Now You See Me 2: "We Are Gong Out With A Show People Will Never Forget"

Director: Jon M. Chu
Writer:     Ed Solomon
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg
                Mark Ruffalo
                Woody Harrelson
                Dave Franco
                Lizzy Caplan
                Daniel Racliffe
                Michael Caine
                Morgan Freeman
Rating:    **

Release date: Out Now

I was a massive fan of the original Now You See Me, jam packed with twists, illusions, a great cast and excitement. However the sequel felt half hearted, and left me underwhelmed and disappointed. The cast are just as entertaining as the first time around, but the film brings nothing new to the table.

Dave Franco, Lizzy Caplan,
Woody Harrelson & Jesse Eisenberg

One year after tricking the FBI and winning the public over with their Robin Hood-esque magic spectacles, The Four Horsemen make a comeback performance in hopes of exposing the unethical workings of a tech genius. The man behind the metaphorical mask is none other than Walter Mabry (Radcliffe), a tech prodigy who forces the Horsemen into pulling off their most difficult heist ever. The only way out, is to perform one last impossible stunt to clear their names and reveal the true mastermind behind it all.

The only positive addition to the series is Lizzy Caplan as Lula. She is dry, sarcastic and super sassy; and she is a strong competitor in this male heavy movie. She provides the comic relief, without being the one dimensional group clown, and her scenes are often the most entertaining. Caplan is no stranger to playing this sort of cunning character, and she makes Lula charming as well as wicked smart.

Daniel Radcliffe

The other new addition is Daniel Radcliffe as the villain. My problem is Radcliffe isn't that great at acting. He has never managed to shake off Harry Potter, and no matter what role I've seen him in, he has only been able to portray the boy wizard. He played Harry brilliantly, but for this role we needed a different kind of magic, and Radcliffe failed to achieve that sparkle. He often comes across as a spoilt brat, throwing their toys out their pram; not a manipulative mastermind.

It is still thrilling to look at, and the main ensemble are just as funny and natural as they were the first time around. The problem is, it feels like I'm watching the first movie again, and after half an hour I found my self bored and disinterested. Daniel Radcliffe was a poor choice as the movies villain, as I just don't buy that anyone finds him intimidating. It was a nice try, but Now You See Me 2 falls flat on it's face. Let's hope the third movie in the franchise manages to win back some of it's magic and glamour.

Now You See Me 2 - Trailer