So, given the fact that I'm still here now...I'm guessing that the satellite didn't hit me...PHEW.
Anyway, Day 2 was actually Day 1 for yours truly...but I'm not here to confuse you like that.
I headed out to my local Ridge Theater to take in Make Believe from director J. Clay Tweel with an appreciative crowd in attendance for the first film at this location.
Make Believe is a fascinating story of teens going to the World Magic Seminar in Las Vegas. The story takes us into the lives of kids from around the world that have a passion and desire to entertain through magic.
And the cool thing is the featured players come from not only US cities like Chicago, Malibu and Littleton (a suburb of Denver). But they also feature magicians from Japan and South Africa to name a few.
The drive is simple, and not less intense for these kids than for the aspiring Olympian or the next American Idol. Hard work and dedication to their craft are the centerpieces for these kids that once may have felt alone, but now have become kids with friends around the world.
As we witness Bill crafting his own magic props, Derek working hard in the magic store or Krystyn honing her craft at the Magic Castle in LA, one thing is clear. These kids want you to be entertained, and that...well is kinda cool.
But they are also introduced to Hiroki from Japan who is at one with nature and bring some of the natural surroundings into his act. And we see the friends from South Africa that make the performances as much about comedy and showmanship as the magic tricks themselves.
Each has their own specialty, each has their own drive and each has their own motivations. Most are finishing regular studies alongside of their passion just like the athletes. All of them show you how talented and hardworking kids "can" be when they find their niche.
It is refreshing to see the drive and devotion by the kids here. It is heartwrenching to see their loneliness early in the film, but it is also gratifying to learn that they have become friends and even the most isolated are now connected as they are part of a unique community. This will encourage kids (and save a couple bad words, is fine for most). This should show the youth of today that things need to be worked for to reach the highest level. And the reward will take some heartbreak along the way, but if you really want to be great, YOU CAN BE!
Bill's father shares the quote that "The Goal Is Excellence, Nothing Less". It would be great if more individuals would leave by that. While I could nitpick parts of this one, why? The subjects are awesome and have a great future, and Director J. Clay Tweel shares with us this intimate little glimpse into lives of some very motivated kids.
Don't let this film disappear without seeing for yourself -- but if you do...make sure to checkout http://www.makebelievefilm.comfor the soundtrack, the dvd, and so much more.
Make Believe will be showing again Sunday at the Oriental at 1:15pm (and Bill, Derek and Krystyn are scheduled to attend), Wednesday 9/28 at North Shore at 5PM, and Thursday 9/29 at 5PM at the Oriental.
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After the film, I got a chance to have a brief conversation with Bill, Derek and Clay -- Krystyn was so in demand I couldn't get to her. :-)But -- these are all really great and level headed kids. They are using technology to become a part of their friends lives -- Twitter, Facebook and so much more -- hit them up and they will really chat with you.
Bill still enjoys performing and is willing to do anything, from the Birthday party to the corporate event.
Derek is traveling a lot....and has a super secret project coming (maybe he made the satellite disappear...just saying!!!)Krystyn can be found with a cool series starting up at http://www.magicplace.com
Clay has more docs in the works...but I didn't get any more than that from him.A great opening night (for me) of the Milwaukee Film Festival at the Ridge in New Berlin -- Now on to Day 3 (the first weekend day - and a 3 or 4 movie day...)
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