Parents' Guide to David Blaine: Do Not Attempt

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David Blaine: Do Not Attempt TV show poster: David Blaine kissing the top of a snake's head.

Common Sense Media Review

Melissa Camacho By Melissa Camacho , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 14+

Dangerous stunts in intensely entertaining magic docuseries.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 14+?

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Parent and Kid Reviews

What's the Story?

DAVID BLAINE: DO NOT ATTEMPT is a docuseries featuring magician Blaine as he travels the world to meet people that do real things that most folks think are impossible. From India to the Arctic Circle, Blaine visits countries where specific cultures and rituals have made major contributions to illusionism and endurance performing throughout centuries. He meets and learns from local magicians and illusionists, as well as artists, explorers, athletes, and adventurists who "charm" venomous snakes, practice Debus (an Indonesian martial art known for its supernatural elements and demonstrations of invulnerability), and perform barefoot routines on sharp broken glass. At the end of each episode, with the help of some of the local experts and his own stunt team, Blaine attempts an act he's never done before. Throughout it all, scenes from some of his illusions and extreme endurance performances are shown.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

This intense series that features people from around the globe showing off their magical tricks of the trade and helping Blaine step out of his own comfort zone isn't for the faint of heart. As Blaine makes his way around different countries in David Blaine: Do Not Attempt, he's clearly inspired by what local illusionists and other experts are doing, and respects their hard work and training. He also does a good job of explaining how these performances inspire him, especially the magic and illusions that are built around a story. Blaine talks frequently about the beauty he sees in the courage and strength of the people he meets, and the different ways they're compelled to push themselves beyond preconceived limits. Granted, it's a little self-promotional—Blaine performs stunts at the end of each episode—but this doesn't take away from the fact that it's engrossing. But despite the demystification of many of the illusions and stunts featured here, it's still hard not to feel unsettled (or horrified) when watching some of the more painful or risky ones being performed.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about some of the reasons that magic or endurance-based rituals were developed in different countries and cultures throughout history. How many of these ancient rituals are still performed today?

  • Much is said in David Blaine: Do Not Attempt about the importance of thinking and problem-solving every step of an illusion or stunt before performing it. Why is this so important?

TV Details

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David Blaine: Do Not Attempt TV show poster: David Blaine kissing the top of a snake's head.

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