last one. The horsemen have been in hiding, and prepping for their biggest magical outing/ revolt against a rich villain ever. Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg) is frustrated at not knowing more about The Eye, which has taken over his life without much of a “reward”, while the other horsemen, Merritt (Woody Harrelson), Jack (Dave Franco), and newcomer Lula (Lizzy Caplan), are unflinchingly loyal to the organization and Danny Rhodes (Mark Ruffalo). When the horsemen are kidnapped and made to work for new villain Walter Mabry (Daniel Radcliffe), the egos and trust amongst them are tested.

By now, viewers have a loyalty with these characters, and want to see how they have bettered in their life. Hence, it is intriguing to witness that, though they are more powerful as a team, they are less united. The clash between Atlas and Danny over leadership is one of the interesting human notices of the film, especially because their desire for leadership never quells their loyalty for each other. Such chemistry can be witnessed throughout the team and film. Even Danny, whom had a less whimsical role in the first one, gets an opportunity to shine as a magician. Thus, you are left in wonder over these group of mystifying bandits that are so casually cool but also human.

Like in the original, Now You See Me 2, makes you want to join the magical team. The relationships and charisma amongst actors is not lost, even with new actress Lizzy Caplan as Lula. She is funny and dynamic, which helps audiences warm up to her. Although Isla Fisher’s Henley is missed, it would be great to see her return for a third film and share scenes with Lula. I could imagine the magician, female empowerment now. Overall, there are several moments that you either want to try a trick or dance at how they got away from another “close-call”. The action and magic has been fantastically upped for this film, along with its soundtrack. Absolutely every action sequence has a “club-worthy” background track that pushes your emotional investment into the tricks. Your heart accelerates with the visuals and bassline. Hence, the fun experienced will certainly cover a few plot confusions.

The Eye, the mysterious organization, that has recruited these dastardly magicians begins to reveal themselves, but are still unclear in their motivations and reasoning for being founded. They are like The Illuminati for magicians, secretly controlling every trick in both magic and life. The lack of clarity might be bothersome to a few viewers, whom find the idea of The Eye fascinating but never properly approached. After all, this organization has taken over the lives of these people. Yet, if you do not overthink it, you might admire Now You See Me 2’s ability to use such a major plot point as a jumping platform and not a focus. The film is more a character piece where each audience member will fall for a certain protagonist/ magician, and pray they overcome any potential battle with Daniel Radcliffe’s Walter Mabry.

I really enjoyed Radcliffe’s turn as a villain. He is smart, endearing, and slightly broken inside. Radcliffe does an excellent job of giving quiet layers to a character that is not in the film enough. I enjoyed his villainy more than that of Michael Caine’s because of the vulnerable given to his character. He is not a “straight villain”, although as maniacal. Instead, he is a rich kid with daddy issues, a genius mind, and a literal/ figurative chips over his shoulder. Moreover, he is a villain that can go “toe to toe” with our horsemen heroes. Thus, if there is a threequel, I would love to see him return.

Yes, Now You See Me 2 leaves room for a Now You See Me 3, and I am all in. Again, this movie rides on the funness of a cinematic experience and the sense of team it gives to audiences. I always remark that movie tickets can be expensive, which makes people hesitant on what they see. I say if you are just looking to have fun, feel good, and want a little adrenaline go see it.

Now You See Me 2 will be released tomorrow on June 10.

Film Review: Now You See Me 2 Is Just Plain Fun

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Published by Diandra Reviews