The only controversy surrounding Criss Angel is that so many of his tricks are an obvious combination of editing and plants. He claims to not use any "camera tricks" so I think it's safe to deduce that he doesn't consider editing "camera trickery" and technically neither would I.
I was really bored a couple months back and acquired 2 seasons of Mindfreak. Despite my near instant odium brought on by the cheesy Criss Angel "Industrial Music" in the opening credits I watched a plethora of episodes but my disgust and boredom at his lame (ie inexplicable except by editing and plants).
Oddly enough Penn and Teller (whom I respect a great deal) were on a episode although Teller was supposed to blow up Criss which is not exactly a commendation.
I heard that Alain Nu is supposed to be entertaining does anyone have an opinion?

Taxidermyd

Los Angeles, CA

February 2007

JUL 17, 2007 04:49 AM

I'm a former working close up magician, having done that for a living through 1991- 1997. I tend to to hate any TV magic. For one, doing magic on TV these days lends to the illusion being eventually exposed on the Fox network, having seen about half my working repertoire explained in detail on there now. The second thing that bugs the living hell out of me is the seemingly ok usage of camera trickery now. My favorite is the original Blaine special, where through the entire program, they talk about this grand levitation that will occur at the ending. They show reactions of spectators seeing this levitation all through the program. Then, at the end, they show him performing the floating for a couple in the alley. Right before he rises, there is no camera man behind the couple. In the split second he starts to rise from the ground, the camera suddenly switches to behind the couple's shoulders and Blaine practically floats up into the sky. This was more magical to me then him doing a Balducci levitation, which is what he did, where he actually rose about three and a half - four inches, that magicians have been doing forever.
The whole term "street magic" irks me too. I used to do the same tricks outside that I'd do inside and I never had the balls to go "Look! It's street magic now! I'm so urban and edgy 'cause there is no roof over my head! Tremble, damn you! Tremble!"

aldoushuxley

Little River Academy, TX

November 2005

JUL 17, 2007 05:48 AM

I hate it when people who don't do anything beneficial to society get paid a butt load of money. I think the next big TV show should be called Senate survivor, I mean that would be awesome I can already see the headline, what happens in the senate stays in the senate. The least it would do is get americans interested in politics.

sickboyedd

United Kingdom

January 2004

JUL 17, 2007 05:48 AM

I love it when they call them "mentalists", it reminds me of Alan Partridge:

emperorreagan

Baltimore, MD

January 2004

JUL 17, 2007 05:58 AM

aldoushuxley said:
I hate it when people who don't do anything beneficial to society get paid a butt load of money. I think the next big TV show should be called Senate survivor, I mean that would be awesome I can already see the headline, what happens in the senate stays in the senate. The least it would do is get americans interested in politics.

Filibuster...to the DEATH!

d_day

San Bernardino, CA

July 2002

JUL 17, 2007 07:12 AM

Ahhh, the mere mention of James Randi makes me happy.

Chainlink

Dickeyville, WI

August 2005

JUL 17, 2007 07:50 AM

I am totally geigh for that man.

Talking about his million dollar prize with Penn and Teller

part2

CJane

Toronto, ON

June 2006

JUL 17, 2007 07:52 AM

emperorreagan said:
Any mention of David Blaine deserves a link to this:

omg I have never seen that lmao

DhD_No_Pants

Katy, TX

May 2006

JUL 17, 2007 08:08 AM

Where did Santa get a million bucks to give away?

Elf-slave labor, that is where.

I wish someone could prove 'supernatural' or 'paranormal' events.

Maybe then I wouldn't feel like such a dummy for wanting to believe in it.