Now You See Me 2

When Now You See Me appeared in 2013, audiences were entertained with a popcorn blend of an ensemble heist movie and magic. Ultimately it was a huge box office success leading to this year's follow-up act.

Now You See Me 2 sees the infamous group of magicians, 'The Four Horsemen' reappearing to the world to stage a performance to clear their name and expose the unethical workings of a global technology entrepreneur.

The original was obsessed with complex trick plotting over character depth/resonance. While newcomers may feel bewildered, the original's elongated pace is maintained, and fans are rewarded in a sequel that delivers — with deeper characters, motivations, relationships and a pinch of social commentary. The twisty, illogical plot and magical mythology thickens. It's also fiercely entertaining, with some finely directed magic sequences (like the card-concealing scene) from Jon M Chu.

Most of the ensemble returns (minus Isla Fisher and Melanie Laurent) with stronger chemistry. Fun is felt with fleshier character elements, standouts being a dual Woody Harrelson, a magical Morgan Freeman and a nuanced Mark Ruffalo. Welcome new additions also appear like the thoroughly entertaining newest 'Horseman' Lizzy Caplan and, in inspired/ironic casting, Daniel Radcliffe as the eccentric, immoral tech genius obsessed with science over magic.

Now You See Me 2 is a refreshingly fun sequel that improves on the original.