Now I Saw Them

Of course I went to see the newest Horsemen movie. It's got the scam-vs-scam elements I love with a magic flavor added into the mix. I was not disappointed.

The story was rich, with at least one big surprise that I should have seen coming, but, you know, misdirection. We meet new characters who add to the plot but should probably be developed more deeply in another film.

The influence of The Magic Castle adds some depth to the show's magic themes. Magical knowledge is woven throughout the plot. These are not fiction. For instance there is a reference to the wartime work of Jasper Maskelyne. There is also a clue based on a magic prop known as the Die Box. In one scene we see in the background some volumes of The Tarbell Course in Magic. Since many elements in *Now You See Me* already stretch the limits of credibility in the magic department, these touches helped me suspend disbelief, rather than assume the illusions were accomplished by CGI. In a climactic scene one character performs a sleight-of-hand trick for another. He followed the classic presentation, likely one of the tricks the consultants taught the actors. At least on of the magic shows that was part of the story had a couple of us clapping as if we were in the fictional audience. Yes, it was that fun.

The conclusion is satisfying, the scheme is engaging and clever, and for the most part the acting is strong. 

Go see it before it disappears.

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Dean Paczewitz