I think it is important, especially with regard to films concerned with the fantastical, to keep a child-like sense of wonder when watching and the best films will reward this. A Trip to the Moon appeals to my inner child in the best possible way with its fantastic voyage. Even viewed over a hundred years after its creation it manages to excite in a way that is harder than a lot of people might think - take, for example, the legions of failed films every year aimed at children. Such a thing can't be done lazily, or without conviction - there has to be passion there, a willingness to put real effort into creating a certain kind of feeling.

The effects are, at this stage, very dated but rather than distracting from or taking away any of the enjoyment they in fact enhance it - there's a certain aesthetic appeal with old practical effects that CGI can never hope to replicate and this is in full effect here. The puffs of smoke as the moon's residents are vanquished almost sparkle with wonder and the mugging and overacting endears rather than annoys.

The films is structured well; the build-up, the landing, the exploration, escape and return. There is no room for fluff or frills here and there's a satisfying start and end. The effort that went into building the sets is extraordinary and the painted backgrounds look impressive and suitably alien. The most important thing here, rather than the plot or the effects is the feeling and atmosphere that the film manages to generate and it really feels like a dream or a vision of some far off future where anything can, and will, happen.