"Now You See Me 2" Review by Tim Hellman

'NOW YOU SEE ME 2': Four Stars (Out of Five)

Sequel to the 2013 surprise 'caper flick' hit; about a group of four illusionists, that rob from the rich and give to the poor, during elaborately staged magic shows. This installment has the magic team being forced to pull off their most challenging heist yet, for a greedy tech genius. Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine all reprise their roles (from the original movie); while Lizzy Caplan, Daniel Radcliffe and Sanaa Lathan join the cast (Isla Fisher is noticeably absent, due to her recent pregnancy). Jon M. Chu directed the flick (he's previously helmed films like 'G.I. JOE: RETALIATION', two Justin Bieber documentaries, and two 'STEP UP' sequels), and it was written by Ed Solomon (who also co-wrote the original movie) and Peter Chiarelli. The film is definitely a lot of fun, and consistently entertaining throughout (just like the original).

The remaining three members of the famous illusionist team, known as the Four Horsemen (Eisenberg, Harrelson and Franco), have been hiding out for a year. The FBI is still on their trail, and FBI mole, Dylan Rhodes (Ruffalo), is still protecting them. Then Rhodes helps them setup another elaborate magic show heist, that goes horribly wrong. The team wakes up in China, and finds themselves being blackmailed into another caper; by a tech genius named Walter Mabry (Radcliffe). A witty magician named Lula May (Caplan) joins the crew, on this new mission.

I'd say if you're a fan of the original flick, you'll probably like this sequel just as much (or close to it). It's filled with all the same cool magic tricks, detailed (and impressively involving) heists, and witty banter. The cast is all great again (I'm a huge fan of Eisenberg's) and Caplan is an awesome addition to the cast (she's definitely an improvement over Fisher). I can't really see any major faults in it; and at over two hours, it impressively flies by!

"Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice" Review by Tim Hellman

'BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE': Five Stars (Out of Five)

The second movie in the 'DC Extended Universe'; following 2013's 'MAN OF STEEL', and leading up to the upcoming 'JUSTICE LEAGUE' films. This superhero flick finds Superman taking on Batman, as well as his archenemy Lex Luthor. Zack Snyder (who also helmed 'MAN OF STEEL') returned to direct the movie, and Henry Cavill also returned to star as Superman (and his alter ego Clark Kent). The film was once again co-written by David S. Goyer (who also co-scripted 'MAN OF STEEL', 'BATMAN BEGINS', 'THE DARK KNIGHT' and 'THE DARK KNIGHT RISES'; all with filmmaker Christopher Nolan, and his brother Jonathan) and Chris Terrio (who won an Oscar for writing the Ben Affleck helmed 'ARGO', which also starred Affleck). The movie also costars Ben Affleck (as Batman), Cal Gadot (as Wonder Woman; in the character's live-action theatrical film debut), Jesse Eisenberg (as Lex Luthor), Jeremy Irons (as Alfred); and Amy Adams, Diane Lane and Laurence Fishburne (all reprising their roles from 'MAN OF STEEL'). The film also (briefly) debuts the characters Aquaman, Flash and Cyborb (in their live-action theatrical film debuts as well). I absolutely love this movie!

The story revolves around Bruce Wayne (Affleck), who's now a veteran vigilante (called Batman), becoming increasingly concerned about the possible dangers of Superman (Cavill); an extremely powerful alien. He travels to Metropolis, from Gotham City, to fight him. At the same time, Superman (also known as Clark Kent, in his civilian disguise) is forced to take on a new dangerous opponent; a young businessman named Lex Luthor (Eisenberg). Wonder Woman (Gadot) also joins the mix!

The film is extremely dark, and very grim; and it'll be interesting to see what the R-rated video release cut is like. It's definitely not a kids' movie, that's for sure, but neither are Snyder's earlier comic book flicks (like 'WATCHMEN' and '300'). It's brilliantly structured and paced (at 2.5 hours, the film nearly flies by). I was really happy to see the movie not get bogged down in overblown (mindless) action scenes, like so many other big-budget superhero flicks do; most notably (recently) 'AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON' and 'MAN OF STEEL' (actually). This film has well developed characters, and an extremely involving storyline (even though it's as dark as fuck). The action scenes are spectacular as well, when they do come, but they're actually an important part of the story (and not just pointless stupidity). The performances are all great, especially Eisenberg and Affleck; and I remember when nearly everyone thought he'd be a horrible Batman (don't hear any complaints now). Cal Gadot is also 'drop dead gorgeous' in her role (she's absolutely stunning)! It's an all around awesome superhero flick; but definitely not one for the kids!