Ruben Fleischer takes the mantle of this third installment to the “Ocean’s 11” meets “Fast and Furious” franchise, which started off as an “Ocean’s 11” Houdini spin-off, that worked for what it was, while never quite being as witty as “Ocean’s 11” nor as mind-blowing as “The Usual Suspects”.
This third installment does what we’ve been seeing a lot in the horror genre as of late. Making a sequel. That isn’t quite a real reboot, but is more than a simple sequel.
The film opens with an introduction to the next generation of magicians. Which, who then of course collide with legacy characters, who come back for one last mission.
We are not only introduced to new characters, the next gen of magicians, but also one who joined the team, during the time lapse between this film and the second. Whom also had a falling out, after being recruited during the absence of one of the original members leaving.
Enough time has passed that the sequel does work in this capacity, yet as they say in the movies. Come in closer, for the closer you look, the less you really see.
Which, sadly is the problem with this film, it pulls us in too close and we see more than what we really need to pull off this trick.
While the tricks are more on the revolutionary and innovative side. The storyline is damn near a complete face lift of the first film. Taking what was fun and on the cusp of being a notable sequel, to simply fall to the waste side of mediocrity.
However, with that being said, as flat and uninteresting the storyline is. The tricks, jokes, and gags are refreshing and innovative enough to stand out and carry the film. For what matters most really does stand out. The performances.
Both the magic performances and even the performances of the actors portraying the magicians are on point. Containing just enough flair and flamboyance to make it pop.
The film lacks any real stakes or feeling of authenticity. Making it feel like the entire thing is one big illusion. Lacking any real power or emotional drive.
Making the team go up against drug lords and those who helped relocate Nazi war criminals makes the overall film come off as chewy and illogical.
Bank heists and robberies would and do work for this style of film. For the odds of death are far slimmer when the opposing team is forced to follow both laws and ethical codes due to self-righteousness and legal obligation. Drug lords, those who work for them, and anyone who deals with actual WW2 Nazis have no bars or ethics that make them play by any set of rules.
Overall, the film is fun and enjoyable enough to pay the price of a discounted admission. Half-off ticket Tuesdays is my recommendation.
The film not only sets up the fourth installment but also is trying to follow in the footsteps of the “Fast and Furious” franchise. Making small thieves into world-binding super spies.
Overall Rating: 3/5 Stars.