Master of magic, spells and illusion..

[The Curmudgeon]

Well, I for one whooped for giddy, girly joy when I read this..

Cinema Blend talked to "Mindfreak" illusionist/magician Criss Angel who says he will take part in the live-action adaptation of the "Mandrake the Magician" movie, Based on the Hearts comic, the action-adventure will be directed by Chuck Russell (The Scorpion King, Eraser, The Mask).

"I've just signed on to do a movie which I'll be shooting at the end of this year called 'Mandrake,'" Angel said.

"The film is based on the comic book strip. It's gonna kind of be like a kind of cool realm of 'The Crow' but different of Mandrake the magician coming to life. I'm designing and creating the visual effects for that, as well as going to be acting in it. So that's a very exciting prospect that I'm looking forward to do."

Comparing how magic and illusions have been portrayed in past movies, he added, "I know that the 'Mandrake' project really gets it." Angel said.

A live action movie of Mandrake the Magician?! I will have some of THAT. I know they did a couple of Mandrake movies in the 50s (which I really need to hunt down one day) so its nice to see them bringing an old character back to life. I've only ever heard of Criss Angel when I was over in Florida, but he certainly LOOKS like he could play a Crow-style character..



Either that, or an AIDS-addled emo.

I'm keeping my eyes on this one..

[trashcanman]

Criss Angel is kind of the nu-metal/goth answer to David Blaine. He has a show where he pulls these crazy, vaguely S&M-ish stunts like hanging himself from a flying helicopter with the rings in his body while Korn songs play. He does do some pretty sweet street magician segments, though. He once had people poke a voodoo doll of him with a large needle while he wasn't looking and he would bleed profusely from the spot where the doll was stabbed. I loved the look on those people's faces! ;D

[The Curmudgeon]

I prefer the street magic stuff to the outlandish "stunts" because there's more chance of fakery, if that's a word. Yeah, I know its ALL "fake", but it works better with something happening right in front of you.

I met a street magician in a bar when I was on holiday, and man, I wouldn't leave him alone all night. "Do another one, do another one." Ha ha, he must have fucking hated me!