AVS Discussions
Movie and TV Discussion => Movie reviews => Topic started by: David Vaughn on February 18, 2026, 01:22:37 AM
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(https://i.imgur.com/afR6mqa.jpeg)
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: February 17, 2026
Rating: PG-13
Film: 3.5/5
Plot
The Four Horsemen have returned — to unite with a new generation of illusionists for their most global, high-stakes magical adventure yet. Their mission: Expose the corruption of Veronika Vanderberg, a powerful diamond heiress with ties to arms dealers, traffickers, and warlords. Aided by the legendary Thaddeus, the two generations of magicians must overcome their differences to try and defeat their cunning and dangerous adversary, in this magic-fueled heist filled with the franchise’s signature twists, turns, and thrilling reveals — along with some of the most thrilling illusions ever captured on film.
My Thoughts
While all the original Horsemen make an appearance, it’s the three fans-turned-allies who grew up idolizing the Horsemen who play a central part to the story. Like the original Horsemen, they use magic to expose corrupt figures and are recruited by Atlas to assist in taking down Vanderberg. Despite its flaws, it is a fun ride with crisp dialog, great chemistry between the Horsemen (now eight strong), and a fun, yet unrealistic, story that keeps the energy alive. The long layoff between films was a good thing—it avoids the fatigue that plagued the disappointing sequel and lets the Horsemen return renewed swagger. Eisenberg, Harrelson, Franco, and Fisher slip back into their roles effortlessly, and the banter feels sharper than before.
My biggest complaint is with Rosamund Pike as the villain. While she was easy on the eyes, her South African accent was atrociously bad and inconsistent—she sounded more like an Aussie with a speech impediment. It’s a distracting misstep in an otherwise enjoyable performance. The film leans hard on spectacle—elaborate illusions, quick cuts, and shocking reveals—but the grand finale is thrown together in much too short of time and if you think about it too much realize it was an improbable, yet entertaining, way to end the movie. Still, at 118 minutes it moves briskly and delivers enough thrills to make it worth watching if you enjoyed either of the first two films.
The video presentation is fabulous from beginning to end and is a technical knockout. Detail is razor-sharp in the stage lighting, close-ups, and colors pop off the screen, especially in the nighttime sequences in Abu Dabi. These nighttime scenes look nearly 3D-like with perfect contrast with inky blacks and bright lights.
The Dolby Atmos track is just as impressive with crystal-clear dialog and the height channels lift crowd cheers and special effects swirl overhead. There are multiple demo scenes that show how well all of the speakers are utilized, especially when the gang goes in search of The Eye in the second act.
Video 10/10
Audio 10/10 (Dolby Atmos)
Special Features:
- Audio Commentary
- Lord of Illusions
- Now You See Me…Again
- Heart of Stone
- Quick Change
- Nothing Up My Sleeve
- The Magic Castle
- Deleted and Extended Scenes
- Theatrical Trailer
- UHD + Blu-ray + Digital Code
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E3lMRx7HRQ
Conclusion
Watching this film was a great way to spend an evening. Technically speaking, there’s nothing to complain about with the reference audio and video and while the film is a fun ride, just don’t think too much about it and enjoy it for what it is. It’s fun seeing the cast back together and the new crop of kids grew on me as the film went along and they were able to overcome Pike’s horrific accent. Highly recommended, especially for fans who like a good heist film with a bit of magic mixed in.
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(I utilized Portrait Displays' (https://www.portrait.com/) Calman color calibration software)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Zidoo UHD8000 Media Player
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
Mini DSP HD
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner
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Not as strong as 1 and 2. But a good watch
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Not as strong as 1 and 2. But a good watch
Thanks for reading :) I loved the pacing in this one as well. What did you think of Pike's accent?
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Greetings,
Thanks Dave. You liked this one more than I did. I didn't mind the style over substance approach taken in the first two films, but this one relies too heavily on the chicanery, without employing a bit more character/story depth. We do agree on Rosamund Pike. Here accent was brutally bad and kept taking me out of her performance.
Regards,
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Greetings,
Thanks Dave. You liked this one more than I did. I didn't mind the style over substance approach taken in the first two films, but this one relies too heavily on the chicanery, without employing a bit more character/story depth. We do agree on Rosamund Pike. Here accent was brutally bad and kept taking me out of her performance.
Regards,
Thanks for chiming in Ralph. Pike was completely miscast (they should have just had her as British and explained it that she went to a private school in England growing up). Regardless, maybe we were in just the right mood when watching the film and didn't mind its flaws.
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Thanks for reading :) I loved the pacing in this one as well. What did you think of Pike's accent?
She sounded like she should have been in one of Blomkamps movies lol. I thought it was bad but also kinda how thye sound in those movies