Now You See Me

Movie Name: Now You See Me
Year of Release: 2013

Director: Louis Leterrier

Stars: Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Morgan Freeman, Woody Harrelson, Melanie Laurent, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, Michael Caine, Michael Kelly, Common, David Washofsky, Jose Garcia, Jessica Lindsey

Genre: Crime, Thriller

Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 5

Synopsis:

Louis Leterrier has made a name for himself directing big action films, namely "The Incredible Hulk" and "Clash of the Titans". His latest feature follows a group of magicians who get assembled by an unknown figure, to perform daring tricks that are surprising and completely unexpected. These tricks increase in scale, and involve some high concept robbery, which places them under the pursuit of the FBI and Interpol. Also on their pursuit is Thaddeus Bradley, a former magician who now makes a living unmasking other people's tricks. Both Thaddeus and the FBI are unprepared for what the final trick of the group turns out to be.
Louis Leterrier is a director more interested in staging frantic and elaborate actions sequences, as can be verified from his directing resume (he also directed the first two "Transporter" films).  "Now You See Me" has an interesting concept - illusionists that are robbers. However throughout the film, the story ends up focusing more on the FBI and Interpol agents that are actively pursuing the group. Nothing much is said about the characters, and there is information thrown in by other characters intending on distracting the viewer for the big final revelation. Sadly though, is difficult to care much about the characters when nothing much is said about any of them - we never really know much of any of the magicians or the people chasing them. It's a cat and mouse chase, whose sole purpose is building ground for the final secret and revelation. The film has a wonderful cast, and Mark Ruffalo creates the most satisfying character, but it's still surprising to see talented actors such as Melanie Laurent, Jesse Eisenberg and Morgan Freeman with little to do. A film that is enjoyable but also quickly forgotten.