Critical response, however, was a different story. While critics praised the cast's charisma and the film's entertaining premise, many took issue with its plot. On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a score of 50%. Critics from major outlets like Variety called it a "flashy but flimsy magic-themed caper". Despite this, audiences connected with its energetic style and fun, twist-heavy narrative.
The film follows the , a group of talented illusionists recruited by a mysterious benefactor to perform increasingly daring and public heists. The team is led by J. Daniel Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg), a charismatic street magician and card expert; Merritt McKinney (Woody Harrelson), a cynical mentalist; Henley Reeves (Isla Fisher), an escape artist; and Jack Wilder (Dave Franco), a sleight-of-hand expert. Now You See Me -2013-2013
offers a sharp, analytical counterpart to Ruffalo. Critical response, however, was a different story