REVIEW: ‘Now You See Me: Now You Don’t’ Is Flashy and Funny, But The Magic Has Worn Thin

© Lionsgate

It’s been over a decade since the Four Horsemen last took the stage, and it’s genuinely good to see these illusionists return for another round of high-stakes sleight of hand. Directed by Ruben Fleischer, Now You See Me: Now You Don’t tries to rekindle the flashy fun and swagger that made the first two films such crowd-pleasing spectacles. Visually, the movie is really strong thanks to new tricks, a bigger cast, and the globe-trotting locations are more elaborate than ever. Yet despite all the technical flair, the magic itself feels curiously mechanical this time around.

The film opens promisingly, reuniting the gang with a new generation of recruits. There’s a genuine sense of nostalgia as Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, and Lizzy Caplan return to showmanship. Eisenberg, in particular, carries the entire film on his shoulders – sharp, energetic, and completely dialed into his role as the smart J. Daniel Atlas. Unfortunately, the rest of the original cast feels like they’re just coasting through, reciting lines without much conviction. Even Morgan Freeman’s brief inclusion feels less like an organic return and more like a calculated attempt to tug at fans’ memories.

The newcomers fare better. Dominic Sessa stands out among the fresh faces – effortlessly charming, quick-witted, and the only one who feels like he truly belongs in this world of misdirection and spectacle. The rest of the young cast is decent, if unremarkable, clearly there to appeal to a younger audience rather than expand the original story.

Rosamund Pike steps in as the flashy, formulaic over-the-top villain and seems to be having the time of her life, relishing every sneer and every flourish of her South African accent. She brings color to an otherwise bland antagonist role, and her presence adds a spark of unpredictability whenever she’s onscreen.

Where Now You See Me: Now You Don’t falters most is its writing. Fleischer injects the film with energy, and the humor – especially the snappy banter and good-natured roasting among the Horsemen – lands well. But the script feels lazy, as if the writers didn’t bother crafting a compelling story and instead decided to cram the movie with more magic tricks, chase sequences, and rapid-fire jokes. There’s zero character growth, and the exposition-heavy scenes often devolve into self-congratulatory show-offs rather than meaningful development.

© Lionsgate

The first half is decently engaging, bolstered by brisk pacing and clever visual setups. But once the second half begins, the story loses focus. The climactic twist – while unpredictable – doesn’t fully land, and the film’s final act goes completely off the rails, weighed down by convoluted logic and forced spectacle. The setup for a possible next entry feels desperate, more like a franchise mandate than a natural progression.

Now You See Me: Now You Don’t isn’t without its charms. The humor works, the visuals are top-tier, and the lighting and costume design enhance the sense of illusion beautifully. There are plenty of individually entertaining moments that will satisfy longtime fans. But as a full experience, the film lacks the freshness, wonder, and cohesion that made the previous entries so engaging. It’s a fun enough ride – just not one that will pull in any new believers.

Rating: ★★½

Now You See Me: Now You Don't © Lionsgate

About Now You See Me: Now You Don’t

Release Date: November 14, 2025

Writer: Eric Warren Singer, Michael Lesslie, Paul Wernick, Rhett Reese

Director: Ruben Fleischer

Producers: Bobby Cohen, Alex Kurtzman

Production:  Summit Entertainment, Secret Hideout

Distribution: Lionsgate

Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Isla Fisher, Dominic Sessa, Justice Smith, Ariana Greenblatt, Rosamund Pike, and Morgan Freeman.