Now You See Me (2013) thrills the audience with four skillful magicians who were known as the Four Horsemen in J. Daniel Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg) – a deck of cards expert, Henley Reeves (Isla Fisher) – an escape artist, Jack Wilder (Dave Franco) – a locked doors crack and Merritt McKinney (Woody Harrelson) – a mentalist. Together, they entertain their increasing followers with appealing guiles and Robin Hood chicanery for finales with the help of a benefactor – insurance magnate, Arthur Tressler (Michael Caine).
As the charisma of the Four Horsemen creates security chaos, an enigmatic fifth horseman is suspected to be in existence as they are always able to outsmart the FBI, Interpol and even retired magician, Thaddeus Bradley (Morgan Freeman). Who is the fifth horseman? What is his secret behind the extravaganza?
The film’s technical high is in its unique and engaging plot. The lead characters gave excellent performances. While the allure of the film may be impossible to some, it is after all in the illusion of magic that makes you see less when you look closer.
The spectacle of magic in the film by the four horsemen was generally used to deceive in order to survive and to be part of something greater – The Eye. Even Bradley’s exposé of the illusion behind the magic was also for survival and fame. And in the end, the fifth horseman unravels the motive for the well-orchestrated deceit – revenge. Indeed, it is illusion for survival, fame and revenge.
To survive is basic but to vindicate it with fame and revenge is depthless lifestyle for it takes one out of his nature, nurturing one’s innate goodness – living life.
Do you astound to merely survive? Or do you amaze to live?
(3.5, 2.5/5)
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© rooks 2013
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