Now You See Me Now YOu Don't (Movie Review)

 

As many movies are these days, this one is the third installment in a film series which started in 2013 and had a sequel in 2016. The franchise hovers around the world of magic, with both professional and wannabe illusionists comprising the plot. The film released on November 14, 2025 is rated PG, which is refreshing in that it accomplishes a lot of drama and action in a manner which those of all ages can attend during this holiday season. Seeing the earlier installments is not necessary for following the storyline. If you liked the earlier versions, it’s a good bet that you’ll enjoy the enhanced special effects along with the original and new cast members in this movie. The cast is enough to draw one in to a warm theater to partake in the hijinks, although the plot is hectic and unevenly presented. There are eight well-known actors in the line-up, including Jesse Eisenberg (who portrays the ringleader), Woody Harrelson (who is a mentalist), and Rosamund Pike (as a corrupt diamond and arms dealer). All principal and supporting actors play their parts with gusto, which is enjoyable to watch. 

The Four Horsemen are a famous magician troupe who are socially conscious. With each new trick or illusion, they are trying to right a wrong and benefit the public. In the current story, it has been ten years since they performed together. Several new illusionists appear on the scene, adding a younger generation to the activity while still featuring older master tricksters like Harrelson and Morgan Freeman (who plays a retired magician and mentor to the Horsemen). The newcomers start out by impersonating the Four Horsemen on stage, resulting in a joining of forces with the original Horsemen after their fraudulent performances are outed. The story centers around the magic shows and the efforts of the Horsemen and their new compatriots to redistribute wealth through sleight of hand, both during their shows and on special missions. If all this sounds fanciful, it is. A particular challenge is the presentation of illusion and magic on the big screen in a manner that is believable, because if not, then what is the point? This is hit or miss with a somewhat incoherent script, as the original Horsemen along with the newcomers try to use trickery to obtain a highly valuable diamond owned by a company who launders money for criminals.

The first two “Now You See Me” installments were box office hits, likely explaining the series return. Although the actors play off each other well in this densely packed and inane magic caper, the character development is thin. The English actress Rosamund Pike (“Gone Girl”) is well cast as the corrupt socialite and diamond magnate. She employs a very authentic sounding South African accent, which adds to the appeal. She uses her dazzling smile not as a sign of warmth but as a weapon, as she seeks to disarm and intimidate. With her hard blue eyes, which never soften, Pike balances elegance with cruelty to great effect. Jesse Eisenberg is also spot on as a presenter of smooth, polished magical showmanship. The actors and the fun they seem to be having performing in this superficial and over-the-top film are what makes it worth watching, far more than the tricks themselves. I left feeling entertained. If you are in the mood for something light and non-controversial which also provides non-stop action, you may enjoy it. I give this film a B-minus.

Article from Falls Church News-Press 

Liberty Vanish

 Now available at www.magiciansmagicshop.com

Statue of Liberty disappears!? The famous David Copperfield's Vanishing Statue of Liberty, which he performed in the TV show, is now made easy. Of course, we can't vanish the real Statue of Liberty, but Statue of Liberty in the picture disappears visually and instantly. No knuckle busting techniques are needed. It's very easy. In fact, Mr. Maric threw in this trick to his TV performance in addition to his new tricks, and that made this trick really popular among magic freaks at that time. Note: clips are not included.

Magician Ed Sumner: Our journey to the theatre stage as we prepare for one-night-only spectacle

 Two Staffordshire magicians are preparing to bring a unique mix of magic and comedy to Rugeley’s Rose Theatre for one night only later this month.

Ed Sumner, from Abbots Bromley, and Damon Conlan, from Cannock, have been in the industry for over 20 years, but only began performing together in 2022.

The Magic Room show on 19 December promises a rare chance to see professional modern magic in a theatre setting with sharp, stand-up comedy, and the pair hope it will lead to a future tour.

Here, Ed writes about their progression to a large theatre show, what it means to them and what else guests can expect.

“What began as a small monthly night in a bar has grown into something bigger, more polished, and designed to work for even the largest theatre stages.

We’ve previously spent years, refining our craft, from early performances for friends and family, to stand-up comedy nights for zero to five people, to solo shows, festivals, and even the occasional spot on TV.

Along the way, we’ve learnt how to mix magic with comedy in a way that feels fresh and modern, not canned and dated. We’ve discovered exactly what makes audiences laugh, gasp, and sit up on the edge of their seats. And that might be why our shows are so popular.

Now we’re putting all of that experience together as we bring our show to The Rose Theatre in Rugeley, for one night only. You might have seen a birthday party magician before, maybe even close up magic at a wedding, but this is different. This is a rare chance to see contemporary magic performed live in a theatre setting, without screens, without pretension, without limits.

There will be a unique blend of jaw-dropping visual magic, impossible mind reading and sharp, stand-up comedy. I don’t know of anyone who mixes magic with comedy the way we do.

The show means a lot to us as a showcase for those who have been with us from the start, people who have joined us along the way and hopefully some discovering us for the first time. Bringing it to the theatre stage makes the journey feel worth it.

When it’s performed well magic is always popular. Maybe it’s because it taps into bigger questions about life. What is possible? What can I achieve? Where are my limits?

Or maybe it’s just that people enjoy spending a night out laughing with friends and family. You see, for us the best moments are the feeling in the room when something unexpected happens and everyone reacts at the same time. That shared moment is what keeps us rehearsing, rewriting, and working out the kinks again and again, until they’re perfect. If we can create an evening where people forget the outside world for an hour or two and simply enjoy being part of something live, then we’ve done our job.”

For tickets and more information go to TICKETS

Article from Daily Focus 

JUNWOO PARK - 2022 FISM - The Shape of a Sound !!

 

Tommy Cooper

 

                                       Thomas Frederick Cooper (March 1921 - April 1984) 

Nathan Burton on Fool US

 

Jigsaw Deck - Magicians Magic Shop

 

Now available at www.magiciansmagicshop.com Instantly command attention with the ultimate card magic opener from David Regal. Jigsaw Deck by David Regal is a truly one-of-a-kind way to start any card magic set. You dump out a few wooden puzzle pieces from a box and start assembling them in front of the audience. Within just a few seconds, the pieces are brought together to form what looks like a playing card. The completed puzzle is then put inside a box, and after a quick snap of your fingers, the lid is removed to reveal that the puzzle has become a real deck of cards. This truly is a completely ordinary deck of cards. You can immediately dump it out and give it to someone to shuffle or just jump right into your favorite card trick. Jigsaw Deck is incredibly easy to do. It's basically self-working and all the props fit right into your pocket. Just add in your own normal deck of cards and you'll always be ready to perform. Produced by Vanishing Inc. the custom-made puzzle pieces and special box are exceptional quality. The pieces themselves are adorned with an authentic Bicycle mandolin design and are incredibly simple to assemble. It will only take you a few minutes of practice to master the art of putting it together without much thought. Everything you need to know is covered in the complete tutorial that you'll receive alongside an optional "Brain Buster" sticker that can be used to decorate the box if you wish. Elevate your card magic with Jigsaw Deck by David Regal today!