Criss Angel in my opinion is a fantastic performer. His presentation skills are very good while his mechanical skills are not. Isn't magic about the presentation?
If any of you have seen his earlier specials like "Supernatural" you know he is a qualified magician, not the best in the world, but good. He is an unbelievable stage magician. His stage show brought a new image, light, and performance style to magic. The old Criss Angel was great... the new criss angel is questionable. Keep in mind Criss has to come up with a new episode week after week. Wouldn't you probably go to camera tricks and stooges for at least a few shows? The 1 st season was great. There were perhaps 3 tricks with stooges and 2 camera tricks- that is throughout all 15 episodes, in my opinion that was fine. By season 2, Criss relied on these more, and by season 3... well, you get the picture.
The point is, criss has made magic popular culture. He has changed the image. He has a TV show and you don't- most of the backlash is from jealousy....
But believe it or not I'm also frusturated with CA, about 40% of the time a do a trick for a lay person they ask about criss angel and ask if I can do what he does. At this point I just want to tell them that 'it's all camera tricks. That is what is difficult... There are so many great magicians that most people have never heard of. All the public sees is blaine, angel and copperfield.
They are performers and entertainers, and I respect Criss Angels vision and philosophy... but no magician can ever match the effects created by the camera.
Whether you agree or not, you have to admit that Criss has made a name for himself and brought a new look, style, and vision to the old fashioned art of magic.
He just should have quit after the 1st season... and continue with his stage show!