Written by: Ed Solomon, Boaz Yakin, Edward Ricourt (screenplay); Boaz Yakin, Edward Ricourt (story)
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Mélanie Laurent, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco
Synopsis: Now You See Me is a fun, flashy mystery/suspense film, a summer popcorn flick that, like popcorn, leaves you full and satisfied in the moment but feeling a little empty a few hours later.
Now You See Me is a fun, flashy mystery/suspense film, a summer popcorn flick that, like popcorn, leaves you full and satisfied in the moment but feeling a little empty a few hours later.
Best Actor Cosmo nominee Jesse Eisenberg, Worst Performance Cosmo nominee Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, and Dave Franco play street con artists and stage magicians who team together to create a spectacular magic show and, in the process, pull off a spectacular bank heist while pursued by an FBI agent played by Cosmo nominee Mark Ruffalo.
The action is engaging in the moment and I often found myself smiling. But in the end, it may not hold up well to other Best Mystery/Suspense/Horror/Thriller films, especially on the mystery side like Mulholland Drive, Gosford Park, or Shutter Island. Critics have compared it (generally unfavorably) to Ocean’s 11. Like that film, it’s a bit more of a how-dunnit than who-dunnit, with flashbacks used to fill in missing pieces. But the plotting is thin and the character development is almost nonexistent for most, but it still makes for a fun adventure.
It will probably make my top five Best Mystery/Suspense/Horror/Thriller Films of 2013 list, though I have to revisit potential nominees to see for sure if it made the cut. And Dave Franco, James’ scrumptious little brother, will certainly make my list for Actor’s Character You Would Most Like to be Intimate With.
Ultimately, Now You See Me is worth a look. Like its starring characters, it's escapist fare, but pleasant and enjoyable.
Rating: 3 ½ stars
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