Make Believe

Watch Make Believe

"Pick a star. Any star."
  • NR
  • 2011
  • 1 hr 28 min
  • 7.0  (489)
  • 59

Make Believe is a captivating documentary film that takes an in-depth look at the world of magic through the eyes of six young, talented magicians as they compete in the prestigious World Magic Seminar in Las Vegas. The movie follows the personal journeys of these young performers, ranging in age from 14 to 18, as they prepare for the competition and face the intense pressure of performing in front of a live audience and a panel of esteemed judges. Along the way, they share candid stories of their love for the art of magic, the challenges they face in pursuing their dreams, and the sacrifices they make to succeed.

The six magicians are a diverse group of individuals, hailing from different parts of the world and having different backgrounds and styles of magic. They include Hiroki Hara, a 14-year-old prodigy from Japan who performs a breathtaking card manipulation act; Krystyn Lambert, a 17-year-old illusionist from California who balances her magic career with her passion for horseback riding; Bill Koch, a 19-year-old comedic magician from Chicago who incorporates his love of improv into his act; Derek McKee, a 18-year-old magician from California who specializes in close-up magic; Siphengphet Outhavong, a 16-year-old magician from Laotian-Thai descent, who incorporates his cultural heritage into his act; and Nate Staniforth, a 25-year-old magician from Iowa who believes that magic can be used to inspire wonder in people.

Throughout the film, we see the magicians go through the joys and struggles of preparing for the competition. We see their elation after a successful trick, and their despair when things go wrong. Some of them struggle with stage fright and confidence issues, while others grapple with the pressure of living up to the standards set by their idols and mentors.

The World Magic Seminar is presented as the ultimate test of their skills, as the competitors vie for the title of Teen World Champion of Magic. The competition is judged by a panel of respected magicians, including Lance Burton, a legendary performer who served as a mentor to several of the young magicians in the film.

Make Believe does an excellent job of capturing the excitement and drama of the competition, as well as the camaraderie and support that the magicians show each other. We see the behind-the-scenes preparations and rehearsals, as well as the intense moments of anticipation before taking the stage. The final acts are truly impressive, showcasing the magicians' incredible talent and creativity.

But the movie is not just about the competition itself. The filmmakers also delve into the history and culture of magic, showcasing interviews with prominent magicians such as Ricky Jay, Penn and Teller, and David Copperfield. They explore the roots of magic in ancient times, and how it has evolved into the art form we know today. They also touch on the ethical considerations of magic, such as the use of deception and the responsibility that comes with performing for a live audience.

Overall, Make Believe is a delightful and inspiring film that will appeal to anyone who loves magic, whether they are a seasoned performer or a curious spectator. It is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and creativity, and shows that even in a world where technology dominates, the art of magic still has the power to mesmerize and captivate.

Make Believe is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 59.

Description
Where to Watch Make Believe
Make Believe is available to watch free on Plex and Tubi TV. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon and Google Play. Some platforms allow you to rent Make Believe for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2011
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 28 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.0  (489)
  • Metascore
    59
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