Magic Camp

Since 1974, up-and-coming illusionists ages 12-20 have spurned tennis and badminton and wended their way to the Hogwartian halls of Bryn Mawr College and world-famous MAGIC CAMP. This enchanting documentary follows several campers with aspirations to become professional magicians as they unite in this house of hocus-pocus. The kids who are drawn to magic tend to be shy and unathletic, and working hard at their craft helps them to escape the pressures of growing up. One camper is trying to control his Tourette's symptoms; another is an overweight high school dropout who lost his mother at age seven. There's a Christian magician put off by raucous behavior and a girl hoping to reform the image of women in magic. Dedicated counselors demonstrate tough love while encouraging campers to be the best they can. And by the end of the session, presto change-o, the campers uncover something new about themselves. Bewitching graphics and astonishing sleight of hand make for a spellbinding film. – B.B.