So far I've seen 3 magic-themed films this year: Magic Magic (Michael Cera), The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (Carell, Carrey, Buscemi), and more recently, Now You See Me.
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Click photo for Wikipedia entry[/caption]
Who’s in it:
Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network, Zombieland)
Woody Harrelson (Zombieland, Seven Pounds)
Michael Caine (need I give examples?)
Morgan Freeman (ahem, God)
Mark Ruffalo (Zodiac, The Avengers)
Isla Fisher (Confessions of a Shopaholic)
Mélanie Laurent (Inglorious Basterds)
Dave Franco (21 Jump Street, Warm Bodies)
Director: Louis Leterrier (The Transporter, Clash of the Titans)
In a nutshell, the film deals with the extent to which 4 ordinary magicians (the 4 Horsemen, as they like to call themselves) would go in order to be part of an ancient mystical organization which is said to recruit deserving members only twice in a century. However, because of the stunts they had to pull off, which usually involved breaking laws, the quartet got tangled with the FBI and Interpol in a wild goose chase. As the characters developed, a series of events served as misdirection so as the audience would not know who the real people behind these events are.
It’s one of those films that I wish I had watched on the big screen when it was out. Watching a DVDrip wasn't so bad (the copy was good) but I just thought it would've been nice to see it inside a movie house.
Anyway, the ending sucked. There.
The rest of the film was awesome - I just hated the way a lot of questions were unanswered. I loved the tricks, I loved the showmanship, I loved the chases, and I loved the twist. But just like many of those who've seen it, I just felt like there should be a lot more to that conclusion (which thrills the idea that a sequel’s in the works).
Here are the things that caught my attention, and few other ones that broke my heart:
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The Eye of Horus[/caption]
- The “Eye” – This ancient reference actually points to the Eye of Horus, which is an Egyptian emblem for protection, royal power and good health. While it doesn't necessarily have anything to do with magic, they used it as a symbol for a secret society of magicians, and being recruited as members became prime motivation of the 4 Horsemen. It’s a good pick for an old, supernatural background, but then again, the film killed me when they didn't even show any part of the society in the end. Ruffalo just invited the 4 Horsemen to hop in a carousel, and that was it. WTF?
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that rare smile[/caption]- Interpol Agent Alma Dray – My newest crush, Mélanie Laurent. I first saw this 30-year old French chic in Inglorious Basterds and I thought she had this nice mix of angst and sweetness. I’m not sure if her flat affect is an acting style or a natural glitch, but it sure does make you long for her rare smile (or any other facial expression, for that matter).
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from Zombieland[/caption]- The Eisenberg- Harrelson combo. I watched Zombieland primarily because Emma Stone is in it, but I loved the movie because of its two main gentlemen. Their conversational styles and demeanor make me laugh even without an apparent joke, and it was cool to see them again in another flick. Hoping for a third charmer, too! Not a comedy, though. God, if only Harrelson had a reasonable role in The Social Network.
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Caine has over 120 films to date[/caption]- Michael Caine – I think this is the first time I’ve seen Caine in a non-Christopher Nolan film for quite a while – the last one was Bewitched. As always, Caine is brilliant. Nice to see an 80-year old guy like him still appearing in major movies virtually every year (another Nolan film in 2014). A small part of me actually got upset when the main cast in Now You See Me betrayed Caine’s character (I suppose I’m not used to seeing him as an antagonist). Should’ve given him a much deeper role- now we’re definitely not seeing him in the sequel. Unless…
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the avenger - to avenge his dad[/caption]- Lionel Shrike – He’s a fictional character, but I like the sound of his name, and I like what he’s done even more. The card trick that took 18 years made me think of getting into magic (an ambition that faded away just as quick as it begun). I like that there was a man who embodied the dedication and patience needed to perform the ultimate trick. Now, his son Dylan Rhodes (played by Ruffalo) also displayed tremendous patience, but it was the kind that was kinda overly dramatic, at least for me. I mean, he didn’t have to join the FBI or plan an insanely elaborate plot of revenge against Thaddeus Bradley (Freeman). He could’ve just framed him with some heinous crime; I mean he’s FBI for god’s sake! But I suppose magicians are like that – they value showmanship and theatricality.
- The tricks – When I saw the trailer showing the 4 magicians robbing a bank and giving it away to the audience, I knew immediately that I have to see this movie. Back then I didn’t even know that the bank was in Paris! Their second trick, where they transferred all of Caine’s bank money to the audience’s accounts, was genius. It was obviously Rhode’s way of getting even with Caine whose insurance company declined to cover the death of his old man. The way the Horsemen extracted the security answers from Caine was also brilliant, although a little far-fetched but forgivable. It’s the tricks that make audiences love and sympathize with the Horsemen. Clever writing.
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The closer you look, the less you see.[/caption]Ups – insane plot, good casting, awesome sequences
Downs – unsatisfactory ending, a little short on character development
My take: 8.9/10
PS : On August 9, 2013, after the box office success of the film, Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer officially confirmed that there will be a sequel to the film with production beginning in 2014 for an unspecified release date. Louis Leterrier confirmed he will return to direct the sequel. Source
Nice review. I had a good time with it, but I would have had a better time if I believed in everything I saw.
Gotta disagree with almost everything you wrote, there was no character development at all, this resulted in the writer / director keeping the writing of the film very loose, this could be classed as a directing style, I prefer to call it lazy movie making with one eye on targeting the box office teenagers who are happy to watch anything that is not to grueling on the brain. 5/10 at best.
I think we agree on the "character development" flaw. =)
I suppose the only characters which need a thorough character development were that of Ruffalo's and Freeman's. The Horsemen were basically "pawns" in Rhode's plot of revenge, and there's little need for the audience to get to know them better. Alma Dray's character was "meant" to be shady, as she was intended to be a misdirection. Rhode's character, though, I think, was developed "okay", but yes, it could have been more elaborate.
Thanks for your comment! =)
My sentiments, exactly. Thanks for your comment!