There seems to be a proliferation of ‘self-working’ type effects at the moment – maybe a symptom of the general laziness of the majority of amateur magicians or the ‘quick fix’ culture we live in? But I was genuinely pleased to see this disk of (mainly) non-card items from Gary Jones and Chris Congreave.
Let’s get straight into the effects:
Metal Sheep
– when I saw the demo for this it rung a bell with something I had read many years ago – but it completely fooled me. Some copper and silver coins swap round without any sleight of hand. You will need a certain something to perform this – you may have suitable things knocking around in your cupboard, or you may have to purchase them – but I would certainly be tempted to do so on the strength of this. Instantly ready to go again – great for walk-around.
Card2Matchbox
– does what it says on the tin. A card is selected by the spectator and then disappears from the deck, reappearing in a previously empty matchbox. I like this – it uses a number of old principles put together into a pleasing routine. A bit of a setup, but worth it for the effect.
Princess Redux
– you find a selected card from a selection of 5, when it has been freely lost and then placed in your pocket. The effect is repeated and then as a final kicker you have predicted the two choices in advance. For me this was one of the weaker effects on the disk. Requires some setup but ends clean and is certainly easy to do.
Free Phone
– a clever re-working of an effect you have probably come across before. You text a prediction to your spectator which correctly predicts the location of three of their personal possessions. A great way to get your website/phone number out to a prospective client. Neat.
Fireballs
– a fantastic and punchy little cups and balls routine utilising some little shot glass-sized cups. The size of the cups makes it very practical for walk-around since they take up so little space and the whole thing re-sets at the end of the routine. Excellent.
Poker Cheat
– based on Paul Gordon’s Poker Deal (and also showing some similarity to a John Bannon effect who’s name escapes me) – this is a comedy poker effect where the spectator makes all the choices, but you still win. Should get a laugh as well as a gasp!
Thirty Four
– a magic square type effect based on an original idea by Jim Steinmeyer. Not only do you predict the number outcome in advance, there is a message on the backs of the cards they have chosen. No memory work and easy to do. Easily customisable for e.g. corporate work or a birthday party etc.
Birthday Card
– don’t watch this one if you’re a music lover – Gary’s rendition of Happy Birthday is frightening! You find a spectator’s card by singing the song. Does require a special something – but again you may well have it, or can get hold of it easily. Don’t be disappointed by the method – it’s the effect that counts.
Kingpins
– a spectator’s ring jumps from one safety pin to another – instantly and visually. As Gary says, this is an old trick brought up to date. Neat and fooling.
There’s a lot to like about this DVD. Some of the effects are very strong indeed – out of all proportion to the ease of performance – which proves my long held view that effect is everything and method is nothing. They’ve done a good job of digging out some old effects and methods and bringing them up to date.
Gary and Chris have an easy, relaxed style in their explanations which are clear and thorough and the DVD is well produced. Two or three of the effects have only studio performances – and I always prefer live ones – but this is to nitpick.
I appreciated the variety of effects on the DVD – and if you can’t find at least one that you will use I will eat my metaphorical hat.
Automata is available from MagicShop.co.uk for £25.50 (at the time of writing).
(With thanks to Full52 who kindly provided a review copy)
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