Now You See Me

Now You See Me is the new heist film starring Jesse Eisenberg, Dave Franco, Woody Harrleson, Isla Fisher, Mark Ruffalo, Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine and focuses on four magicians pulling off a series of heists while climbing to global fame. 

The screening itself was a mystery, as Cineworld billed it as a special "preview" screening, despite it being out in the States at the end of May. The art of misdirection is a constant throughout the film, and we are constantly told, the more you look, the less you see. Apt then, given the amount of ploys and plots twists, that we so crave. Nothing as deep as you might expect, but thats the beauty of the third act. The motives are so simple, you look back and notice all the signs, which shows that this will hold up to repeat viewings. Obviously, the less said about the story, the better.

The characters and actors meanwhile all shine. We have obvious chemistry between Eisenberg and Harrelson, back from their partnership in the excellent non-Rom Zom-Com Zombieland, sans Bill Murray cameo. Eisenberg is the usual arrogant self, played to great delight, with hints of Zuckerberg to him, for instance "Always be the smartest guy in the room" could have been lifted straight from the Social Network. 

Ruffalo has a Banner like quality to him, which makes you realise why Marvel wanted him as the Hulk in the first place, while being able to stay in complete control. Dave is no longer "James' younger brother", or "that guy from Scrubs Season 9" but has stepped out of the shadows, eclipsing his brothers performance as Oz in Sam Raimi's Great and Powerful. 

Often in a magic show the women are solely assistants, but Isla Fisher and Melanie Laurent are not only intelligent, but drive the story along with Laurent's Interpol officer piecing together the clues overlooked by Ruffalo and the FBI.

Special mentions go to Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine. While the marketing of the film could have gone better (Freeman falling asleep mid interview) the two of them lose none of the charm of previous roles, such as as Lucius Fox and Alfred in the Dark Knight franchise.

The effects look magnificant, enchanting and realistic, and while some of the sets are predictable (the initial bank heist for instance), there is humour and warmth to be found throughout.

In conclusion, if you have a choice between Man Of Steel and this, go for Now You See Me. It is wittier, more spectacular and less plot holes, as well as not having an elongated third act.

8.5/10