‘Now You See Me’ is Magic

Sleight of hand, some silliness and a super cool cast take centre stage in what may be the most entertaining film I’ve seen all year.

Not as clever as ‘The Prestige’ (2006) and pretty much a magic heist movie with an emaciated Robin Hood agenda, ‘Now You See Me’ (2013) is best served to audiences who like to see excellent ensemble casts in conceptually exciting films which are great to look at but may lose the plot somewhat on the way to dénouement.

To distract audiences from its vague characterisations and thin motivations, there is plenty of spectacle swirling around Jesse Eisenberg, Dave Franco, Isla Fisher, Mark Ruffalo and Woody Harrelson. The film also stars Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine which is always reason enough to see anything.

What one can see is a fast paced, fast-talking film about four street magicians who band together as “The Four Horsemen” to right the wrongs of some pretty pompous people. After presenting epic and subversive magic shows designed by a mystery magician, “The Four Horsemen” find themselves on the wrong side of the law while paying their dues to become members of a magical fraternity called “The Eye”.

See this film if you enjoy films about stage magic and if you don’t mind a bit of nonsensical meandering plot wise.

The visuals and concept are well worth it and the mid-credits promise of a sequel is entirely exciting.

Also, Jesse Eisenberg is less self-deprecating than usual and, if you tilt your head a little, he actually comes off as a little sexy. As are Isla Fisher and Mélanie Laurent for the blokes. And Freeman and Caine for the film buffs.

‘Now You See Me’ is now showing at Ster-Kinekor

– Tweet me your review @marth__vader