A re-examination in anticipation of NOW YOU SEE ME: NOW YOU DON'T. Rating: C- Watching it again brought back all my initial reactions, but they were intensified negatively. The enjoyment lessened because the sense of something new had disappeared, and the movie’s length felt excessive. It really leans into how silly the magic is, moving from real stage illusions to obvious computer-generated effects. Important …

The narrative of the Four Horsemen progresses with new challenges and Lula in Now You See Me 2, though it doesn’t quite recapture the appeal and wonder of the initial movie. It delivers quick-moving sequences and a slick look, but misses the astonishing illusions that distinguished the earlier film. The plot seems hurried early on and the characters aren't explored deeply enough, especially among the newcomers. Danie…

The connection between stage magic and film is that both thrive on believability, but this movie fails to deliver in that regard. The illusions—the tricks, the manipulation, the hypnotic suggestions—are just plain hard to accept; they don’t work because they're not convincing. It isn’t a world with its own set of laws or a story about people possessing extraordinary abilities, it’s simply an implausible mess. The …

I honestly didn't anticipate a sequel ever happening, but it appears this could become an enduring series now. It’s easy to imagine more installments, especially given the film's performance in theaters. The original cast is back, joined by some new faces. I was pleasantly surprised by Daniel Radcliffe; he made a positive impression on me for the first time since Harry Potter. Seeing Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine …

Many viewers didn't expect or desire another installment after the 2013 release of “Now You See Me,” but this is one of those unusual cases where the sequel surpasses its predecessor. While familiarity with the first film would be beneficial when watching “Now You See Me 2,” it isn’t essential; even new viewers can keep up with the elaborate magic show. The Four Horsemen return, now challenging powerful figures wi…