Title: Now You See Me 2
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: John M. Chu
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Lizzy Caplan, Woody Harrelson
Runtime: 2 hr 9 mins

What It Is: A sequel to what I believe was an underrated film about magicians. In this, our horsemen (Eisenberg, Harrelson, Dave Franco and Caplan, who replaces Isla Fisher) are in hiding following the events of the first film. One horseman (or woman in this case) short they’re introduced to Lula (Caplan) and find themselves at the mercy of someone or something shadowy. Will they be able to save face or will our anti-heroes lose their illusion and find themselves trapped in a box they might not be able to escape from.

What We Think: Well let’s start by saying the story is an absolute mess. I’ll also counter that point by saying that it matters very little. I enjoyed this film in all its stupid glory. Caplan adds some good stuff to her character and I think I like her a bit more than Fisher from the previous film. Eisenberg is good enough and Harrelson continues to steal all of the scenes. This is the best John M. Chu has looked as a director, especially following one of 2015’s worst films in Jem and the Holograms and the awful G.I. Joe sequel. This guy is by no means a great director but I think the overly visual style required for the film like this suits Chu perfectly.

Our Grade: C+, Average but it does enough to entertain. I have a ton of fun with these movies and I know I’m in the minority. Entertaining does a lot to help this film get a passing grade since from a cinematic standpoint this is a disaster. Story wise as mentioned it’s messy. Camera work is basic and not thrilling. This is something most will enjoy, just try not to think of the logic behind any of it. I mean remember its magic!