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Criss Angel Mindfreak

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Magic + stunts = explosive entertainment.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–16

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Angel is the poster boy for making questionable choices, but he's the only one who suffers physically from the stunts. His apparent ambiguity to the emotions he subjects his family to is a little disconcerting.
  • Violence:

    There's a lot of self-inflicted pain, but no violence.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Multiple uses of "damn" and "hell," but harsher words are bleeped out.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Spectators on the street, in restaurants, or casinos are often smoking and drinking.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Criss Angel Mindfreak was written by Emily Ashby

Parents need to know that each episode of this series begins with a strong disclaimer for good reason, as the stunts performed could be deadly. Although Angel and his team plan for every possible mishap, the fact that he makes a spectator sport out of self-inflicted pain is disturbing. The show at least attempts to portray the seriousness of the stunts and follows up on any resulting injuries.

Families Can Talk About

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  • Families can talk about making responsible choices. What repercussions does Angel suffer from some of his stunts? How do his actions affect his family? Why does he continue doing this? Families can also discuss the limits of what should be on TV. Should something this dangerous be shown for entertainment? Does showing it make it seem less dangerous?
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More on Criss Angel Mindfreak

What’s the Story?

In the world of illusionists, "mindfreak" is defined as "a modern-day mystifier who utilizes skills beyond the category of magic." That definition applies perfectly to Criss Angel, who's driven by a single question: "How much force can a human body withstand without serious injury?" Angel (born Christopher Sarantakos) devises personal challenges based on most people's worst fears. Past stunts include dressing in a metal suit and standing under a Tesla coil to simulate being struck by lightning, holing up in a crate next to explosives to feel what's it's like to be blown up, and lighting himself on fire with little protection just to see if he could do it.

Is It Any Good?

The fact that Angel is still alive after testing his limits time and time again is remarkable. Luckily for fans of extreme entertainment, he's done all of it in front of a camera. Each stunt requires extensive planning and preparation, and Angel works with a team of professionals to ensure his safety. But all of them, including his family members, are reminded daily that there are no guarantees, and each stunt could be his last. Although kids will love Angel's incredible magic, parents will want to preview the show to make sure the stunts aren't too frightening.

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    Criss Angel is a mindfreak that will blow your mind

    Criss Angel's illusions in this show are mind blowing. Some of his demonstrations are extremely dangerous so don't attempt any of his demostrations because some people do it for the heck of it. One illusion he did was so dangerous I thought he was dead. My three favorite mindfreak moment was the woodchipper, quarter through arm and the steamroller. This show is perfect for people who love to be mystified.

  2. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 3.0

    Desparately Seeking Attention

    Chris and his counterpart David Blaine are easily mockable. Hyper-self-serious, humorless, joyless. Very self-important. Pathetically they follow around thier own street audience to ask again and again, "what did you think of that trick? What do you think of me?" My 13-year old is a "serious" magician, active in magic orgs and practices daily without prompting. He admires both Chris Angel and David Blaine and hope to "be like them." I'm allowing him to watch thier stunts, over and over, hoping that as he matures he will see how immature they both are. Magic is wonderful, but it should bring joy and wonder, not self-centered stunts for attention.

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 4.0

  4. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    Cool show!!!

    This is a great show. Criss Angel is absolutely amazing, and you can never figure out how he does things. Some illusions he does can be pretty gross like on one where he tore a woman in half, and he also tore himself in half. It's pretty gross. You would think it's fake, but I believe he really can do these impossible things. So give it a try. Criss Angel Mindfreak is the BEST!!!!!

  5. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    It blewme away

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