The Four Horsemen return, but the magic does not. 

Audiences eager for the next installment in the Now You See Me series of films have been met with a sequel that trades practical magic for digital spectacle, resulting in a film that feels bigger, but not necessarily better. 

The latest installment in in the popular Now You See Me trilogy attempts to carry on the franchise’s legacy of suspenseful chases, illusions, and humor. Expectations were understandably high. The sequel opens with what appears to be a reunion with the beloved Four Horsemen, Daniel Atlas, Merritt McKinney, Jack Wilder, and Henley Reeves. Instead, we quickly discover they are watching a mere projection. The new characters Charlie, Bosco, and June stage a deceptive CGI projection in which Bosco impersonates the Horsemen on stage. This twist is meant to symbolize the new generation taking over, but it also sets the tone for the film’s heavy reliance on visual effects rather than the practical, close-up magic that made the original films feel much more intense. 

As the sequel progresses, the Four Horsemen get reunited to perform their most dangerous illusion yet, as they take on a powerful group that’s abusing technology and public trust. The movie delivers the familiar mix of its mystery, twists, and fast pacing, but much of it feels predictable compared to the earlier films. It becomes clear that it takes a noticeably different direction compared to the earlier films, as there isn’t nearly as much hands-on magic throughout the sequel. While the intention seems to be raising the stakes and expanding the world of the Horsemen, this shift makes the movie feel less like a heist-mystery and more like a fast-paced action film, which left longtime fans wishing for the charm and creativity that originally captured their hearts. 

The first film was known for its tight, clever heist structure, and the second continues that energy with smart illusions and twists. In contrast, this sequel feels overstuffed, rushed, and at times unfocused. Instead of building tension with practical tricks and well-timed reveals the audience used to adore, many scenes in this sequel lacked depth, which led to many scenes feeling incomplete or confusing.  

The original Now You See Me worked because it felt fresh. The idea of magicians using real principles of illusion to pull off heists was exciting, and the movie built its mystery carefully, leading to a satisfying and well-developed twist. The plot was focused, the stakes felt real, and the audience was constantly trying to keep up with the misdirection. 

In contrast, Now You See Me: Now You Don’t feels much drier. While the tricks are flashier and the visuals are impressive, the plot becomes overwhelming with twists that are more predictable rather than surprising. Compared to the first movie, the sequel lost its sense of danger and excitement. The first movie succeeded because of its originality and tight execution, while the sequel struggles to recapture or even go deeper into the magic. Many of the illusions in this film appear overly dependent on unrealistic technology rather than their original cleverly staged setups.

Despite these issues, the movie does have its strengths. The cast remains charismatic and the addition of newer magicians, introduces fresh dynamics into the group. The pacing, while sometimes overwhelming, ensures the film is rarely dull. The central heist, which was focused on exposing corruption within the diamond industry, had potential and could have been a compelling storyline with more focused writing. 

Now You See Me: Now You Don’t is an ambitious sequel that ultimately struggles to recapture the cleverness and originality of the earlier films. While it delivers fast-paced entertainment and visually impressive effects, it lacks the thoughtful execution and practical magic that made the franchise so engaging in the first place. For fans who enjoy action-heavy movies, this sequel may still be enjoyable, but for those hoping for the inventive charm of the original films like myself, will likely find this sequel to be underwhelming. 

With the iconic line in the sequel “the more you look, the less you see,” Now You See Me: Now You Don’t invites us to look closely, but unfortunately, the closer we look, the less we see the depth it promises, leaving only the appearance of a well-rehearsed trick, that is empty of true magic. 

Cover Image: Now You See Me: Now You Don’t (2025) Official Trailer