Now you see me 2

DIRECTOR: Jon M. Chu  LEAD CAST: Mark Ruffalo, Morgan Freeman, Lizzy Caplan, Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Dave Franco  SCREENWRITER: Ed Solomon  PRODUCER:  Bobby Cohen, Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci  EDITOR: Stan Salfas  MUSICAL DIRECTOR:  Bryan Tyler  GENRE: Action/Comedy  CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Peter Deming  DISTRIBUTOR: Summit Entertainment  LOCATION:  USA, China RUNNING TIME:  127 minutes

Technical assessment:  3

Moral assessment:  2.5

CINEMA rating:  V14

Two years after the events after Dylan (Ruffalo) put Thaddeus Bradley (Freeman) behind bars for allegedly being one of the reasons for his father’s untimely death, the Four Horsemen are recalled to expose the unethical practices of a Tech magnate. The 3 original magicians Danny (Eisenberg), Meritt (Harrelson) and Jack (Franco) are joined by Lula (Caplan) and prepare for their comeback performance under the supervision of their leader Dylan. But the collaborative efforts of Thaddeus, Walter (Radcliffe) and Merrit’s evil twin, their plan is thwarted and their identities exposed. Even their escape plan is thwarted as the Four Horsemen find themselves in Macau where Walter, apparently one of the investors of Tressler (Caine), is itching for payback unless they still for him a special chip which can access and control the entire computer system of the world. Meanwhile, Dylan strikes a deal with Thaddeus to find and rescue his friends.

Now You See Me 2 still carries a problematic storyline line with its ambitious desire to create complications, depth and sudden reveals. Most of them come off as irrational and confusing, especially how Thaddeus is suddenly a good guy. However, John Chu, who takes over Louis Leterrier, brings with his directorial style a suave entertainment and engaging humor. The actors seem to be more at ease and confident with their roles that they effortlessly lure us into their lives and emotions. Caplan’s Lalu adds more sparkle to the group and Harrelson totally sold his personality that producers duplicated his character. The magic tricks are not as impressive as those in the first movie but there are notable moments, like the card passing sequence and the Opening Billboard. Overall, Now You See Me 2 is not necessarily an improvement story-wise but is definitely more appealing as a relaxation weekend movie.

While the very premise of a group using their respective talents to expose unethical practices and punish criminals may carry some romantic sanction, viewers should not overlook that vigilante justice is neither honorable nor morally acceptable. This, has been the battlecry of Dylan in the first movie but this time he lets go of personal grudges, compromises and sacrifices himself for the sake of friends, and learns to forgive and forget—thus becoming the person, or magician, he is meant to be. Once, we learn to perfect our talents, not for self-serving reason but for other people, then we are able to discover how much better and more beautiful a person we can become. However, the ending scene implies two things. One, that there will be another sequel/job for the Four Horsemen. Second, that the group is to function outside the law under the supervision of The Eye, who decides who to expose, who to punish and how it should be done. The very young audience might be too engrossed by the glossy entertainment and ignore that Robinhoods and vigilantes are not the ideal heroes they should imitate.