Now You See Me: Now You Don’t * A Reminder That Now You See Me: Now You Don’t * A Reminder That The World Doesn’t Exist In Black And White
The Four Horsemen return along with a new generation of illusionists performing mind-melding twists, turns, surprises, and magic unlike anything ever captured on film.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Elsy Simon comments, “I love the movie Now You See Me: Now You Don’t because of the shocking twists, not only for the characters, but also for the audience. I like how each character has its own distinct personality. I also really enjoy how funny it is at points… The story really demonstrates how the world doesn’t exist in only black and white, but grey as well — so one can do the wrong thing, for the right reasons.” See her full review below.
Now You See Me: Now You Don’t
By Elsy Simon, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
Justice Smith, Ariana Greenblatt, Dominic Sessa, Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco in Now You See Me: Now You Don’t. Photo Credit: Katalin Vermes
I love the movie Now You See Me: Now You Don’t because of the shocking twists, not only for the characters, but also for the audience. I like how each character has its own distinct personality. I also really enjoy how funny it is at points.
The story takes place in many different places, including South Africa, and France, and follows a group of three con artists who team up with the renowned horsemen and plan to steal the famous Heart Diamond from cruel, selfish Veronika Vanderberg (Rosamund Pike).
The magicians find a map to guide them to a French chateau in France to get what they need, but half of their party gets caught by the police. In the end, Veronika tries to kill the horsemen and ends up in prison, where we learn that Charlie is her half-brother and the true heir of the Vanderberg fortune.
Rosamund Pike as Veronika in Now You See Me: Now You Don’t. Photo Credit: Katalin Vermes
The story really demonstrates how the world doesn’t exist in only black and white, but grey as well — so one can do the wrong thing, for the right reasons. My favorite character is Veronika Vanderberg because of her villainess’s tendencies and hilariously immoral behavior.
The acting is commendable, and very well executed. Charlie, June, and Bosco are played by Justice Smith, Ariana Greenblatt, and Dominic Sessa who are all charismatic new characters. Of course the renowned horsemen, J. Daniel Atlas, Meritt McKinney, Jack Wilder, Henley Reeves, and eventually Leslie are played by Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Isla Fisher, and Myah Banton and it’s fun to see the band back together again.
Dominic Sessa as Bosco, Jesse Eisenberg as Daniel Atlas, Isla Fisher as Henley Reeves, and Justice Smith as Charlie in Now You See Me: Now You Don’t. Photo Credit: Katalin Vermes
The film is well made, so much so that I felt as if I was a part of the film. My favorite part is when Atlas and Bosco fight over who is the better magician, and it’s amazing to see all the magic happening while they bicker. My one complaint is that it might send the wrong message to people – that it’s completely fine to steal things and commit major crimes, which is not okay.
The film’s message is about truly caring for people and to not be fooled by the appearance of things on the outside, but rather to dive in headfirst to see what’s really going on. Be forewarned that there are some references to adult concepts, language, and violence.
I give Now You See Me: Now You Don’t 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It will be released in theaters on November 14, 2025.
