Ed Solomon ( Men in Black), returning, is alone attributed for the screenplay and shares story credit with Pete Chiarelli ( The Proposal). Meanwhile, two of the original film's three writers have been replaced to no apparent detriment. Joe: Retaliation, Jem and the Holograms) has taken the directing torch from Louis Leterrier ( Clash of the Titans and 2008's The Incredible Hulk) and though neither man's résumé breeds much hope, the enjoyable outings prove the material is enough fun to not require a gifted and distinct artist at the helm. Those who liked the first Now should also enjoy the second serving. Though the cast is clearly having a good time, they have not forgotten there is an audience to satisfy. I compared the first film to Ocean's Eleven and thankfully, this one isn't an Ocean's Twelve. They're fun characters who form an even more fun dynamic. These heroes have illusionary powers that are easy to believe with the movie magic that a studio film's visual effects budget can easily supply. It's just good PG-13 popcorn entertainment, the kind that otherwise almost always involves superheroes these days. It's not a "film" and it's not trying to build mythology to expand into more sequels and spin-offs or other mediums. Now 2 is, much like its predecessor, an entertaining movie with broad appeal. Now it is a franchise but in making the leap to that it has managed to not lose its sense of fun. Also featuring in the plot is imprisoned magic debunker Thaddeus Bradley (Morgan Freeman) and Walter's illegitimate father, the swindled swindler Arthur Tressler (Michael Caine).Ī large part of the original Now's appeal lied in the fact that it was just an entertaining standalone movie, not part of a franchise or a "cinematic universe" or even a remake. They're not sold on the plan, but they agree, acquiring some supplies at the world's oldest magic shop, which is run by an old woman (Tsai Chin) and her grandson (Jay Chou) who know more than they let on. Walter demands that the Horsemen steal a new computer chip that has near-infinite potential to manipulate the financial market and invade people's privacy. Making their getaway, they end up in Macau, China, where they discover they have been conned by Merritt's twin brother Chase (Harrelson with a full head of hair, a tan, and bleached teeth), who is doing the bidding of Walter Mabry (Daniel Radcliffe), a young businessman who faked his own death a year ago and is living off the grid. The gang is back in action at a software company launch, but while they are prompting via hypnosis the company's crooked CEO to embarrass himself, the stage performers and their secret ally/chief FBI investigator are exposed. In case you need a refresher, the collective consists of street magician Danny Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg), death-faking pickpocket and sleight of hand illusionist Jack Wilder (Dave France), hypnotist Merritt McKinney (Woody Harrelson), and, the real leader behind the scenes, FBI Agent Dylan Rhodes (Mark Ruffalo).ĭue to pregnancy, Isla Fisher has not returned as escape artist Henley Reeves, creating an opening for a female that is soon filled by Lula (Lizzy Caplan), whose skills have developed considerably since she infamously pulled a hat out of a rabbit eight years ago. The Horsemen, a popular group of magicians whose act also involves a bit of do-good thievery, are in hiding after having stolen millions from an insurance magnate. I had doubts the moment this follow-up was greenlit, so I'm glad to report that Now 2 is not as unnecessary or redundant as you might fear. If hits without a pre-existing brand or source text are rare, Now You See Me 2, which clearly should instead be titled Now You Don't, follows up the 2013 caper whose success surprised in that it wasn't based on anything.
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