I used to think I was just really, really into movies. But more and more I’ve discovered I’m into movie making. Maybe it’s because I grew up around so much of it. I’m not sure. But the crafting of illusions is something I thoroughly enjoy, much to the chagrin of my friends who just want to watch the darn flick and not hear me dissect it afterwards.

But when I saw this, I just had to share it. I adore every single movie shown in this montage (except for The Golden Compass, which I haven’t seen) and the breathtaking movie magic in each and every one of them is a big part of why I like them so much.

Breaking down the bits and pieces of movie magic doesn’t destroy any of the illusion for me — it just makes me more enthusiastic about it. I love it when special effects take my breath away, showing that even in the age of CGI true innovation trumps a digital overdose. I don’t get creeped out by film gore, just annoyed if it’s gratuitous and fails to be innovative with its application of red corn syrup. I enjoy seeing quality animatronics that look so human most viewers don’t notice. I love it when an artist gets cheeky and metafictional, as Tarantino did with the closing line of Inglourious Basterds. (Which I am unworthy to review, so I’ll just say get your keister to the theater asap.) And I love it when I can see how some filmmaking wizard concocted a magic potion for wow.

Yes, I’m one of those nerds who checks the back of a DVD I’m about to buy to be sure it has commentary tracks. And I listen to them all, usually while I’m writing, in the hopes that some of that genius can drift my way. I am so lucky to live now. I honestly can’t say what I would have done with myself if I’d lived in a time when there were no movie theaters. Probably spent a lot of time reading novels and feeling that there was something terribly, horribly wrong with the universe.

Dangit. Now I want to go to the movies. Again.