NOW YOU SEE ME - Not as magical but still entertaining

The first time I watched the trailer of Now You See Me, It really caught my attention and set high expectations. The star cast was awesome and the plot line promised a cocktail between Oceans Eleven and The Prestige - Two of the coolest movies ever made.The end result is not quiet the masterpiece I expected, but still a good entertainer all the same.

Now You See Me follows three magicians and a mentalist, all at different points in their careers. J. Daniel Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg) is a rising star with plenty of street cred. Merritt Osbourne (Woody Harrelson) is a once world-renowned mentalist trying to fight his way back after tax problems. Henley Reeves (Isla Fisher) is J. Daniel’s former assistant trying to make a name for herself with daring escapes, and Jack Wilder (Dave Franco) is a nobody who performs around town to hone his craft. After being mysteriously brought together, they join forces to become the magic act known as The Four Horsemen and wind up landing a gig in Las Vegas - which they close by helping a man from France rob his local bank of millions.How did they do it? Why did they do it? And what are they planning next? These are questions for not only the two investigators (Mark Ruffalo and Melanie Laurent) sent to look into the case but also the audience.

A story this elaborate really needs to get its trick and illusions in place. They must be jaw dropping, yet simple enough for the audience to marvel at the audacity and brilliance. But sadly this is where the film falters.While Now You See Me is definitely high on the fun factor and thrills, it's hard to tell what is a legitimate illusion, what's CGI-trickery and what you're simply not being shown by director Louis Leterrier.

But Now You See Me is definately entertaining.The chemistry between The Four Horsemen  magicians who pull off elaborate bank heists and reward their audiences with money  is excellent.

Played by Fisher, Eisenberg, Harrelson and Dave Franco, each are experts in their fields and overconfident in their own way, whether it be in hypnosis or sleight of hand.Mark Ruffalo and Melanie Laurent make a wonderful pair with some really good moments shared between them.Ruffalo isn't the typical hollywood hero we are used to see, but definitely one of the better fringe actors around.Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman are always good and they deliver here as well. But- and this is a big BUT- the movie boasts of a wonderful ensemble cast who are never really assembled together. This leaves the film short of its desired mark.

I love movies involving magic (The Prestige, Illusionist )  and was really looking forward to this one. While not as great, but this movie is entertaining and if you don't over-think it, it's engaging, entertaining and makes for a great bit of escapism.

WORTHY MENTIONS

A police interrogation, where Ruffalo and Laurent clearly have no power and are completely undermined, is highly amusing.

MY VERDICT

*** - Potential wasted