This movie kept me engaged from cover to cover. Twice, already. All of the magician subjects grow before your eyes in their magic, confidence, and identity. And their understanding of what it takes to achieve mastery is breathtaking.

There is a punchy beat as the movie follows its subjects across continents. Kudos to Lucas Vidal for a terrific score. And to whoever created the story structure of bringing everyone to Vegas about a third into the movie, then back tracking. I felt indulged to be inside the Magic Castle during some of the scenes.

I hope this movie will inspire everyone who sees it. The child magician is latent in us all- these are kids who have worked hard to make it manifest.

Just had the chance to see Make Believe yesterday at the Los Angeles Film Festival where it was announced the film had one "Best Documentary." I can see why. In a time where, more often than not, documentary films are about making statements and arguments, Make Believe allows us to meet a number of young magicians, each one of whom has a fascinating story is a truly interesting character.

By focusing on youth who happen to be competing at the World Magic Teen Competition, rather than making it a documentary ABOUT the competition, the filmmakers let us take our time in meeting and interacting with each of the magicians. Offering no judgement while simultaneously avoiding any over-glorification, the right tone is hit perfectly to simply explore a world.

Yes, there's a slightly heavy handed message that magic lets the awkward communicate on a world stage...but they don't push it too hard. All in all, a great documentary. Let's hope I can see it on Netflix soon.