First of all I'm surprised that there's a sequel to 'Now You See Me' in the first place. The first film was a classy new take on the heist movie, but I certainly didn't think it needed a sequel.
But Hollywood obviously dictated that it did,so nearly all of the original cast reunite for this rather silly follow-up that isn't nearly as good.
It all starts well, but soon we're on a pointless jaunt around the world, with some poor dialogue and ridiculous plot points along the way. The minute Woody Harrelson ends up playing his twin I knew the game was up and that this sequel would join a long line of 'weaker than original' cash ins. It's a shame really, because this has a talented cast, who seemed game to make this a hit.
The absence of Isla Fisher divides fans, some missed her, some didn't. I thought that while Lizzy Caplan brought something different to the role of female horseman, it didn't really work.
A real mess of a film.
Now You See Me 2
2016
Action / Adventure / Comedy / Crime / Mystery / Thriller
Now You See Me 2
2016
Action / Adventure / Comedy / Crime / Mystery / Thriller
Keywords: revengemagicheistvigilanteon the run
Plot summary
One year after outwitting the F.B.I. and winning the public's adulation with their Robin Hood-style magic spectacles, The Four Horsemen resurface for a comeback performance in hopes of exposing the unethical practices of a tech magnate. The man behind their vanishing act is none other than Walter Mabry, a tech prodigy who threatens the Horsemen into pulling off their most impossible heist yet. Their only hope is to perform one last unprecedented stunt to clear their names and reveal the mastermind behind it all.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.BLU 1080p.BLU 2160p.BLUMovie Reviews
What a mess
In terms of plot, this is a complete mess
I didn't care much for NOW YOU SEE ME, a sub-OCEAN'S ELEVEN heist/caper movie with a few magical, sleight-of-hand touches, but it looks great compared to this lacklustre, rushed-out sequel which is set in Macau for some reason. Most of the team from the first film are back with the exception of Isla Fisher, who is replaced by CLOVERFIELD'S Lizzy Caplan, now a flavour of the month in Hollywood.
Sadly, the first film's semi-realism is done away with entirely in favour of increasingly ridiculous set-ups and situations here. Woody Harrelson was grating in the first movie but now he's back and playing his own twin as well. He's really irritating and smug to boot. The most interesting casting choice is Michael Caine playing Harry Potter's dad; Daniel Radcliffe is the villain of the piece but completely wishy-washy and unimposing. Mark Ruffalo is the only one who come out of this with his head held high, but even he is ill served by the nonsense of the plotting.
Lizzy Caplan substitution great
Thaddeus Bradley (Morgan Freeman) is in prison and vows to take his revenge on the Four Horsemen. J. Daniel Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg),Merritt McKinney (Woody Harrelson) and Jack Wilder (Dave Franco) remain after the Eye releases member Henley Reeves (Isla Fisher). Lula May (Lizzy Caplan) is eager to join the Horsemen. FBI agent Dylan Rhodes (Mark Ruffalo) gives them the job of taking down tech businessman Owen Case (Ben Lamb). The group gets exposed, and kidnapped by Walter Mabry (Daniel Radcliffe) and Merritt's twin Chase McKinney to Macau, China. Walter is Owen's former partner and has faked his death to go off grid. He blackmails the Horsemen to steal a chip that can decrypt anything from Owen. That's before the return of Arthur Tressler (Michael Caine).
I like Isla Fisher but substituting for Lizzy Caplan is a great move. She is loads of fun and the main reason I like this more than the original. I like this movie up to Radcliffe's reveal of their kidnapping. I don't think the Harrelson twin adds anything great. It's a functional caper movie until the twists pile up. Like the original, the movie deteriorates in the second half and I stop caring. It's a mixed review but I love some great Lizzy.