talkmagic.co.uk

Tyler - I have to disagree with you on your view of David Blaine's level of ability. I can assure you, he is far better than you are giving him credit for, and while I do not enjoy his particular presentational style, he is an excellent close-up performer.

As for Criss Angel - your obvious distaste shows here. Rather than actually create a compelling argument for your opinion, you choose to simply sling insults. Instead of attacking things like this (and maaking yourself look bad in the process), why not make your comments on the merits of his ability. I assure you, again, you're off on this one as well. I'm all for personal attacks and jokes about people - but at least make them funny, next time.

Derren Brown - I can't argue your points. Mr. Brown is a phenomenal performer, and a wonderful breath of fresh air in the realm of magic on television.

Derren Brown is more than a magician - he uses pshycology and subliminal messages and hypnotism and things other "normal" mentalists wouldn't use. He also exposes frauds and fakes who use magic and claim that they are pshycic or clairvoyants etc.
However, for "normal" magic (if there's such thing) pshycology is used as well - misdirection is a form of pshycology. Derren Brown just takes this to a whole new level.

I love Brown. He doesn't take himself too seriously and I like his style, though I've heard it doesn't translate too well to large audiences. Having seen his act over xmas on TV, I'd be inclined to agree - in my humble only 8 posts to my name kind of opinion! Have you read his book on presentation? I've heard it's awesome!

Blane is great until you learn a bit about magic, then he quickly loses his sparkle.

Angel... As a person I find him deeply irritating. You know the kind of guy who'd show up at a party and everyone would be like "Damn, what did you invite him for?" "I didn't invite him, I thought you did!". But most importantly, I just find his stuff really fake. Of course, it IS fake, but with Brown and to a lesser extent Blane, you get sucked in to the reality they're building and for the duration of the trick you could almost believe it was real. It's like you're 10 years old again, and the world actually contains those kind of powers. With Angel, personally, I don't get that. It's plastic, style over substance, look at how alternative I am but don't notice the real talent off camera who built this effect for me.

There's no illusion to his illusions.

Derren Brown for reasons already mentioned by others. For me, it's not even close.

For me Derren is THE best magician/illusionist/mentalist whetever you wanna call him there has ever been!

He is original, intriguing, intelligent, charismatic, has great skill & can make things seem far more interesting than the average illusionist could.

he also doesn't look down on his audience, he assumes they're as intelligent as he is which i think (from my personal experience as an ex magicienne) a lot of magicians/illusionists lack, too many treat they're audience like stupid children with no brains whatsoever & Derren doesn't do that so for that alone he's fantastic.

But i also love his blend of different things like magic, suggestion, psychology etc etc etc... and also his humour & the fact he's charming too.

he is what i'd call a gentleman of magic & illusion!

And as for blaine & angel: I honestly have nothing much to say about them that's nice (sorry) but to me they're sucky & the kind of magicians/illusionists I hate with a passion!