NOW YOU SEE ME 2 – We Are Movie Geeks

CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR – Blu Review

Review by Brandon Krzysztof
Films are being released in clusters lately each Tuesday and September 13th continues that trend with CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR, one of many sequels released that day. It’s safe to say this was the most anticipated new release of the week. It was released on Steelbook at Best Buy, which was an exclusive. It also had a 3D version with a beautiful slip cover and a standard version without a slip cover which I believe was very weak for the price; it had no digital HD to go with no slip cover for $19.99.

THE SYNOPSIS
After an incident that kills innocent civilians, political interference in the Avengers’ activities causes a rift between former allies Captain America and Iron Man.

THE REVIEW
I saw CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR twice in theaters; once in IMAX 3D on opening night and a second time which was a standard showing later that weekend. On both occasions I gave the film a 4.5/5. Even watching it for a third time in four months, I stand by that rating. Superhero films have been getting a little old for me but in this one I really enjoyed the tension and continuous conflict throughout the run time. The airport scene was gold. It was what everyone wanted to see and it delivered. My favorite parts of the film were definitely Black Panther, Bucky, and Spider-Man. And in case you were wondering… Team Cap all the way.
4.5/5
THE QUALITY
Once again Disney did not release this film with a 4K transfer but it really doesn’t matter because it sounds and looks immaculate on blu-ray. The dialogue is clear enough to hear and the bass on my subwoofer was booming. I felt like I was back in the theater. It is definitely a must own and makes any home theater better.

THE FEATURES

Just like The Jungle Book, the blu-ray is loaded with features, actually longer ones that The Jungle Book. I was very content.

The first featurette, United We Stand, Divided We Fall: The Making of Captain America: Civil War, is a two part behind-the-scenes look at the film at all stages through pre-production to post-production and everything in between. I love seeing how a film comes together and these two parts, which total 45 minutes, delivers. Cast interviews, transferring the comic to screen, shooting certain scenes, etc. Very informative feature.

The second and third featurette, Captain America: The Road to Civil War and Iron Man: The Road to Civil War, are both just over 4 minutes each and they both dive in to the character’s role in the split and performances by the actors.

The fourth featurette, Open Your Mind: Marvel’s Doctor Strange, is just over four minutes and is a quick sneak peak into Marvel’s next big film, Doctor Strange.

The audio commentary is with directors, Joe and Anthony Russo, along with writers, Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely. They cover all sorts of information about the film, set design, characters, and the whole nine yards. It’s such a long movie so right after watching the film, I’d let it resonate before watching this; perhaps on a rainy day.

There also is funny gag reel and a few deleted/extended scenes that didn’t quite make it the film.

THE VERDICT

Captain America: Civil War is fun film that you can watch either by yourself or with a group of friends. You can put it on at any point and be invested it. The blu-ray looks and sounds great and is loaded with features. I’m sure Marvel fans rushed out this Tuesday to add this to their collection. I’m not a die-hard Marvel fan but I sure did.

QUICK BONUS REVIEW

Now You See Me 2 was released the week before and my girlfriend saw a screening of it and theaters and we decided to do a marathon of the two films and it was by far one of the most marathons I’ve endured. The first film was okay, I gave it a 2.5/5. But this second one was awful. It is a certified 1/5 for me. The 4K picture really wasn’t mind blowing and the plot and tricks and stuff were so far-fetched. If I offended you, I apologize but this film wasn’t for me.

SOCIAL MEDIA
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This Week’s WAMG Podcast – CONJURING 2, WARCRAFT, and More!

This week’s episode of our podcast WE ARE MOVIE GEEKS The Show is up! Hear WAMG’s Jim Batts and Tom Stockman and their special guest Stephen Tronicek from Film Analyst. We’ll discuss the weekend box office and review WARCRAFT, NOW YOU SEE ME 2, CONJURING 2, and DHEEPAN. Also, we’ll preview CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE and FINDING DORY. We’ll then discuss some local film events here in St. Louis including the exciting news that the King Baggot Tribute will be returning. Then we’ll list our top five favorite movies of 2016 so far.

Here’s this week’s show. Have a listen:

NOW YOU SEE ME 2 – Review

NOW YOU SEE ME 2 brings back the Four Horsemen, not the Biblical figures of Armageddon but the four magician/illusionists from the first film, who used magic to reveal corporate misbehaviorand redistribute a little wealth.

The magicians from the first film, who call themselves the Four Horseman, return, again played by Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, but joined by a new magician played by Lizzy Caplan. Last time the magicians used their skill as illusionists in a Robin Hood-type heists to expose corporate bad guys, which put them on the run from the FBI. A year later, the Horsemen must re-emerge to thwart an evil tech wizard, Walter Mabry (Daniel Radcliffe), who seeks to control the world through a chip to control the world’s computers. That mission takes them to Macau, China, and the oldest magic shop in the world. To accomplish their goal, the Horseman have to stage the biggest illusion yet.

Magic fans have to relish this stuff. Like the 2013 NOW YOU SEE ME, the magic is the main point. If the original film did not draw you in like a carnival barker, you probably want to skip this magic mystery/adventure sequel.

Like stage illusions, there is little that is real about NOW YOU SEE ME 2. This second film has more of a plot, a kind of kid-friendly mystery about a secret organization and a plot by a villain, played by Daniel Radcliffe, in which all kinds of improbable things take place. The cast also includes Mark Ruffalo, Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman, in a globe-trotting adventure. The cast seems to be having a ball in this film, particularly Daniel Radcliffe who is busily chewing scenery as the villain. Woody Harrelson gets to have fun with a double role, also playing his evil twin.

The plot, which seems aimed at a younger audience, is kind of fun but not terribly original or rational. It is best to take this story as a tongue-in-cheek fantasy; trying to see anything probable or real about it is sure to just give one a headache.

Of course the real point is the magic. Like, the first film, there are some real magic experts behind this film, particularly its co-producer, illusionist David Copperfield. Big illusions are the main thrill but classic magic tricks like three card monty and some sleight-of-hand also get some of the spotlight.

Director Jon M. Chu, who directed Step Up 2 and Step Up 3D, replaced the original director Louis Leterrier, but does a nice job presenting the magic. He has been tapped to direct the third film in the series. The ending sets up for that next sequel by making the Horseman into something like a Marvel super hero team. Whether the series continues depends mostly on the audience for its magical illusions on screen.

For fans of the first film, or of magic in general, NOW YOU SEE ME 2 is a treat. But if stage illusionists hold no, er, magic for you or you are looking for believable story, you can safely pass on this film.

NOW YOU SEE ME 2 opens in theaters on June 10th, 2016

OVERALL RATING: 3 OUT OF 5 STARS

This Week’s WAMG Podcast – POPSTAR, MAGGIE’S PLAN, and More!

This week’s episode of our podcast WE ARE MOVIE GEEKS The Show is up! Hear WAMG’s Jim Batts and Tom Stockman and their special guest Jim Tudor from Twitch and ZekeFilm. We’ll discuss the weekend box office and review ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS, POPSTAR NEVER STOP NEVER STOPPING, SUNSET SONG, and MAGGIE’S PLAN. Also, we’ll preview CONJURING 2, NOW YOU SEE ME 2, and WAR CRAFT. We’ll then discuss screenings of films in St. Louis that include the 1945 version of PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY, THE BREAKFAST CLUB, and DEEP RED.

Here’s this week’s show. Have a listen:

Win Passes To The Advance Screening Of NOW YOU SEE ME 2 In St. Louis

The master magicians known as the Four Horsemen return for their most daring and astounding caper ever, elevating the limits of stage illusion to new heights in hopes of clearing their names and exposing the ruthlessness of a dangerous tech magnate.

One year after their astonishing Robin Hood-style magic shows win the public’s adulation and confound the FBI, the quartet resurfaces for a dazzling comeback performance that will make their previous escapades seem like child’s play. With the help of FBI Special Agent Dylan Rhodes (Mark Ruffalo), the Horsemen — J. Daniel Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg), Merritt McKinney (Woody Harrelson), Jack Wilder (Dave Franco) and new addition Lula (Lizzy Caplan) — mount a meticulously planned surprise appearance, in hopes of exposing corrupt tech tycoon Owen Case (Ben Lamb).

But their scheme backfires, exposing Dylan’s involvement with the Horsemen and sending all five of them back on the run. To regain their freedom and their reputations they are forced by wealthy recluse Walter Mabry (Daniel Radcliffe) to recover an unimaginably powerful computer chip stolen by his treacherous former business partner — none other than Owen Case.

The Horsemen soon find themselves once again squaring off against unscrupulous businessman Arthur Tressler (Michael Caine) and professional skeptic Thaddeus Bradley (Morgan Freeman) as they attempt to accomplish the most difficult heist of their careers — but even they cannot anticipate the ultimate surprise awaiting them.

NOW YOU SEE ME 2 stars Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network, Zombieland), Mark Ruffalo (The Avengers, Shutter Island), Woody Harrelson (“True Detective,” The Hunger Games), Dave Franco (21 Jump Street, Neighbors), Daniel Radcliffe (the Harry Potter franchise, Swiss Army Man), Lizzy Caplan (“Masters of Sex,” Cloverfield), Jay Chou, Sanaa Lathan, with Michael Caine (Inception, Interstellar) and Morgan Freeman (London has Fallen, Million Dollar Baby).

The film is directed by Jon M. Chu (Step Up 2: The Streets, G. I. Joe: Retaliation) from a screenplay by Ed Solomon (Now You See Me, Men in Black), story by Ed Solomon & Peter Chiarelli (The Proposal, Eagle Eye), and based on characters created by Boaz Yakin & Edward Ricourt.

NOW YOU SEE ME 2 opens on June 10.

WAMG invites you to enter for a chance to win a pass (Good for 2) to the advance screening of NOW YOU SEE ME 2 on June 7 at 7PM in the St. Louis area.

We will contact the winners by email.

Answer the Following:

The filmmakers behind NOW YOU SEE ME Me 2 brought in the world’s foremost magicians to help create real-life illusions that boggle the mind. What is your favorite magic trick to watch being performed?

TO ENTER, ADD YOUR NAME, ANSWER AND EMAIL IN OUR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW.

OFFICIAL RULES:

1. YOU MUST BE IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA THE DAY OF THE SCREENING.

2. A pass does not guarantee a seat at a screening. Seating is on a first-come, first served basis. The theater is overbooked to assure a full house. The theater is not responsible for overbooking.

3. No purchase necessary.

Rated PG 13 for violence and some language.

Visit the official site: www.nowyouseeme.movie

NOW YOU SEE ME 2 First Trailer Launches

Get ready for their second act. THE FOUR HORSEMEN (Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Lizzy Caplan) return for another mind-bending adventure, elevating the limits of stage illusion to new heights and taking them around the globe.

The teaser trailer has arrived for NOW YOU SEE ME 2.

One year after outwitting the FBI and winning the public’s adulation with their Robin Hood-style magic spectacles, the illusionists resurface for a comeback performance in hopes of exposing the unethical practices of a tech magnate.

The man behind their vanishing act is none other than Walter Mabry (Daniel Radcliffe), a tech prodigy who threatens the Horsemen into pulling off their most impossible heist yet. Their only hope is to perform one last unprecedented stunt to clear their names and reveal the mastermind behind it all.

NOW YOU SEE ME 2 is directed by Jon M. Chu (GI JOE: RETALIATION) from a script by Pete Chiarelli and Ed Solomon. Producers are Bobby Cohen, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci.

NOW YOU SEE ME 2 opens in theaters June 10, 2016.

www.nowyouseeme.movie

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Daniel Radcliffe, Lizzy Caplan and Jay Chou Join Cast of NOW YOU SEE ME 2

©WireImage

Daniel Radcliffe (HORNS, KILL YOUR DARLINGS, HARRY POTTER FILMS,), Lizzy Caplan (Showtime’s “MASTERS OF SEX,” the upcoming THE INTERVIEW) and Jay Chou will star in Lionsgate’s NOW YOU SEE ME 2.

The ensemble cast includes Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Morgan Freeman, Woody Harrelson, Michael Caine and Dave Franco. Radcliffe will play Walter, Lizzy Caplan will play Lula and Jay Chou will play Li.

One year after outwitting the FBI and winning the public’s adulation with their mind-bending spectacles, the Four Horsemen resurface in NOW YOU SEE ME 2 only to find themselves face to face with a new enemy who enlists them to pull off their most dangerous heist yet.

NOW YOU SEE ME 2 will be directed by Jon M. Chu (GI JOE: RETALIATION) from a script by Pete Chiarelli and Ed Solomon. Producers are Bobby Cohen, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci.

Erik Feig, Co-President of the Motion Picture Group, along with Geoff Shaevitz, President of Production, will oversee the project for Lionsgate.

Liongate Announces Release Dates For NOW YOU SEE ME 2 And Robert De Niro’s DIRTY GRANDPA

Lionsgate has released the dates for two of their upcoming films in 2015 and 2016.

DIRTY GRANDPA – presently the tentative title – will open in wide release on December 25, 2015, from Lionsgate.

Starring Robert De Niro and Zac Efron, the film’s synopsis reads:

Right before his wedding, an uptight guy is tricked into driving his foul-mouthed grandfather, a former Army general, to Florida for spring break.

The movie is directed by Dan Mazer (BORAT) and written by John Phillips.

The sequel to director Louis Leterrier’s 2013 hit NOW YOU SEE ME, will be in theaters on June 10, 2016, from Summit Entertainment.

Titled NOW YOU SEE ME 2, the film stars Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, Morgan Freeman, and Michael Caine. In the original entertaining movie, four talented magicians mesmerize an international audience with a series of bold and original heists, all the while pursuing a hidden agenda that has the FBI and Interpol scrambling to anticipate their next move.

The sequel is from director Jon M. Chu (G.I. JOE: RETALIATION).

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OVERALL RATING: 3 OUT OF 5 STARS

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