Criss Angel Mindfreak

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Magic + stunts = explosive entertainment.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

What parents need to know

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.

  • 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.
  • There's a lot of self-inflicted pain, but no violence.
  • Not applicable.

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.


What families can talk about

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?


This review was written by Emily Ashby
Teen, 17 years old
April 9, 2008
 
It is a really good show
I like his show a lot cuz he cares about hos family & friends. i really got into magic when i first saw the show the first epiosde i saw was when he waz a candle for his moms birthday. I really want to be in the army & my family kinda supports that they really don't want me going cuz they don't want me to get killed but they i will do good if i were in the army

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Teen, 15 years old
April 9, 2008
 
I love it!
Criss Angel Mindfreak is a great show. Magic, stunts, music. Well not alot of music but still. Criss is really cool i dont care what people say he's real to me. He's the one who got me into magic. He great i hope he doesn't stop doing what he's doing. So far its the greatest show ever.

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Kid, 12 years old
November 22, 2011
 
Awesome Show!!!
This show is awesome! I love Criss Angel and he is a good role model to follow your dreams. I watch his show all the time. He does do deadly stunts, but clearly states that he is highly trained. Like I said he is a great role model for kids to look up to and has a very entertaining show.

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Kid, 13 years old
September 23, 2011
 
Fun Show
I love this show. Criss is an awesome role model, to follow your dreams. But he does do a lot of dangerous stunts, most of them could be deadly. Also in the background of some scenes there is bottles of Vodka and Wine. Also he is seen drinking. He never smokes, but teaches kids why NOT to smoke. Product Placement is visible, a lot of advertising for his store and other casinos and hotels in Las Vegas. He swares and lot, but most words are bleeped out. H*ll and Da*n aren't bleeped out but stronger words are. Just make sure your kids know to NEVER try to attempt his stunts, as they could be deadly.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
OMG AWESOMEEEEE!
dude, this show is like amazing it's not even funny. I love this show and it's so awesomeeee. so yeahh, if you wanna see something that will drive you crazy

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Parent of 9 year old
January 5, 2011
 
i love this show there is little bad words like d*m h*ll harsher words are beeped out the only thing i am a afrid of is kids think they came do what he does and kill them selfs

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April 9, 2008
 
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.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
It blewme away

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This review was written by Emily Ashby
TV rating:TV-PG
Network:A&E
Cast:Criss Angel, Gene Simmons, Jamie Kennedy
Genre:Reality TV

This review was written by Emily Ashby
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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