Written & Edited By: Lee Fenton
They say you shouldn’t always judge a book by its cover.
A useful facsimile for cinema lovers: you shouldn’t judge a movie by its trailer.
I am very guilty of breaking this unspoken rule when it comes to the brilliant ensemble piece ‘Now You See Me’. It turns out, that it handles its contrasting tones masterfully, and manages to make a rather “out there” concept not only seem believable, but extremely fun – in the process.
The comedic banter in this movie is carried – nay, elevated by the varied and prestigious cast. Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Woody Harelson, Mark Ruffalo, Isla Fisher, Jesse Eisenberg, Mélanie Laurent, and Dave Franco to name a few. Also you get some neat cameos, Common and Conan O’brien being among them. This is the type of film that shouldn’t work on paper, conceptually. But somehow Louis Leterrier ties this neat lil’ bow on it all, using a standard heist script that’s imbued with light satire in addition to a juxtaposition of high-stakes action and jeu d’esprit.
We get a delightful return to fundamentals with Woody Harrelson, playing a mentalist that manages to not only captivate, but to hypnotize and enthrall his audience, all the while – emptying their pockets and bank accounts in the process. This role really suits Woody; playing a con-man. He nearly always performs these ‘roguish’ parts rather well. This reminds me of his appearances in ‘Cheers’ and his roles in movies like ‘Zombie Land’ and ‘Surfer Dude’. He’s reminiscent of Paul Newman in the classic heist movie ‘The Sting.’
Woody’s acting style is wholly naturalistic, so it’s really fun to watch him go! Without appearing ‘hammy’ or over-the-top, his performances usually incorporate an impressive amount of energy, and a very bombastic approach. Dude’s got some fervor!
If you’ve ever heard Harrelson speak in an interview, you should be aware that the man takes his craft very seriously.
Know something else he takes seriously? Doing the right thing.
(Woody Harrelson is also a huge supporter of social causes, fighting climate change, and activism of all kinds. He might take those things even more seriously. Figured I should post one of his latest causes/calls to action. SEE BELOW)
Woody Harrelson Says Climate Doc ‘Common Ground’ Makes Him ‘No Longer Hopeless’ for the Future | Guest Column
“I’ve never been a big believer in the political process in this country, but I believe in people,” the actor-activist writes in an op-ed for TheWrap[1]
Jesse Eisenberg is more charismatic and ebullient than usual, and it works! Often we get a much more sarcastic approach from him, typecast as the awkward outcast early on in Hollywood, it’s refreshing to see him take something on that allows him to stretch his wings and really get out of his comfort zone. I don’t expect to see Eisenberg playing debonair but here he is, going toe-to-toe with Michael Caine and he only comes off as obtuse once in the entire run-time.
Otherwise, Jessie Eisenberg manages to make his J Daniel Atlas just as suave as the rest of these high-stakes prestidigitation artists.
Isla Fischer isn’t just funny in this movie — she’s re-inventing comedy like it was the wheel!
No, honestly, she made me snort through my nose more than a few times while laughing. Albeit that’s something I do when I laugh really hard, that just further proves my point, the woman knows how to hit a punchline. Before seeing this picture, I wasn’t too familiar with the actress (I’ve only seen her in ‘Wedding Crashers’ & ‘Keeping Up With the Joneses’) however, after seeing this, I plan to be on the lookout for properties that she plays a major role in.
Fischer had a real zest for topping the other actor’s jokes; it won me over instantly.
Every time you thought the funniest thing had been said on-screen – here comes Isla Fischer to “blow up the spot”. A lot of the film consisted of that back-and-forth riffing, so if improv is a turn-off for you — that may be a problem.
But it’s not like the lackluster MCU inspired riffing we’ve been seeing as of late.
The writing is much better, thankfully.
Rating 7.5/10
A suggestion. Pair this movie with a meal that’s magical.
That’s all.
Sources:
[1] The Wrap
https://www.thewrap.com/woody-harrelson-says-climate-doc-common-ground-makes-him-no-longer-hopeless-for-the-future-guest-column/
