Magic on TV, in Movies and in the News
Commentary: The Incredible Burt Wonderstone
"The Incredible Burt Wonderstone" which stars Steve Carell, Steve Buscemi, Jim Carrey, and Olivia Wilde, offers a parody of the Las Vegas magic scene. Is it good for magic? Will it change or reinforce negative assumptions and stereotypes of magicians? Read on to find out.
Interview with Joe Tyler Gold and Tammy Caplan of "Desperate Acts of Magic"
Joe Tyler Gold and Tammy Caplan, co-producers of "Desperate Acts of Magic," recently took time out to talk with Magic.About.com about making a movie about magic. What was their inspiration? What were the challenges of filming magic and featuring it in an independent, low-budget film? Read my interview to find out.
Review of "Desperate Acts of Magic"
"Desperate Acts of Magic" is a romantic comedy that's set in the world of magicians and magic conventions. It's not a great movie, but it's an honest effort to showcase magic in a movie.
Readers Respond: What Makes Great TV Magic?
Readers respond to my article on what I think makes great magic for television.
Review: The Great Buck Howard
John Malkovich offers an atypical and engaging performance as magician Buck Howard, actually a mentalist, who has seen better times and is grasping for a long-needed comeback.
NBC's "The Phenomenon" - Final Thoughts
"Phenomenon" pitted contestants against each other "American Idol" style and had judges: Criss Angel and Uri Geller. Television audiences voted via phone or the web - losers were eliminated and the winner, Mike Super, took home $250,000. Was the show good for magic and mentalism? Who came out ahead? Does "American Idol" work for magic? Also, check out our readers' comments.
Review: Disney Live! presents Mickey's Magic Show
Just watching Disney's theme park parades and productions and best movies can often seem like pure magic. And the idea of combining Disney themes with illusion seems like a natural. While "Disney Live! presents Mickey's Magic Show," a touring show, is a very professional production, somehow, the combination of Disney and illusion falls somewhat short of its synergistic potential.