The film franchise “Now You See Me” has carved out a niche with its blend of trickery and social commentary on greed, featuring a group of illusionists known as the Four Horsemen. In the latest installment titled “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t,” the allure of magic begins to fade into a predictable pattern, raising questions about the franchise’s direction as it ventures into what feels like a cash grab territory.
The plot takes a turn as the original quartet—arrogant leader J. Daniel Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg), laid-back hypnotist Merritt McKinney (Woody Harrelson), card trickster Jack Wilder (Dave Franco), and escape artist Henley Reeves (Isla Fisher)—reunites after a decade apart. They are joined by a new generation of illusionists, including the audacious Bosco Leroy (Dominic Sessa), enthusiastic lockpick June (Ariana Greenblatt), and behind-the-scenes strategist Charlie (Justice Smith), as they attempt to pull off a diamond heist against a powerful South African crime syndicate led by the enigmatic Veronika Vanderberg (Rosamund Pike).
Despite the inclusion of fresh characters, the narrative feels convoluted and is bogged down by an unoriginal plot that serves more as a backdrop for reconciliation among the original Horsemen than as a compelling heist story. While Rosamund Pike offers a standout performance as the morally ambiguous Vanderberg, the screenplay, put together by a new team—including Seth Grahame-Smith and Paul Wernick—struggles to provide the depth and intrigue that once captivated audiences.
While the film boasts moments of visual flair and clever cinematography, courtesy of director Ruben Fleischer, the overall execution is lackluster. The anticipated high-stakes illusions that have defined the series come across as far-fetched and poorly crafted, leaving viewers yearning for the satisfying reveals that made the first two films memorable.
Ultimately, “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” appears to serve as a bridge in this franchise, setting the stage for potential future entries while failing to leave a lasting impression. The allure of magic is overshadowed by a narrative that suggests this installment may be more about profit than innovative storytelling. While it might entertain in the moment, the film lacks the spark that fans have come to expect from the Horsemen. Despite these shortcomings, the potential for a return to form exists, offering hope that future sequels could recapture the essence of the original films and reignite the audience’s fascination.