'Now You See Me: Now You Don't' Recaptures The Magic Of Previous Films
'Now You See Me: Now You Don't' proves itself more than worthy of returning nearly ten years later by recapturing the magic of the first two that fans love.
(L to R) Justice Smith as Charlie, Ariana Greenblatt as June, Dominic Sessa as Bosco, Jesse Eisenberg as Daniel Atlas, Isla Fisher as Henley Reeves, and Dave Franco as Jack Wilder in 'Now You See Me: Now You Don’t'. Photo Credit: Katalin Vermes.
Opening in theaters November 14, 'Now You See Me: Now You Don't' is directed by Ruben Fleischer and stars Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Isla Fisher, Justice Smith, Ariana Greenblatt, and Dominic Sessa.
Now You See Me: Now You Don't
Related Article: Rosamund Pike Joins The Cast Of 'Now You See Me 3'
Initial Thoughts
(L to R) Dominic Sessa as Bosco, Jesse Eisenberg as Daniel Atlas, Isla Fisher as Henley Reeves, and Justice Smith as Charlie in 'Now You See Me: Now You Don’t'. Photo Credit: Katalin Vermes.
It has been nearly ten years since 'Now You See Me 2', which means that the third film needed to prove itself as having a reason to return. Bringing back most of the original cast, while adding in a group of young actors to play up and coming magicians who look to the Four Horseman as inspirations is the perfect way to do it.
This not only keeps the franchise alive, it keeps it young and adds in a bit of generational humor in the process. Fans of these movies enjoy elaborate illusions and want to see justice done to someone who deserves it. 'Now You See Me: Now You Don't' delivers exactly that.
Story and Direction
Morgan Freeman as Thaddeus Bradley in 'Now You See Me: Now You Don’t'. Photo: Courtesy of Lionsgate.
The weakest part of this movie is easily the writing. That said, no one really goes to these movies for the writing anyways. As mentioned above, fans want to see grandeous magic tricks done by charasmatic, and slightly cocky, magicians. 'Now You See Me: Now You Don't' knows its audience and plays into their hands perfectly.
The pressure was on for 'Now You See Me: Now You Don't'. While Isla Fisher's return was a welcome one, she was already explained away in the second film. Bringing her back could have easily gone horribly wrong, but this is the part of the movie where the writing really shined. Every missing cast member was given a believable reason to not be there, something that is important, especially for beloved actors like Lizzy Caplan and Mark Ruffalo.
As with the previous films, there is a big twist towards the end. Even though viewers will be expecting it, chances are they will not figure it out. This is because of the direction - or should I say misdirection - which is handled brilliantly. The fun of these films is not knowing what to expect and being shocked at the end.
Cast and Performances
(L to R) Woody Harrelson as Merrit McKinney, Jesse Eisenberg as Daniel Atlas, Dominic Sessa as Bosco, Dave Franco as Jack Wilder, Justice Smith as Charlie, Isla Fisher as Henley Reeves, and Ariana Greenblatt as June in 'Now You See Me, Now You Don’t'. Photo Credit: Katalin Vermes.
Just take one look at the cast list and it is clear that this movie is filled with star power. Of course the returning cast is fantastic at what they do - Isla Fisher, Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson and Dave Franco all deliver incredible performances - but the new cast fits right in without blinking an eye.
Dominic Sessa, Justice Smith, and Ariana Greenblatt are perfect additions to the cast. They bring that young, fresh meat, attitude that is important in making 'Now You See Me: Now You Don't' not feel repetative. They are integral to the story being told, and work well with the veteran cast. Their inclusion also allows for laugh-out-loud jokes about social media and how different generations handle different situation.
Final Thoughts
Rosamund Pike as Veronika in 'Now You See Me: Now You Don’t'. Photo Credit: Katalin Vermes.
'Now You See Me: Now You Don't' gives fans of this franchise exactly what they are looking for. The writing might be on the weaker side but the cast delivers on both humor and heart. There and multiple twists and turns, and a whole lot of fun to be had.
Filled to the brim with delightful illusions, 'Now You See Me: Now You Don't' is bigger than ever, and more than worth the ticket price.
'Now You See Me: Now You Don't' receives a score of 78 out of 100.
'Now You See Me: Now You Don’t' opens in theaters on November 14th.
What is the plot of 'Now You See Me: Now You Don't'?
The Four Horsemen return along with a new generation of illusionists performing mind-melding twists, turns, surprises, and magic unlike anything ever captured on film.
Who is in the cast of 'Now You See Me: Now You Don't'?
- Jesse Eisenberg as Daniel Atlas
- Woody Harrelson as Merrit McKinney
- Dave Franco as Jack Wilder
- Isla Fisher as Henley Reeves
- Morgan Freeman as Thaddeus Bradley
- Justice Smith as Charlie
- Ariana Greenblatt as June
- Dominic Sessa as Bosco
(L to R) Justice Smith as Charlie, Jesse Eisenberg as Daniel Atlas, and Woody Harrelson as Merrit McKinney in 'Now You See Me: Now You Don't'. Photo Credit: Katalin Vermes.
Other Movies in the ‘Now You See Me' Franchise:
- 'Now You See Me' (2013)
- 'Now You See Me 2' (2016)
Buy 'Now You See Me' Movies On Amazon
