NOW YOU SEE ME 2 (***)

(2016) A somewhat disappointing sequel to the stylish, dazzling, and entertaining first film, here the Four Horseman come back (this time with a lackluster Lizzy Caplan replacing the much more enigmatic Isla Fisher as a new character) to expose a high-profile tech guru, only to find themselves in a trap that has another tech genius (Daniel Radcliffe) blackmailing them into committing a most-impossible theft for them.  Things started off promising, but it's like the writers just go lazy with this one - or ran out of original ideas - and the cons they pull come off weak compared to the original.  Worse, by the end the plot has become so convoluted and hard to follow, when you reach the semi-silly ending (which sets you up for part three) you're more frustrated and confused than into the story or characters.  An extra half-star or star for the first third of the film, but the rest is fairly lackluster.  (rated PG-13)

NOW YOU SEE ME 2 trailer