Critics Have Seen Now You See Me: Now You Don’t. Does Jesse Eisenberg Make Magic In The Heist Series’ ‘Fun’ But ‘Outwardly Cheesy’ Third Movie?

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It’s been nine years since the thrilling heists of Daniel Atlas and his team, and they’re returning in Now You See Me, Now You Don’t. The third film in the series, starring Jesse Eisenberg, is scheduled for release on November 14, 2025. The previous movies were a fun mix of magic and clever robberies, despite some questionable plot twists, and this new installment boasts a talented cast of both returning and new faces. But will critics agree it’s a success? Let’s find out what they think.

Development on Now You See Me 3 began a decade ago, and the film experienced several changes in its creative team. Ultimately, Ruben Fleischer, known for directing Zombieland, took on the project, reuniting Jesse Eisenberg with co-stars Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, and Isla Fisher. The group’s characters team up with new illusionists for a large-scale diamond heist, and according to Caroline Siede of AV Club, the cast appears to be enjoying themselves. Siede gave the movie a B, stating:

Like the other movies in the series, this one has plenty of unbelievable moments alongside some genuinely surprising turns, and the story doesn’t really stand up to close examination. (Seriously, why are these magicians so good at fighting?) But that’s part of what makes it enjoyable. The film even acknowledges this with a line early on: a character says, ‘War, pandemics, climate change, AI… you all need magic now more than ever.’ It’s a bit cheesy, but the movie actually delivers on that promise.

In a review for the Associated Press, Mark Kennedy praises the latest installment in the Now You See Me series, noting that the original team remains strong and the franchise is set for the future. Now You See Me 3 features a new generation of illusionists – Justice Smith, Dominic Sessa, and Ariana Greenblatt – and Kennedy appreciates that the film doesn’t rely on excessive computer-generated imagery like its 2016 predecessor. He gives the movie 3 out of 4 stars.

The previous Now You See Me movies relied heavily on computer-generated effects, but the third film is a welcome change, focusing on classic illusions and practical trickery. A standout scene features the heroes competing with increasingly elaborate card tricks, misdirection, and illusions, all filmed in a single, continuous shot. The film also includes visually impressive sets like a hall of mirrors, an upside-down room, an endless staircase, and a room that plays with perspective, culminating in a clever escape from a sand-filled chamber. It’s great to see the filmmakers prioritize real-world effects over digital ones.

Variety’s Owen Gleiberman believes the film successfully carries on the series, praising Jesse Eisenberg as a captivating leader of the Four Horsemen. He describes Daniel Atlas as a reimagining of Danny Ocean, but with a sharper, more intense personality. Gleiberman adds:

What makes the Now You See Me movies so enjoyable is their unpredictability. They consistently surprise viewers with unexpected twists and turns. Interestingly, while a skilled magician typically keeps their methods secret, these films openly showcase how the illusions are done, which paradoxically makes them even more impressive.

According to Chris Hayner from Polygon, the new movie Now You See Me: Now You Don’t is a bit of a misnomer. It’s not a true sequel, but rather a fresh start with a new team of illusionists – a reboot cleverly disguised as a continuation. Despite some weaknesses, like a focus on puzzles instead of traditional magic, Hayner ultimately found it to be an enjoyable film.

I get why the movie focused so much on a new group of Horsemen, and if this wasn’t a sequel after a long break, I wouldn’t mind. The original actors are getting older – Woody Harrelson being the exception at 64 – and introducing a younger, Gen Z cast could help the series continue and attract a new audience. My issue is that this focus felt like it came at the cost of what made the first movie special: the dynamic between the original Horsemen.

Eric Goldman from IGN rated the film a middling 6 out of 10, calling it “Okay.” Like the previous two movies in the series, it relies on the appeal of its actors, but doesn’t quite live up to the promise of its interesting idea, according to Goldman.

The ‘Now You See Me’ movies try to capture the cool, heist-movie energy of ‘Ocean’s Eleven,’ but they often fall short. They lean a bit too much into silliness and the characters aren’t very well developed, even for a big cast. Ultimately, the films prioritize fun over substance, and while they aren’t particularly memorable, they’re generally entertaining enough.

It seems Now You See Me 3 has some problems, but the cast, including Jesse Eisenberg, still seems eager to provide entertainment. Currently, the film has a 64% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, though past installments suggest audiences might enjoy it more than critics do.

You can catch up on the first two Now You See Me films with a Peacock subscription – in case you missed them! The new movie, Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, comes out in theaters on Friday, November 14th.

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2025-11-12 16:40