Saturday, June 08, 2013

Now You See Me

   A movie about grand illusions that is really not very grand. It does however, give the illusion of entertainment. The tag line of "the closer you look, the less you see" could not be more apropos.

    Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher,Woody Harrelson, and Dave Franco star as magicians, a mentalist  and a street con artist brought together under mysterious circumstances to perform grand illusions that are not what the seem. The film also stars Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Melanie Laurent, Mark Ruffalo, and  Common. Its a strong cast having fun in a no brainer that will entertain and amuse you if you don't think too hard.

    If you're the type to analyze everything, you will be disappointed by the reveals and the "twist" ending you saw coming, if you followed the clues. One reveal, in particular, is so complex that it completely defies logic. The expense, timing and control of the environment is impossible. But you accept it if you are invested in the story.  Of course films like this always throw in "red herrings" to keep you guessing and they do help keep things interesting.

    After the final "twist", the ending really disappoints. It's like watching air escape from a balloon that just goes flat. I suppose they do leave an opening for a sequel if the film does well, but that would be the biggest trick of all.

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