Top Hat Reviews
Concept:
Submit:
If you would like to submit a review, just follow this simple outline and E-mail it to me at KillerQ@juno.com:
1) Trick (effect) in a nutshell.
2) Pro's (good sides).
3) Con's (badsides).
4) Any other comments or info (quality, sleights required, angles, difficulty, etc...).
Note: Please try to stick with the newer effects if possible.
When I recieve your review I will post it and post your E-mail
address under the post so people can contact you.
If you do not want your E-mail address posted, please specify.
KillerQ@juno.com
Reviews:
1) John Kennedy's Mystery Box:
I love it I haven't seen to many other of the other item's that are similiar to this one to really say it's the best, but it's great.
I have a wonderful routine in which it has a purpose to be on the table long before I touch a deck of cards.
Hint: When I first got it it didn't seem to work real smoothly. I put a little bit of baby powder on my
finger and rubbed it along the wall inside the box (rub it in lightly so that it doesn't leave a white residue) and it has
never been anything but perfect ever since. It is good from all angles and ,of course, requres that you do a mercury or similiar fold.
It does the impossible and is totally examinable by the spectator as soon as the card hits the table.
Submitted by: MajicMan@webtv.com
2) No. 2 Pencil
Number 2 Pencil Effect: The small black oval that says "#2" on a pencil jumps from the eraser end of the pencil to the point end and back.
Then you rub it with your thumb and it elongates so it covers the entire lenght of the pencil.
Pros: This is a nice idea. It's easy to do and uses a basic paddle move. But it's a common object. Like most paddle tricks it may not be
mind-boggling magic, but the presentation supplied is entertaining. It doesn't take up much room.
I think it'd work well in table hopping and walk-around situations, and could play for both kids and adults .
Angles aren't a problem and you can do it surrounded.
Cons: The only drawback is that you have to switch pencils. I don't think this would be a big problem for most people.
The method suggested in the instructions will work and if it's done right the fact that the pencil left their sight won't really register on the spectators.
If you do any sleeving then you could make the switch and even fool some magicians with the last change.
Submitted by: bkmagic@bigfoot.com
3) "It"
It Effect: Four blank cards are shown. The word 'it' appears on one card, then vanishes, then appears again.
At the climax, the work 'this' appears on one card and 'that' appears on another card.
Pros: Another good idea. It's easy to do (uses 2 simple, standard, moves). The cards are nicely printed (they're not just pure white blank face
cards, but have a 'monotony breaking' appearance). The cards are sealed in plastic, but unlike some of the packet tricks with the plastic
protection on the cards- they took the time to trim the plastic correctly so the cards are still all the same size (which makes it a lot easier to
work with them. But what makes this worthwhile is the patter/presentation. It's filled with double-meanings, 'bad' gags and has a lot
of humor. If that's your style you should really enjoy doing this.
Cons: Can't really think of any. I'm not crazy about carrying packet tricks that can't be used for anything else, but some of them are worth the trouble.
I think this is one of them.
Submitted by: bkmagic@bigfoot.com
Links:
All Magic Guide
HankLee's Magic Factory
Tannen's Magic
Any additional E-mail can also be sent to: KillerQ@juno.com