"Now You See Me, Now You Don't" conjures up threequel magic

Director Ruben Fleischer reunites with his Oscar-nominated actor and “Zombieland” stars Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson for the third entry in the “Now You See Me” franchise, titled “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t,” from Lionsgate. Michael Lesslie, the writing duo of Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese, and Seth Grahame-Smith pen the screenplay based on a story by Eric Warren Singer and Lesslie.

It’s been ten years since the horse riders Daniel (Jesse Eisenberg), Merritt (Woody Harrelson), Jack (Dave Franco), and Henley (Isla Fisher) have been seen together, so when word gets out that they are doing a new show, fans are elated. However, it’s all part of a deepfake ruse by a trio of young magicians Charlie (Justice Smith), Bosco (Dominic Sessa), and June (Ariana Greenblatt)- to lure out a slimy crypto bro who’s been scheming off the top.

While they succeed, they catch the eye of the “real” Daniel, who recruits them for his latest heist: stealing the largest diamond in the world from corrupt businessman Veronika Vanderberg (Rosamund Pike). Along the way, the rest of the OG Horsemen eventually join up to ensure the heist goes off smoothly.

The appeal of heist films has always been in the cast chemistry, and the magic of a great conjuring trick isn’t just in the reveal—it’s in the thrill of watching the impossible unfold. Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, the third entry in the illusionist-heist saga, leans all the way into that spectacle. The Four Horsemen — Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, and Isla Fisher haven’t lost a step, and their chemistry is still organic.

The new magicians are just as fresh, with each bringing the charm needed to create stellar scenes. Their use of deepfakes and holograms was a great way to add modern flavor to the story. And it’s always a grand time to see Rosamund Pike as a big bad, and she’s having a blast playing the slick South African diamond dealer.

The film pauses often to showcase just how intricately its tricks are engineered, almost treating the audience like VIPs getting a backstage tour. While previous entries kept more of the mystery under wraps, this one openly embraces its own cleverness, proud of its big swings and bold reveals.

“Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” is flashy, confident, and fully committed to its own brand of stylish mischief — a ride that fans of sleight-of-hand spectacle will enjoy leaning into.

Final Grade: B+

“Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” is in theaters today.