The "Now You See Me" franchise returns with its third installment, "Now You See Me: Now You Don't," reuniting audiences with the Four Horsemen for another daring mission. Directed by Ruben Fleischer, the film attempts to recapture the breezy energy and star-powered misdirection that made the original a hit, but faces the challenge of keeping the formula fresh after nearly a decade since the last sequel.
Jesse Eisenberg reprises his role as Atlas, the charmingly arrogant leader of the Horsemen, alongside returning stars Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Isla Fisher, and Morgan Freeman. The film introduces a new generation of illusionists, adding fresh energy to the team dynamic. Dominic Sessa, Justice Smith, and Ariana Greenblatt join the cast as up-and-coming magicians whose viral stunts catch Atlas's eye. Rosamund Pike plays Veronika, a "gloriously camp" South African heiress and the film's antagonist.
The plot involves the Horsemen being summoned by The Eye, a secret organization, to stop Veronika, who is using her diamond empire to launder money. This leads the team on a globe-trotting adventure, zipping from South Africa to Belgium, France, and the United Arab Emirates, showcasing their skills in deception and illusion. The film leans into its "cheeky plundering" from similar heist films like Ocean's Eleven, Inception, and Mission: Impossible, with plenty of suave characters, disguises, and one-liners.
While Eisenberg continues to deliver a delightful performance, some critics note that other cast members have less to work with due to underwritten roles. Harrelson relies on his established persona, and Franco's charisma can only stretch so far. Pike embraces the film's silly spirit, but her performance borders on ludicrous, particularly her South African accent.
"Now You See Me: Now You Don't" attempts to balance the familiar elements of the franchise with new additions. The interplay between the old guard and the new recruits injects energy into the movie, creating a found-family dynamic reminiscent of the "Fast and Furious" series. The film emphasizes the spectacle of magic, understanding that audiences are more interested in being amazed than in solving the puzzle. One standout sequence involves a sprawling mansion where the magicians use every trick to fend off henchmen. It's over-the-top and exhilarating, reminding viewers why they enjoy these films.
However, the film's relentless razzle-dazzle can feel labored at times. When "Now You See Me: Now You Don't" tries to be poignant, the franchise's glib construction struggles to withstand the tonal shift. The film flirts with becoming another overblown action saga but manages to maintain a light musicality, feeling like a scrappy upstart despite being a third entry.
Overall, "Now You See Me: Now You Don't" is a fun, escapist watch that doesn't take itself too seriously. It may not be high art, but it delivers enough charm and inventive magic sequences to entertain audiences. The film gets back to the playful spirit of the original, reminding viewers that magicians can be just as thrilling as superheroes. While the franchise may be running low on gas, this installment proves that it still has a few tricks up its sleeve.
