I'm the perfect Criss Angel Mindfreak viewer, because I have no idea how he does all those stunts and tricks. I'd like to, though!
And while Criss seems just plain freaky, he's always the perfect gentleman when dealing with people. Except for times when he does something completely freaky and you'd think the people involved would have a heart attack.
In one episode, I watched a guy who seemed like he was actually having his head cut off by a guillotine. It seemed so real, because Criss was running around telling people to call 911 and whatnot, and the guy's wife was nearly having a stroke. Unless they were in on it, that was way too cruel a trick to play on anyone.
In this clip from our sister site SlashControl, Criss trains with champion aerialist and world record jump holder Trigger Gunn to jump a 60-foot long, 20-foot high ramp at 50 mph. Apparently, Criss is a longtime fan of motorcycle jump legend Evel Knieval.
Magic-related stories
What's Hot on SlashControl: Criss Angel Mindfreak - Bike Jump Vanish
What's Hot on SlashControl: Criss Angel Mindfreak - Halloween Special
I'm kind of mesmerized by Criss Angel. He's definitely one freaky guy -- or is that mindfreaky? -- and every time I surf by him, I have to back up and watch whatever unbelievable, death-defying stunt he's performing. For one thing, he looks like a vampire. But a very polite vampire. I can see how all the female stars fall in love with him. I got involved in a Criss Angel Mindfreak marathon not too long ago, and am still stumped as to how he does those levitations, his signature magic trick. I'm not kidding, he took an entire room of people and levitated them, some in bizarre positions that could never be done, even if the person was wide awake and as flexible as an Olympic gymnast.
We're talking backward bends, leaning to the point of toppling over and, of course, 20 feet off the ground. Someone tell me how he does that?!! I'm such a sucker for magic tricks.
Continue reading What's Hot on SlashControl: Criss Angel Mindfreak - Halloween Special
America's Got Talent: Top 20 results show one
(S04E22) It's time to narrow down the talent field to the Top 8 acts who will perform in the final round of this season's America's Got Talent. They'll get the chance to win a million, as well as perform on the Vegas Strip in a special show hosted by ex-AGT host Jerry Springer.This week's results show featured a special performance from The Hoff himself. Did he give a performance worthy to be Xed, or did he deliver the goods? My two cents, as well as which first four acts are moving to the final round coming up!
Continue reading America's Got Talent: Top 20 results show one
America's Got Talent: Top 20 performance show one
(S04E21) "We're getting down to the wire." - The HoffThis week's performers needed to up their games big time because some of them did not impress viewers that much in the past four weeks when each performed for a place in the Top 20. And, as The Hoff pointed, we're getting down to the wire and will soon crown the season four winner of America's Got Talent.
The first ten acts to show their talent in the semi-finals are from performance shows one and two of the Top 48. This way of breaking the acts allows diversity as we were treated to dance, acrobatics, singing, canine tricks, comedy and magic.
Do we have a potential winner amongst tonight's performances? Did the judges Piers X anyone? Comments and Top 8 -- yes, you read correctly no Top 10 -- predictions coming up!
Continue reading America's Got Talent: Top 20 performance show one
America's Got Talent: Results show three
(S04E18) "The most electrifying show yet!" - Nick, about last night's performance showNick is right. Last night was electrifying, even if a few acts got X'd. It was one of the best show's we've had so far this season.
As I noted in my review of the performance episode, I expected Jeffrey Ou to lose some votes because viewers weren't able to hear him play the piano in the second part of his acts. But a few of our site visitors said they voted for him because he wasn't given a fair chance.
Will Jeffrey get another chance by moving on to the Top 20? Results coming up!
Continue reading America's Got Talent: Results show three
America's Got Talent: Performance show three
(S04E17) A lot of you sounded off in comments to my "Results show two" post last week, either to complain about the judges putting through Tony Hoard and Rory over Charles, or to give your two cents about what the show should change when it returns next summer for a fifth season. One thing is certain; most fans are not happy with how season four is going, and most are pointing fingers at the judges. Sharon and David especially seem to check their judgment at the door when it's time to make certain decisions, don't you agree?
This week, we were treated with the second to last Top 48 performance show of the "greatest talent competition on Earth," America's Got Talent. Most of the acts definitely delivered the goods tonight. Do you think America and the judges will pick the right five acts to move to the Top 20 this week? My comments about this week's performances coming up!
Continue reading America's Got Talent: Performance show three
America's Got Talent: Audition show 4
(S04E04) "Houston, we have a problem." - Piers about the Houston, Tx, contestants
Yesterday, America's got magic. Tonight, America's got a problem. Yet, another episode filled mostly with bad or subpar acts. I don't get why the editors don't ensure a good balance between good and bad acts in each episode. Actually, I don't get why they don't show more of the good acts that are voted through so that we get to know the performers right from the start so they all have an even chance to get our votes. I guess I'm not cut out to be a reality TV show editor!
Let's give our two cents about the bad acts of the night, including Divani; Jolie, Lester and their lawnmower; Rusty "They don't understand Broadway" Reece, and Marti "The most annoying man in Miami" Brill.
Continue reading America's Got Talent: Audition show 4
Who is that guy who was helping Michael Jackson with his concert tour?
You've probably heard that at the time of his death, Michael Jackson was working on 50-date concert tour in London. From the various accounts of the production and rehearsal photos that were released this week, it looks like it was going to be a typical Michael Jackson production: expensive, outlandish, and explosive. A real spectacle that was going to include burning bed and a giant orb.And the production was going to be worked on by a former cast member of Saved By The Bell.
Continue reading Who is that guy who was helping Michael Jackson with his concert tour?
This preview of tonight's Penn & Teller: Bulls**t! premiere is NSFW (and LOL)
Tonight at 10PM on Showtime it's the seventh season premiere of Penn & Teller: Bullshit! Yup, it's in its seventh season. They've covered a lot of controversial topics over the years and this episode will be no exception. Here's a preview. Before you hit play, please note that the topic is orgasms.
And now, video of Penn Jillette juggling broken bottles
I can juggle a little bit, and one thing I can do it juggle a loaf of bread, a can of soda, and a piece of candy. It took a while to get used to the difference weights and sizes, but it was easy compared to this. It's Penn Jillette, juggling broken bottles, a preview of a new "Las Vegas" episode of TLC's Time Warp that will air on June 17. I guess it's one of those things where you have to think that you're still juggling bottles that aren't broken or you'll lose your concentration.
Can't embed that video, but here's Penn doing the same thing in London a while back.
Can't embed that video, but here's Penn doing the same thing in London a while back.
What You Missed Last Night: Kreskin stands on Jimmy Fallon
There are probably a ton of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon viewers who have no idea who The Amazing Kreskin is. But he was a big deal many, many years ago. Last night he did a trick on Fallon's show that I think he said he wasn't allowed to do on The Tonight Show when Johnny Carson was host. Honestly? I have no idea what's so special about this trick. And neither does the audience, judging from their reaction.
Penn Jillette tries to pick up an M&M ... with chopsticks!
This isn't from a late night show or a clip from Penn & Teller's magic act, it's actually from yesterday's Glenn Beck Show on Fox News. Penn has been on the show before, and besides talking about Lindsey Graham, Libertarianism, and gay rights, he tries to pick up an M&M with chopsticks. Does he succeed?
Pushing Daisies: Oh Oh Oh...It's Magic
(S02E06) "You can't sugarcoat that turd." -- The Great Herrmann to NedMagic and the macabre, a recipe for a perfect Pushing Daisies episode. This one also had the virtue of Fred Willard doing a terrific guest star turn as "The Great Herrmann." Considering how misused Fred has been on some other shows (Back to You last season, for instance), it was refreshing to see him really shine here. His heart-to-heart with Ned, making Ned feel uncomfortable emotions because of the memories of his father's abandonment, was a high point of the show.
Ned accepts an invitation to watch his half-brothers -- Maurice and Ralston, the family Ned didn't know he had -- at The Conjurer's Castle. Their act is called "Two for the Show," and they're actually illusionists. Later on, their sleight of hand expertise helps solve the case.
Continue reading Pushing Daisies: Oh Oh Oh...It's Magic
David Blaine to strap on magnetic boots for next stunt
He's survived being encased in ice, being buried alive in a grave, being trapped in a plexiglass box high in the air, holding his breath underwater for Oprah, and standing on top of a pedestal for a few days, but this is the first stunt where magician David Blaine will wear magnetic footwear. Take that, Criss Angel!
ABC has announced the next special to feature Blaine, who seems to be loved and loathed in equal measure. The show is titled "The Dive of Death," and will feature Blaine walking on the underside of a thin wire high above Wollman Rink in New York City. He'll do it for three days and nights, with the help of magnetic boots. On a related note, "The Dive of Death" also describes the bar down the street from my apartment.
Continue reading David Blaine to strap on magnetic boots for next stunt
Building blows up, Criss Angel doesn't die
Even in the world of overdone magic trick specials, this one looks like it was especially overdone.If you haven't heard, illusionist Criss Angel escaped from an imploding building Wednesday night. The A&E star was handcuffed to a six story building and had to unlock the cuffs and escape the structure via a helicopter on the roof, before tnt went off and the building imploded. Did he make it? The fact that you haven't heard any news reports of his crushing will probably give you the answer.
Gone Too Soon: Invasion
Scrubs season nine -- An early look
The TV Squad Podcast: Vik Sahay of Chuck, Oprah talk, brutal timeslots, and more!
