Now You See Me (movie review)

RATING: M
RUNNING TIME: 1hr 55m
GENRE: Magic heist film

Interestingly, this movie was out in America in May and us Australians didn't get it until August. I find this delay strange because you'd think a movie with big name actors in it - such as Morgan Freeman, Woody Harrelson, Mark Ruffalo and Australian Isla Fisher - would be a bigger deal and thus have a "fast-tracked" release. Also, the delay missed the holiday period completely. The movie came out when schools and universities were all back in business. I guess though that was to avoid the 6 or so other movies that did come out during the holiday period, so I actually do regard that as a smart move... even if I am still a little peeved it took us so long to get the movie.

Anyways, moving on.

The movie is about four street magicians who are contacted by a mysterious fifth person and are given instructions for three elaborate magic shows. However, these shows involve them robbing banks and stealing money off the wealthy, so the FBI get involved and try to stop them.

So really, cops and robbers, but with more magic. All of which was very impressive and what I'd claim to be the focus of this film. Showing the tricks and then explaining them later. But not all of them obviously, or that would spoil the mystery of it all. But plenty of spectacle and very enthralling from an audience perspective.

What all the reviews are saying, and it is a point I agree on, is that there really is very little in the way of a substantial plot. Also, something I picked out in hindsight, there is a real lack of character exploration, which I am pretty bummed about. I mean, the Four Horsemen, as the magicians call themselves, are all fascinating characters and it would've been really interesting to see more interactions between them and see them grow from four separate artists to this one stage group and also friends. But this movie was more focused on the spectacle and on the magic.

Although the characters may not have much to them, the acting on everyone's part was at a very high standard. And that's from both the main and supporting characters. Sadly, the love story (which is to the side of the film anyway - not really a main focus) fell apart a little due to the lack of chemistry between the actors. And also that particular story line felt a bit forced, like it was just thrown in to add more appeal for females or something? It just didn't come off well at all and didn't meld with the actual main story of the magicians and their shows and the FBI trying to stop them.

I feel like I've been kinda harsh to a movie that I actually did quite enjoy. There was this plot twist at the end that was totally unexpected. Almost makes you want to go back and watch the whole thing to see if you can pick up on any clues.

Stripping is down to basics though, this film is very enjoyable. Plenty of action, cool tricks, compelling characters and did I mention magic? If you're looking for a cinema experience, this movie would probably top the list of current releases in major Australian cinemas in terms of it's well roundness. Something for everyone as they say. I saw it with my family and we all had fun.

Until next time.