David Copperfield is an ok illusionist.  I've seen him live, and the dramatic pauses and looks and makeup were a bit more than I care for.  Also, he very obviously used a lookalike (probably necessitating the heavy makeup) to achieve some of his illusions.

Forgive me for being a cynic, but when an obviously intelligent guy says:

"I've discovered a true phenomenon. You can take dead leaves, they come in contact with the water, they become full of life again. ... Bugs or insects that are near death, come in contact with the water, they'll fly away. It's an amazing thing, very, very exciting."

I'm skeptical of his motives.

Promoting something.

And you know what?  He's got my interest.