When Now You See Me hit theaters in 2013, it dazzled audiences with its unique blend of magic and heist thrills, grossing over $350 million worldwide and establishing itself as an unexpected hit. Three years later, on June 10, 2016, Now You See Me 2—known as Phi Vụ Thế Kỷ 2 in Vietnam—arrived, aiming to recapture the magic of its predecessor. Directed by Jon M. Chu and featuring a returning ensemble cast including Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, and Morgan Freeman, alongside new faces like Daniel Radcliffe and Lizzy Caplan, the sequel ramps up the stakes with more elaborate illusions and a global chase. While the film’s plot has been criticized for its forced twists, its captivating magic sequences and escalating tension make it a thrilling ride for fans of the franchise. Let’s explore how Now You See Me 2 builds on the original, where it stumbles, and why it remains a crowd-pleaser nearly a decade later.

A New Mission for the Four Horsemen

The original Now You See Me introduced the Four Horsemen—Daniel Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg), Merritt McKinney (Woody Harrelson), Henley Reeves (Isla Fisher, replaced by Lula, played by Lizzy Caplan in the sequel), and Jack Wilder (Dave Franco)—a group of street magicians recruited by a mysterious organization called The Eye. Led by FBI agent Dylan Rhodes (Mark Ruffalo), who secretly doubled as their fifth member, the Horsemen pulled off audacious heists, exposing corruption while redistributing wealth to their audiences. The first film ended with the revelation of Dylan’s dual role and the Horsemen joining The Eye, setting the stage for a broader adventure.

Now You See Me 2 picks up a year later, with the Horsemen in hiding after their exploits made them targets. The sequel wastes no time diving into a new mission: exposing a tech mogul’s scheme to exploit the public, a plan orchestrated by Dylan, who continues to operate as The Eye’s liaison. However, the film quickly subverts expectations. During a live performance meant to reveal the mogul’s corruption, the Horsemen are outed by a mysterious force, and Dylan’s identity as their leader is exposed to his FBI colleagues. This reversal shifts the dynamic—once the untouchable “Robin Hoods” of magic, the Horsemen become pawns in a larger game, manipulated by unseen enemies.

The narrative takes the team from New York to Macau’s cramped markets and London’s shadowy streets, a departure from the grand Las Vegas stages of the first film. This global scope, while ambitious, introduces new challenges. The Horsemen must steal a microchip from a heavily guarded facility in Macau, a heist that leads to some of the film’s most memorable sequences. However, the plot’s reliance on convenient twists—like the sudden betrayal by a tech billionaire played by Daniel Radcliffe—feels forced, a criticism echoed in reviews from sources like VnExpress, which noted the script’s “strained” storytelling. Despite these flaws, the film’s pacing and spectacle keep audiences engaged, a testament to Chu’s direction and the cast’s chemistry.

Magic as the True Star

What Now You See Me 2 lacks in narrative depth, it makes up for in its jaw-dropping magic sequences. The film showcases a variety of illusions, from small-scale tricks to elaborate group performances that highlight each Horseman’s skills. One standout scene features Lula (Lizzy Caplan) demonstrating her sleight-of-hand in Daniel Atlas’ apartment, a playful moment that introduces her quirky character while showcasing Caplan’s comedic timing. Another highlight is Atlas’ rain manipulation trick, a visually stunning display that blends practical effects with CGI to create a sense of wonder.

The film’s most iconic sequence, however, is the Macau heist, where the Horsemen must smuggle a microchip past security. The team uses synchronized card-throwing and misdirection to pass the chip between them, all while navigating a high-tech vault. The scene’s tight editing and confined setting—described by VnExpress as creating a “suffocating” tension—amplifies the stakes, making it a masterclass in cinematic sleight-of-hand. These moments, paired with the film’s fast-paced action, evoke the feel of a high-stakes chase rather than a traditional stage performance, a shift that aligns with Chu’s background in action-driven projects like G.I. Joe: Retaliation.

The introduction of new characters also adds to the magic. Daniel Radcliffe plays Walter Mabry, a tech prodigy with a penchant for illusions, whose role as a secondary antagonist brings a fresh dynamic. Meanwhile, Jay Chou (Châu Kiệt Luân) appears as a Macau shopkeeper with ties to The Eye, though his limited screen time leaves his character underdeveloped—a missed opportunity noted by critics. Despite this, the magic sequences remain the film’s heart, delivering on the franchise’s promise of spectacle and leaving audiences craving more.

A Cast That Shines Amid Script Struggles

The ensemble cast is a major draw, with returning actors maintaining the chemistry that made the first film a hit. Jesse Eisenberg’s Daniel Atlas remains the group’s sharp-witted leader, though his tension with Dylan adds a layer of conflict. Mark Ruffalo, as Dylan Rhodes, delivers in action scenes and moments of emotional turmoil, particularly as he grapples with his exposed identity and his father’s legacy as a magician—a backstory explored more deeply in this sequel. However, VnExpress critiques Ruffalo’s performance, noting that while he excels in action and inner conflict, he lacks the commanding presence expected of a master magician’s leader.

Woody Harrelson gets a chance to flex his range, playing both Merritt and his twin brother Chase, whose contrasting personalities showcase Harrelson’s versatility. Lizzy Caplan’s Lula, replacing Isla Fisher, brings a chaotic, humorous energy that balances the team’s more serious members. Her “zany” demeanor, as described by VnExpress, wins over audiences, adding a lighthearted touch to the dangerous heists. Morgan Freeman returns as Thaddeus Bradley, the disgraced magician whose role evolves in unexpected ways, though the resolution of his arc feels rushed, another scripting misstep.

The villains, however, are a weak point. Walter Mabry and his grandmother, played by Sanaa Lathan, lack the depth needed to make their schemes truly menacing. Their connection to The Eye, while intriguing, doesn’t fully land, leaving the film’s central mystery feeling underwhelming. This underdevelopment of antagonists is a recurring critique, with reviews pointing out that the film prioritizes spectacle over a cohesive narrative.

A Franchise Poised for More

Despite its flaws, Now You See Me 2 succeeds as entertainment, earning a respectable $334 million globally, though it fell short of the first film’s box office haul. Its critical reception was mixed—Rotten Tomatoes gives it a 34% approval rating based on 197 reviews, with a consensus that it “lacks the original’s breezy charm.” Yet, audience reactions were more favorable, with a 64% audience score and praise for its fun, escapist vibe. Posts on X from 2025 reflect lingering affection for the sequel, with users like @Chu_Penguinn calling it a “camp magic thieves” delight, even if it doesn’t match the first film’s iconic status.

The franchise’s future looks bright. Now You See Me 3, teased in April 2025 by @FilmUpdates on X, is set to introduce new magicians, including Ariana Greenblatt (Barbie), Justice Smith (Pokémon Detective Pikachu), and Dominic Sessa (The Holdovers), alongside the returning cast. Rumors suggest the third film might explore The Eye’s origins, a plot thread left dangling in the sequel. With filming potentially starting in late 2025, as hinted by Jesse Eisenberg, fans are eager for more magical heists.

Why It Still Captivates

Nearly a decade after its release, Now You See Me 2 remains a thrilling escape, its imperfections overshadowed by its commitment to spectacle. The film’s magic sequences, from rain manipulation to the Macau chip heist, continue to dazzle, while its cast delivers performances that elevate a shaky script. It may not reach the heights of its predecessor, but it captures the essence of what made the franchise a hit: the allure of illusion, the thrill of the heist, and the charm of a team that’s always one step ahead—or at least, trying to be. For those seeking a fun, fast-paced adventure, Now You See Me 2 delivers a magical ride worth revisiting. Don’t miss the sleight-of-hand that keeps this franchise alive—blink, and you might miss the next trick!