What makes entertainment magic?

I just finished watching the first season of the new Fox hit "GLEE". I was completely enthralled with the music but what really surprised me was how involved I got with the characters. Admittedly, it reminded me of my high school teaching days, but it was the writing that totally hooked me.

I was really surprised by this. I watch a LOT of movies. Always have. I am a big reader too so I know a little bit about escapist entertainment. One of my children is a film editor. THAT'S how much film has been around our home. We go to the movies every major holiday (as a family) and each bday. We coordinate for weeks ahead for our Christmas and New Year's movies so that we won't see them beforehand.

So, what was so special about GLEE? I was also starting on the 3rd season of 30 Rock. And this morning it hit me. I really cared about where the story was going on GLEE. 30 Rock was fun but I could care less what happened. I realize that this is not everyone's opinion. My family loves (with a capital L) LOST. Not so some of my friends. But for us it is like a wonderful mystery that you can not put down!! We talk about it and we argue about it. We try to guess what happens ~ and we all miss Charlie.

Everyone doesn't have to agree with me (although you SHOULD!).

I just know that when something ~ movie,TV show or song ~ takes me out of my life and myself, it is MAGIC!! There is nothing I have experienced like it. It gives me the tingles and makes me feel special.

What does this? What are some of the things that give me this feeling? (Now, I am only talking entertainment, not the wondrous moments of my life that are given to me by people.)

So:

TV ~ Everybody loves Raymond,Dawson's Creek,LOST,anytime Neil Patrick Harris appears,award shows, Kristen Chenoweth,Holiday parades

Movies ~ Wizard of Oz, Chicago, Gone with the Wind,ANYthing with Jimmy Stewart,Hitchcock,musicals,Meryl Streep (most of the time),Westerns

Song ~ Leaving on a Jet Plane, Broadway tunes,Donny Osmond, camp songs,Jim Croce,Lady Gaga (only kidding!)