Now You See Me Returns for a Third Magical Outing
After nearly a decade-long hiatus, the star-studded Now You See Me franchise makes its return to cinemas with Now You See Me: Now You Don't. This belated threequel brings back the original cast of illusionist thieves while introducing fresh faces to the magical mix. Directed by Ruben Fleischer, the film attempts to recapture the glitzy appeal of its predecessors while expanding its ensemble to near-Ocean's Eleven proportions.
A Familiar Heist with New Faces
The story reunites the original Four Horsemen - Daniel Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg), Merritt McKinney (Woody Harrelson), Jack Wilder (Dave Franco) and the returning Henley Reeves (Isla Fisher), who was notably absent from the 2016 sequel. The estranged quartet are tricked into reuniting when a message from their secretive benefactor organisation, The Eye, sends Atlas to meet a younger generation of magicians.
This new trio comprises Bosco (Dominic Sessa), June (Ariana Greenblatt) and Charlie (Justice Smith), who join forces with the veterans for their latest mission: steal a massive diamond from arms dealer Veronika Vanderberg, played with villainous flair by Rosamund Pike. The target aligns with the new recruits' preference for wealth redistribution, though the choice of antagonist feels somewhat traditional for a series built on subversion.
Style Over Substance in Magical Execution
The film struggles with the same issues that plagued its predecessors - the delicate balance between explaining its elaborate heists and maintaining the illusion of genuine magic. While the broader cons receive some explanation, however unconvincing, the smaller tricks that showcase individual characters' specialties often feel more like superpowers than skilled illusions.
Director Ruben Fleischer brings the same approach that characterised his previous work on Venom and Uncharted, resulting in entertainment that's enjoyable in the moment but lacks lasting impact. The film could benefit from a more sophisticated touch behind the camera, someone capable of making the absurdities feel like genuine magic rather than simply going through the motions.
Cast Chemistry and Lightweight Charm
Where the film succeeds is in its cast's evident delight in returning to these roles. Jesse Eisenberg remains perfectly cast as the prickly Atlas, while Woody Harrelson brings his trademark charm to mentalist Merritt McKinney. The newcomers, particularly Ariana Greenblatt in a standout police station fight sequence, prove equally engaging.
The film's attempts at generational conflict between the original Horsemen and their younger counterparts don't entirely land, but thankfully these moments are kept to a minimum. Instead, the focus remains on the light musicality of various feats of showmanship that give the franchise its distinctive, if somewhat forgettable, character.
Now You See Me: Now You Don't delivers exactly what fans of the franchise would expect: glitzy, fun fakery that provides temporary entertainment before disappearing like a puff of smoke. While it may not convert new viewers, existing fans will find enough magical mayhem to justify a cinema visit when the film releases on 14 November.
