NOW YOU SEE ME 2 – Review

NOW YOU SEE ME 2 brings back the Four Horsemen, not the Biblical figures of Armageddon but the four magician/illusionists from the first film, who used magic to reveal corporate misbehaviorand redistribute a little wealth.

The magicians from the first film, who call themselves the Four Horseman, return, again played by Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, but joined by a new magician played by Lizzy Caplan. Last time the magicians used their skill as illusionists in a Robin Hood-type heists to expose corporate bad guys, which put them on the run from the FBI. A year later, the Horsemen must re-emerge to thwart an evil tech wizard, Walter Mabry (Daniel Radcliffe), who seeks to control the world through a chip to control the world’s computers. That mission takes them to Macau, China, and the oldest magic shop in the world. To accomplish their goal, the Horseman have to stage the biggest illusion yet.

Magic fans have to relish this stuff. Like the 2013 NOW YOU SEE ME, the magic is the main point. If the original film did not draw you in like a carnival barker, you probably want to skip this magic mystery/adventure sequel.

Like stage illusions, there is little that is real about NOW YOU SEE ME 2. This second film has more of a plot, a kind of kid-friendly mystery about a secret organization and a plot by a villain, played by Daniel Radcliffe, in which all kinds of improbable things take place. The cast also includes Mark Ruffalo, Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman, in a globe-trotting adventure. The cast seems to be having a ball in this film, particularly Daniel Radcliffe who is busily chewing scenery as the villain. Woody Harrelson gets to have fun with a double role, also playing his evil twin.

The plot, which seems aimed at a younger audience, is kind of fun but not terribly original or rational. It is best to take this story as a tongue-in-cheek fantasy; trying to see anything probable or real about it is sure to just give one a headache.

Of course the real point is the magic. Like, the first film, there are some real magic experts behind this film, particularly its co-producer, illusionist David Copperfield. Big illusions are the main thrill but classic magic tricks like three card monty and some sleight-of-hand also get some of the spotlight.

Director Jon M. Chu, who directed Step Up 2 and Step Up 3D, replaced the original director Louis Leterrier, but does a nice job presenting the magic. He has been tapped to direct the third film in the series. The ending sets up for that next sequel by making the Horseman into something like a Marvel super hero team. Whether the series continues depends mostly on the audience for its magical illusions on screen.

For fans of the first film, or of magic in general, NOW YOU SEE ME 2 is a treat. But if stage illusionists hold no, er, magic for you or you are looking for believable story, you can safely pass on this film.

NOW YOU SEE ME 2 opens in theaters on June 10th, 2016

OVERALL RATING: 3 OUT OF 5 STARS