Television Review: Masters of Illusion
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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that the magic acts featured in this
series may confuse and possibly frighten very young kids who
don’t comprehend the skill involved in creating the
illusions. Some of the acts involve dangerous stunts like
stopping a heart with electricity or impaling a volunteer with
a long needle, so it’s a good idea to remind younger
viewers that what they’re seeing isn’t 100% reality.
But for families of tweens and teens, this show is both
entertaining and brain-tickling, and there’s plenty to
ponder after it’s over.
Families can talk about how entertainment alters our view of
reality. Do you believe that this series really doesn't use any
camera or computer tricks? Can you explain how any of the
illusions you saw were performed? To what extent do the
performers lead us to see things in a certain way? How are we
affected by what we see on TV, on the Internet, or in
magazines? How reliable are those images? What messages do
viewers get about beauty and what’s desirable if the
images we see are enhanced? Are some sources more reliable than
others?
In MASTERS OF ILLUSION, world-class magicians, illusionists, and mentalists strut their stuff onstage before a live audience. Promising no camera or computer tricks, this reality-defying show mixes comedy and suspense with impressive card tricks, escapes, and street magic. The series features more than 70 performers in all, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats with their entertaining, rapid-fire acts.
The only prerequisite for tuning in to this show is the ability to accept the content at face value, since it’s almost impossible to analyze how the performers pull off their illusions. The effect is truly remarkable, from the most basic rope-and-ring trick to the inexplicable human transformations, and you’ll probably be wowed by what you see.
But it’s a good idea to save this show for after your littlest viewers are in bed, since they could easily be confused by the tricks -- and likely frightened by those that involve real-life danger. But for families with tweens and teens, these entertaining acts are sure to leave you amazed ... and scratching your head for explanations that just won’t come.
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