Warning: This post contains mild spoilers for the movie, Now You See Me.

So at some point I really need to get around to updating the links section of this website—specifically the selection of links to blogs that I like.  There’s many more that I need to add that I just haven’t gotten around to yet.

On a more related note, I actually enjoyed this movie, despite all the negative criticisms I have been hearing about it.  Not to say those critics do not have a point, because they do—there are plenty of plot holes and choppy transitions—however, on a personal level those were not quite enough to keep me from enjoying the film.

I’ve openly admitted many times on this blog that I am a corny person, and there’s a part of me that really enjoys magic tricks.  I remember that was one of many professions I considered while growing up.  Thankfully I did not go down that path because I don’t think I would have ever been any good at it, but I do still enjoy being part of the audience.

There were a few tricks that I thought were completely outrageous and I feel like they were only possible because of movie magic, but then again part of the point of magic is to make what seems impossible possible, so perhaps there was validity to those tricks.  Again, I’m no expert in magic, so I can’t say for certain.

While watching, I was reminded of a few other movies, specifically 21 (2008), The Prestige (2006), and Ocean’s Eleven (2001).  Parts of it also reminded me of that one TV show I used to love when I was little where the Masked Magician (Val Valentino) revealed all sorts of magic tricks.  The show, according to IMDb was called Breaking the Magician’s Code: Magic’s Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed (1997).  To be honest, I don’t remember the title being that long, but it has been quite a long time since I’ve seen it.  I remember having been thoroughly entertained by it.  I’m one of those people who don’t really enjoy something any less just because I’ve received spoilers.

Anyway, here’s where the mild spoilers begin.  I enjoyed the opening trick; I think I might have a vague idea how they got me to focus on the right card, but regardless it was exciting to find that I had been looking at the right one.  Aside from the few tricks that seemed a little too unbelievable, there were a few parts to the story that I wish they had fleshed out more, like where they all went after the carousel, and more of a peek into “the eye.”  It’s been argued they left it that way to leave room for a sequel, which makes me curious what would be covered if they did.  Also, I wish they showed us more of the “Four Horsemen” working with the blueprints they discovered, but then again I suppose seeing that wasn’t all that necessary in the end.

I did feel there were slight character inconsistencies with Mark Ruffalo’s character.  I know the purpose was to throw us off on several things regarding his role, but there were certain things he said and did that made it seem like he was less in the know than he should have been.  Then again, I realize it could be possible I’ve missed a few things.  One scene in particular I’m trying to figure out is the part where Ruffalo’s character jumps down a garbage chute and sees the name “Shrike” on something.  The scene went by too quickly for me to remember if it was a safe or not, so I can’t say for certain.  I feel like that scene is supposed to be significant somehow, but unfortunately I wasn’t able to make a connection.

On a slightly random note, I could have sworn at some point I saw Jake Gyllenhaal in the audience for one of the Four Horsemen stage performances, and in the news article about Shrike I thought Christopher Meloni was pictured, but that could just be my eyes playing tricks on me.  If anyone can confirm or deny either, please feel free to leave a comment, as I am curious to know.  By the way, I really liked Dave Franco and Woody Harrelson in this.  And I don’t think I’ve seen anything of Isla Fisher’s except for her voice contribution to Rise of the Guardians (2012), but after finding out what her age was, I have to say I think she looks amazing and that she is aging well.

FINAL VERDICT: B

I wouldn’t say I’m clamoring to see Chris Nolan’s Man of Steel (2013), but I do want to see his take on it, since I love pretty much everything Nolan’s touched.  I also liked Superman growing up, so I can say I’m at least somewhat looking forward to it.

At some point I’m going to post my review for Epic.  Hopefully next entry.  Until then!