Jon M. Chu directs “Now You See Me 2” as the sequel to the original while the filmmakers introduce new challenges that preserve the framework established in the first film and reintroduces The Four Horsemen. One year after their previous performance the Horsemen J. Daniel Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg) and Merritt McKinney (Woody Harrelson) with Jack Wilder (Dave Franco) and Henley Reeves (Isla Fisher) must perform a challenging heist against their will under the command of tech genius Walter Mabry (Daniel Radcliffe). The villainous ambitions of Mabry along with his futuristic tools force the characters into breaking points during an intense mission.
Thanks to its dynamic ensemble cast the movie delivers an appealing performance that brings back the chemistry which initially captured the audiences. The audiences feel Isla Fisher’s absence yet Lizzy Caplan introduces fresh elements with her portrayal of street magician Lula. Led by their convincing performance the actors transform sometimes overcomplicated moments into interesting scenes that draw audience attention throughout the film. Becoming preoccupied with technology threatens to lessen the magical core elements introduced in the first movie and consequently decreases the main source of suspense from illusory effects.
Sharp visual quality along with energetic editing provides cinematic enhancements to the film’s fast pace. The musical themes in this film focus predominantly on maintaining energetic momentum while in some cases diminishing the emotional intensity of key story elements. The sequel provides audiences with enjoyable entertainment about the heist despite failing to achieve the same magical appeal as its predecessor.
