Kevin's Watch

What does everyone think of these two modern, hip practitioners of "street" magic? I find they're a refreshing change of pace from "stage" magicians like David Copperfield, though I still think he's awesome when it comes to large-scale illusions. (Such as when he made the Statue of Liberty disappear. Anyone else remember watching that? It was the most mind-blowing illusion I had ever seen.) Unfortunately, these days Copperfield seems to be turning into almost a caricature of himself.

Anyway, lately I've been watching illusionist/escape artist Criss Angel's show "Mindfreak" on A&E, and I like his style.

David Blaine's name may be more well-known here, but I've seen a couple of his TV specials and find his personality unappealing. When he does his impromptu tricks on the streets, I'm afraid he comes across as a nervous creep accosting people, whereas Criss Angel is more at ease and personable with folks he meets.

There are similarities between Blaine's and Angel's repertoire of tricks, but I think Angel shows more flair in his presentation. He also has come up with new stunts and illusions that surpasses what I've seen from Blaine (so far).

But I'm spoiled. Both men are obviously very good at what they do, so I'm glad to be able to watch both work their "magic." After all, who can resist a good magic trick?

There will be a special Halloween edition of Mindfreak on Monday. Tune in and check it out!

Matrixman wrote:There will be a special Halloween edition of Mindfreak on Monday. Tune in and check it out!

Thanks for the info. I've never heard of this guy. I hope I manage to see this show.

I trick I saw David Blaine do on one of his TV specials, which impressed me very much was how he refilled an empty (and crushed) can of beer.

But then there was also that trick where he "pulled out" his own heart on a talk show.

I've certainly never really liked Copperfield, because I've always been a big fan of sleight of hand, as opposed to those grand "illusions."

And I've never seen (or heard of to be honest) Criss Angel, but I did enjoy David Blaine, especially in the beginning. Real prestidigitation fascinates me.

--A

Both are excellent illusionists and what I like the most is
that they do their stuff on a street level,
not a big production show to do their Grand Illusion.
(Do I hear Styx playing?)
I seem to associate David Blaine with a "vegabond"
atmosphere about him.
Whereas Criss Angel has more of a showmanship style,
but not the "Vegas" stage act bit.
Seen both men on T.V. specials (though I haven't seen Mindfreak yet.),
but I like Criss Angel's performances a bit better.


(I have seen David Copperfield in Clearwater about 5 years ago
and he puts on a very good show.
He is a story-teller as he performs. His illusions tie-in with his tale that he is telling.)

Caught "MindFreak" the other day. (Best of...)
Since I know a little about magic tricks,
I kinda have an idea on how some tricks may have been done...
But most tricks were very very good.
Left me scratching my head and wondering.

I enjoyed the show a lot. I could easily get addicted to watching it.

Glad you like Criss Angel, cheval.

Some of his more gory tricks are bit much to take. I prefer non-invasive, bloodless magic tricks, thanks. Oh well, the show is called Mindfreak, after all.

Doug Henning... that's a name I haven't heard in a while.
Used to love watching his show every week when I was a young lad. I think he was on the Muppet Show a few times too.

he spread the love of magic everywhere.

Pah. Chris Angel is nothing more than a psychic vampire. (A hot one, but aren't they all?) Cute tricks, but the means don't justify the ends.

Oh, dear. I am so out of touch, I don't even know who Criss Angel is!

I know David Blaine, but only because he was on Good Morning America a couple of times.

Will have to look into Mindfreak.

Chris angel??? who he???

Criss is here in my area to do an illusion.
He is to escape from an imploding hotel on Clearwater Beach.
(The Spyglass Hotel, which is/was a landmark in the Bay Area.)
The beach area is now crowded, but I'm going there anyway.
See ya all later!
Maybe I'll get to be on T.V.! (again )

More of a Derren Brown man, myself . . .

I stopped watching Mindfreak about a year ago. Criss Angel now seems more interested in showing off how many celebrities he can get to appear on his show.

My problem with "magic" is that I know it's not real. It in no way captivates me the way it's supposed to.

On the other hand, I LOVE the art of prestidigitation. All good magic is really a clever prank, and the science of getting people to believe in bullshit through misdirection and clever setup. Angel and Blaine take themselves too seriously for me to believe in the trickster I know is inside of them. I know that behind all the supposed Gypsy spirituality and mysticism is a great prankster, but he hides it well enough that my mind just detaches from what he's doing and I can't enjoy it on either the level I'm supposed to, or the level I truly do.

Penn and Teller however, fit me perfectly They're definitely my favorite magic act.