Now You See Me: Now You Don’t Review: Does the Magic Still Work?

It’s been a long eight years since we last saw the Four Horsemen, and honestly, did anyone really miss them? The first two Now You See Me films were flashy, fun, and ultimately forgettable popcorn flicks. They were the cinematic equivalent of a street magician pulling a quarter from behind your ear – momentarily surprising, but not something you’d tell your grandkids about. So, when Lionsgate announced a third installment, a collective “huh?” echoed across the internet. Yet, here we are with “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t,” a film that surprisingly understands its own absurdity and leans into it, delivering a sequel that’s more entertaining than it has any right to be.

The Horsemen Are Back, But Are They Better Than Ever?

The film wastes no time getting the old gang back together. We reunite with J. Daniel Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg), still radiating his signature intellectual smugness; Merritt McKinney (Woody Harrelson), the charmingly goofy mentalist; and Jack Wilder (Dave Franco), the nimble-fingered cardsharp. And yes, after sitting out the last movie, Henley Reeves (Isla Fisher) is finally back, and the film cleverly acknowledges her absence with a few witty jabs. The Four Horsemen are lured back into the fold by The Eye, the clandestine society of magicians, for what seems like just another high-stakes mission.

But there’s a twist. This time, they aren’t alone. They’re forced to team up with a new generation of illusionists, a trio of Gen Z magicians who are slick, tech-savvy, and maybe a little too cool for school. This is where the movie finds its fresh spark.

How Do the New Characters Stand Out?

The new blood is what really makes “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” click. The trio consists of Bosco (Dominic Sessa), a street-smart illusionist with a knack for digital manipulation; June (Ariana Greenblatt), a pint-sized escape artist with a fiery attitude; and Charlie (Justice Smith), a charismatic mentalist who gives Merritt a run for his money.

• Dominic Sessa’s Bosco is the perfect foil for Eisenberg’s Atlas. He’s effortlessly cool and uses technology in ways the older magicians can’t quite grasp, creating a fun generational clash.
• Justice Smith’s Charlie brings a fresh, modern energy to the mentalist role. His dynamic with Harrelson’s Merritt is a highlight, filled with witty banter and one-upmanship.
• Ariana Greenblatt’s June, however, completely steals the show. Fresh off her roles in “Barbie” and “Borderlands”, Greenblatt proves she’s a star on the rise. Her police station fight scene is a standout moment, a whirlwind of acrobatic action and clever misdirection that feels like something straight out of a John Wick movie. She’s not just a sidekick; she’s a force to be reckoned with.

Does the Magic Still Work in “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t”?

The plot is classic “Now You See Me” fare. The combined forces of the old and new Horsemen are tasked with stealing a priceless diamond from the clutches of Veronika Vanderberg, a deliciously evil arms dealer played with icy perfection by Rosamund Pike. Pike revels in the villain role, chewing up the scenery with every condescending smirk and calculated threat.

Director Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland, Venom) brings a kinetic energy to the film that was missing from the previous entries. The heist sequences are elaborate, fast-paced, and genuinely exciting. While the “how’d they do that?” reveals are still as far-fetched as ever, the journey is so much fun that you don’t really care. The film knows its magic is more Hollywood spectacle than actual sleight of hand, and it winks at the audience about it.

What makes this sequel work better than its predecessors is its self-awareness. It doesn’t take itself too seriously. The actors are clearly having a blast, especially Eisenberg, who seems to relish playing the reluctant leader forced to contend with a group of youngsters who don’t respect his authority. The script is peppered with enough sharp one-liners and playful character moments to keep you engaged between the big magic set pieces.

Is it a masterpiece? Absolutely not. Is it a ridiculously fun time at the movies? You bet. “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” is a light, breezy, and surprisingly charming threequel that injects some much-needed energy into a franchise that felt like it had vanished in a puff of smoke.