Now You See Me (9/3/2013)

Rated PG-13 for language, some action and sexual content.

Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Mark Ruffalo, Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine

Directed by Louis Leterrier (The Transporter, and Clash of the Titans)

Like magic, you will either really like it, or really not like it.

Now You See Me pits an elite FBI squad in a game of cat and mouse against “The Four Horsemen,” a super-team of the world’s greatest illusionists. “The Four Horsemen” pull off a series of daring heists against corrupt business leaders during their performances, showering the stolen profits on their audiences while staying one step ahead of the law.

A good friend of mine is a professional illusionist. I’ve had Jared Hall (www.jaredhall.com) perform at different churches over the years and he always leaves the audience (me included) asking, “How’d he do that?” That’s the magic of magic. Now You See Me tries to evoke that same reaction…and for the most part succeeds.

It doesn’t hurt that the cast is as diverse as it is talented. Jesse Eisenberg is one of the best actors to play the arrogant lead role. Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco and Isla Fisher are great as his supporting acts both on screen and on the stage. And Mark Ruffalo is perfect playing the tough as nail cop role. Plus you have Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine…enough said.

The story is strong and like a well-performed magic trick, it had my full attention from the beginning to the big reveal at the end. Louis Leterrier does a great job keeping the film moving at a brisk pace while keeping you “distracted” from what’s really happening.

Now You See Me is smart, fun and action packed. I loved it. It’s “Worth Buying.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
This film is relatively clean.

Although there is no sex or nudity, there is one scene when a couple is kissing and she begins to undress but the scene is cut short and nothing is shown.

There are a few disturbing scenes like when a magician dives into a tank of piranhas – it is part of the act and she is unharmed. And there are a few fighting scenes but that’s about it.

There is some profanity that you should know about. We hear 1 F-word, 16 S-words, and some other mild obscenities.

CONVERSATION STARTER

1. In the film we hear the quote, “The closer you look, the less you’ll see” a couple of times. What does it mean?


2. The author of Hebrews says in 11:1
   
   Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
   
   The movie warns us that the closer we look the less we see. In our spiritual journey, the more we see with our eyes the less we “see.” What do you think that means?


3. Read 2 Corinthians 5:7
   
   For we live by faith, not by sight.
   
   What are some practical ways we can live by faith, not by sight?