FILMS about magic range from the “what if magic was real” canon, such as Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, to trying to debunk the myth of a magician, usually with some sort of romance thrown into the mix.

This type of film is typified by The Illusionist and The Prestige, although the latter went and confused things, by having a frustrating ending where it is implied magic might be sort of real.

However what it hasn’t done is focussed on using magic as a way to commit crimes, especially stealing. Given that the likes of Derren Brown are banned from most casinos around the world, due to their “gifts”, it’s a missed opportunity – both for entertainment and the fact that magic is all about misdirection and illusion – perfect complements to the art of thievery.

Four magicians – an illusionist (Jesse Eisenberg), an escape artist (Isla Fisher), a mentalist (Woody Harrelson) and a street magician/pickpocket (Dave Franco) are brought together by a mysterious magician who provides them with the blueprints to pull off the most audacious acts in public, which includes robbing firstly a bank, then their promoter and a finally a safe containing half a billion dollars.

What makes them particularly popular is that all the money they steal, they give to their audience. The detective (Mark Ruffalo) investigating them finds it incredibly hard to be able to link them to each crime and calls on the help of a former magician (Morgan Freeman) who specialises in debunking magic tricks, to see if he can work out how they are pulling off their tricks.

Now You See Me is smart, stylish and very good with an excellent twist at the end. It flies along at a great pace, and you are constantly guessing how it’s all going to end.

One criticism is that the characters don’t get a lot of room to develop, especially the magicians, but it is a strong ensemble piece, which must have been a lot of fun to make.

The effects are excellent, and heighten the sense of wonder that comes with magic. While it is a clever piece, it is also pretty easy to follow – which has the added bonus of making its audience feel smart. Great fun, well put together and highly recommended.

8/10