Now You See Me

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he doesn't exist. The most amazing trick Mark Ruffalo pulls is convincingly acting in this film. As a confused and out-of-his-depth FBI agent, his sustained sense of conviction over the two hours of this tangled, magic-filled ball of confusion is remarkable. In fact, the whole cast is impressive (hello Michael Caine, Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg). The questions is why they were convinced this overly complex story of a gang of illusionists robbing banks through magic was actually worth performing in. The film is at its best in the first 20 minutes. It starts with a punch and clearly establishes its basic premise. It's clear from the outset that a refined suspension of disbelief will be required to appreciate the film. But then the high concept just gets waaaay too high.

The WTF factor is through the roof. There are inconsequential references to the GFC and the Eye of Horus, while the relevance of the illusionists naming themselves The Four Horsemen is never explored. Weird plot twists aren't explained, character motivations are unclear, there are terribly choreographed car chases, and one scene where Isla Fisher floats around in a giant bubble. Climax after climax, twist after turn, we lose these flimsy characters in a ridiculous maelstrom of a plot. No wonder poor Mark Ruffalo looks so confused.

In cinemas Thursday 8 August.