59
Metascore
10 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 75Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertA charming documentary about the finalists in the Teenage Magician Contest at the annual World Magic Seminar in Las Vegas.
- 70The New York TimesNeil GenzlingerThe New York TimesNeil GenzlingerThe buildup to the actual competition is perfectly paced, with the film never tipping its hand as to the winner. And the championship has all the drama of a high-stakes sporting event: failure under pressure, unexpected triumph, gracious losers and winners both.
- 70Wall Street JournalJoe MorgensternWall Street JournalJoe MorgensternThese talented, dedicated kids aren't making believe about anything - they're making art out of shimmering illusion, intricate manipulation and blithe misdirection. (In magic, as distinct from filmmaking, misdirection is a good thing.)
- 70Los Angeles TimesGary GoldsteinLos Angeles TimesGary GoldsteinThe various sleights of hand are impressive even if we're afforded little insight into their actual execution. Still, it's fun stuff.
- 60Boxoffice MagazineMark KeizerBoxoffice MagazineMark KeizerWatching even the most tossed-off gag is worth whatever shortcomings Make Believe has, including its lack of real drama.
- 50Village VoiceVillage VoiceThe drama is merely serviceable until the last moment, when the winner makes the competition disappear.
- 50Chicago ReaderChicago ReaderThe movie owes more to reality TV than feature filmmaking, subordinating the various story lines to the simple question of who'll win the contest.
- 50San Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalleSan Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalleStructurally, this becomes a little monotonous because there's just no denying that some kids are more interesting than others.
- 40Time OutEric HynesTime OutEric HynesFirst-time director J. Clay Tweel oversells the importance of both the Vegas event and of magic in general-you'd think he were filming a spiritual movement rather than hidden-ball tricks. His wide-eyed subjects do make magic happen-but that has less to do with illusion than innocence.