It's been 10 long years since the Horsemen last appeared on our screens and 13 years since their first outing (
see Blog #269) which saw me raving about this new potential franchise that now in it's 3rd instalment, has opened itself up to a wider group of character and potentially there is more to come!
For me - the 2nd instalment lacked the presence of the first film, but that's all behind us as this 3rd movie is something pretty special. Initially you believe the 'original' 4 Housemen have returned (as Isla Fisher was swapped out in the 2nd movie with Lizzie Caplan) however it's 'all an illusion' as 3 newbie Magicians deep-fake the original Horsemen in a bid to complete a Robin Hood 'esq' theft (successfully I might add), just like in the original but that soon pulls Daniel Atlas (Eisenberg) out of hiding to track them down.
What plays out then is The 'Eye' (watch the first two films) wants these new kids PLUS the 4 originals back together - along with a small cameo from Morgan Freeman to carry out their biggest heist yet - the un-doing of Diamond Mogul (and nasty piece of work) Veronika Vanderberg (played by Rosumund Pike).
The 2013 cast are all back - Eisenberg (Atlas), Harrelson (Merrick), Fisher (Henley - Yay!) and Franco (Wilder) who in the 2013 Blog I referred to as 'a relative new-comer' and they are aided by Freeman and newcomers Justice Smith (Charlie), Arianna Greenblatt (June) & Dominic Sesa (Bosco).
There is a bit of friction with the old team getting back together after whatever 'falling out' they had which is thankfully soon resolved and a bit of beef between Bosco and Atlas - with the latter feeling the new kids need to 'prove' themselves (to him) to earn the right to become Horsemen but it's the 'Eye' who has selected them all for this task pretty soon they all just decide to get on with it.
The plot: They need to work together to raise the curtain and expose Vanderberg - who is using the family business to fund Arms Dealers via Money Laundering etc plus a few sub-plots thrown in but on the whole - very straight forward.
As you'd expect, with their skills being Magic and mis-direction we get to see a dazzling array of special effects which although appealing to the eye - most of it is highly implausible which does take away some of the authentic 'WoW' factor and with so many main characters, we really don't get to see much of any of them. The original 4 don't develop very much - except finding out Henley is now married with a few kids and they are joined mid-way by Lula (Caplan) so basically the whole band is back together again - or, newly all together for the first time!
The 4 Horseman are now 8, and following a few twists and turns and yet another 'hooded figure' equivalent that will keep you guessing throughout - its a movie that some would say is predictable - but is watchable and although probably doesn't progress the story any further - definitely adds more players.
Eisenberg is on form - Harrelson and Franco don't really seem to have their hears in it as for Fisher - although I adore her, doesn't have the same presence as the first film.
The new 3 are very good though. The Atlas / Bosco rivalry is compelling - Charlie is kind of the brains behind their tricks so seeming takes a back seat and June is incredibly likeable. They have a real sense of family the originals didn't seem to have and that plays to their advantage but is seemingly a little lost on the rest of the team but, work together they do - and it all works out well in the end.
For me - the first film was something really new and enjoyable. This one and its predecessor don't really have the same gravitas but they still stich together well as a trilogy and if the ending is anything to go by, we should expect at least one more outing for all 8 of the Horsemen before they put this franchise to bed for good.
Fancy watching the trailer? Click below:
