Film Review: "Now You See Me 2" (2016).

"If you think you've seen it all take another look" with Now You See Me 2. This magic caper thriller film directed by Jon M. Chu, and written by Ed Solomon. It is a sequel to Now You See Me (2013). After fleeing from a stage show, the illusionists known as the Four Horsemen find themselves in more trouble in Macau, China. Devious tech wizard Walter Mabry forces the infamous magicians to steal a powerful chip that can control all of the world's computers. Meanwhile, vengeful FBI agent Dylan Rhodes hatches his own plot against Thaddeus Bradley, the man he blames for the death of his father.

In early July 2013, after the box office success of the first film, Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer confirmed that there would be a sequel to the film for an unspecified release date. In September 2014, it was confirmed that Chu would replace Louis Leterrier as director. In November 2014 the film changed its title from Now You See Me: Now You Don't to Now You See Me: The Second Act. By late November 2014, Mark Ruffalo, Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Michael Caine, and Morgan Freeman returned to reprise their roles, with Lizzy Caplan replacing Isla Fisher, and Daniel Radcliffe, Jay Chou, Sanaa Lathan, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, and Tsai Chin rounded out the film's cast as new additions. At the same time, principal photography commenced, and wrapped in early May 2015. Filming took place in London, England; Macau, China; and New York City. The film was shot on Arri Alexa XT Plus and Red Epic Dragon cameras, with Panavision Primo and Angenieux Optimo Lenses, in the 2.39: 1 aspect ratio.

The film features an ensemble cast that includes Ruffalo, Eisenberg, Harrelson, Franco, Radcliffe, Caplan, Caine, Freeman, Chou, Lathan, Lloyd-Hughes, and Chin. The cast gave performances that should be in the hall of shame under the category "Best example of putting on a show for a paycheck."


Debatable as to whether or not it is superior to its predecessor, Now You See Me 2 is overwhelmed by its nonstop action and too nonsensical and vapid to leave a lasting impression. At times, this film pushes right past competent into mostly legitimately enjoyable. But it is still dumb as catbutt. It's an honest and accomplished dumbness, however, where the stupidest stuff seems to be there because the movie would be less fun without it. In its trivial way, it's a triumph of razor-sharp, hyper-realistic style over formulaic substance. Hollywood has now evolved to the point that it can deliver these kinds of thrills with maximum force and keep the impact so light that the result can still be regarded as a 'harmless' diversion for audiences. As one might expect, there are more than a handful of loose ends once justice has been served, but there’s something to be said for a film which aims to please in a sincere and straightforward way, without attempting to be the biggest ever. The film is no masterpiece, but it’s a movie whose fun doesn’t feel like a four-letter word.

Simon says Now You See Me 2 receives:

Also, see my review for Jem and the Holograms.