Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Magic-based heist movie has language, fight scenes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Now You See Me
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 15 parent reviews
Based on 83 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is a mix of fun and confusion, captivating them with its magical heist plot and impressive special effects, though some felt it was hard to follow. Despite the entertaining aspects and strong performances from the cast, many reviewers noted inappropriate content and language, suggesting it may not be suitable for younger viewers, with some scenes causing concerns for parents.
- fun plot
- confusing elements
- strong performances
- inappropriate content
- great special effects
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In NOW YOU SEE ME, J. Daniel Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg), Henley Reeves (Isla Fisher), Merritt McKinney (Woody Harrelson), and Jack Wilder (Dave Franco) are four small-time magicians recruited by an anonymous leader to perform a series of explanation-defying, crowd-pleasing tricks as a group called the Four Horsemen. Their first act together—a Las Vegas feat that has them stealing 3 million euros from a Parisian bank via an unwitting audience member and a teleportation machine—attracts the attention of FBI agent Dylan Rhodes (Mark Ruffalo) and an Interpol staffer (Melanie Laurent). A billionaire mogul (Michael Caine) bankrolls their act, but even he isn't part of the inner circle. And neither is the former-magician-turned-professional-debunker (Morgan Freeman) who's on their case. Who are the Four Horsemen, and what are their shows really building up to?
Is It Any Good?
In its best moments, this magic heist movie is hugely entertaining. Now You See Me's large-scale tricks unveiled in Vegas, New Orleans, and NYC's graffiti mecca, Five Points, are a visual delight. They mix skilled camera work, perfectly executed patter from the able cast, and efficient pacing.
But ultimately, the movie is an illusion that doesn't pay off. The best caper films let viewers in on the heist, showing you how it's going to go down so that you can share in the thrill of getting away with it. Now You See Me does that, in some ways, but neglects to do so when it's most crucial—it unmasks some of the trickery, but not all of it—demanding that viewers continue to suspend their disbelief and rely on belated explanations rather than find out on their own. This is one of a few reasons the movie doesn't quite gel, despite being very entertaining. It also has a puzzling secondary storyline about a budding romance (who cares?), a wasted Caine (still in fine form, but not given much to do after an initially satisfying introduction), and disappointing corny bits that frankly don't belong in a movie with this much potential. Less smoke and mirrors and more substance could have made this a more memorable romp.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Now You See Me's main characters, the Four Horsemen, did what they did. Are they motivated by greed, altruism, or a respect for their craft?
The movie unmasks some magic tricks, including fairly elaborate illusions that people readily believe. What is the film saying about performers like these? Does it make you more interested in magic, or does it ruin it by explaining the tricks?
Are the characters role models? Are they intended to be? Can you think of other law-breaking characters who are presented sympathetically?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 31, 2013
- On DVD or streaming : September 3, 2013
- Cast : Isla Fisher , Jesse Eisenberg , Mark Ruffalo
- Director : Louis Leterrier
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Summit Entertainment
- Genre : Thriller
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic )
- Run time : 116 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language, some action and sexual content
- Last updated : November 5, 2025
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