Now You See Me (2013)

Rated PG-13

Now You See Me (2013)

Director

Louis Leterrier (The Incredible Hulk, The Transporter)

Cast

Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, Morgan Freeman

Twitter-fied Plot Summary

Four magicians, dubbed the "Four Horsemen," become the target of FBI and Interpol when they start incorporating heists into their performances.

Review Byte

With a very promising premise, "Now You See Me" fails to deliver the polished slick heist flick it could have been. It still manages to be an entertaining magic movie if you set aside high expectations and any hopes of comparisons to "The Prestige" or "The Illusionist."

Raves

• Fun cast that keeps the plot moving
• Perfect for those looking for a fast-paced heist flick
• The compelling concept alone keeps you interested until the end

Rants

• The film doesn't live up to the potential that is presented in the trailer
• The climax is too far-fetched and vague to be ignored
• A movie that tries to be too smart for its own good, plot could have been presented in a much simpler fashion

Fun Fact

The card trick in the opening sequence was intentionally edited to make the audience pick the seven of diamonds.

Final Consensus 

If you're into heist flicks and need to pass time, go for it. Otherwise, find another movie. 

Fast & Furious 6 (2013)

Rated PG-13

Fast & Furious 6 (2013)

Director

Justin Lin (Fast & Furious, Tokyo Drift, Fast Five)

Cast

Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Luke Evans

Twitter-fied Plot Summary

In this sixth installment of a blockbuster franchise, Hobbs approaches Dom Toretto with a job which requires re-assembling the old crew to take down a team of mercenaries in return of pardons and a chance to reunite with an old friend.

Review Byte

You walk into the movie expecting fast cars, cheesy one-liners, and amplified action sequences...you walk out with just that. This flick is well-aware of the kind of entertainment it's meant to be and doesn't fail to deliver just the kind of popcorn flick you expect to see...nothing more, nothing less. Yes, there are laughable moments in the movie that defy all forms of logic, but at this point it almost feels as if it comes with the franchise. Overall, this adrenaline-filled movie is no fine piece of film, but it doesn't pretend to be either.

Raves

• Follows the fresh, fast-paced attitude of Fast Five
• Embraces its mindless amusement
• The purpose of this franchise in the first place: fast cars and street races
• Gina Carano's fight scenes
• Post-credits scene (arguably, the best part of the movie)

Rants

• Absurd action sequences that ignore all laws of physics, gravity, etc...
• Almost non-existent acting
• Laughably cheese-tastic lines
• Longest. Runway. Ever.

Fun Fact
Needless to say, stay for the post-credits scene.

Final Consensus 

A definite must-watch for Fast & Furious fans. Otherwise, watch if you're in the mood for action or else it may come off as too mindless.

Pain & Gain (2013)

Rated R

Pain & Gain (2013)

Director

Michael Bay (Transformers, Armageddon, Bad Boys)

Cast

Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson, Anthony Mackie, Tony Shalhoub, Ed Harris

Twitter-fied Plot Summary

A buff personal trainer hoping to attain the "American dream" recruits his gym buddies to pull off a kidnapping and extortion scheme. Chaos ensues. 

Review Byte

If you walk into this with minimal prior knowledge of the movie, a lot will make sense when "Directed by: Michael Bay" flashes before your eyes at the end when you're sitting there wondering what you just endured. This movie truly depicts the kind of entertainer Bay is, and the only words that seem to come to mind are "cheap" and "excessive." The movie's ambitions to come off as a dark comedy is evident, however it felt too mindless than comedic, and too off-putting than dark. 

Raves

• Quite the interesting subject matter (you'll find yourself periodically asking in reassurance if this is all really based on a true story)
• Seemingly never-ending twists and unexpected moments
• Sprinkles of irony here and there
• Dwayne Johnson's amusing portrayal of a gentle giant

Rants

• Poor attempts at finding humor in an otherwise heinous story of a true crime seems downright insensitive at times
• You will feel your IQ levels drop as the story progresses (this may have been done intentionally?)
• Michael Bay's signature style of shallow amplification with very little payoff is just too blatant

Fun Fact

In order to prepare for their roles, Wahlberg and Johnson altered their diets to include a combined number of about 17 meals per day. 

Final Consensus 

Only watch this movie after it gets released on DVD...or better yet, just skip it altogether.