Its Not Possible

Tommy Wonder Passes

This is from Hank's Hotlist (www.magicfact.com)

Pyris (Nicolas LaPage):

A fire in your hand turns into a half dollar.

This looks like a very visual effect. The demo video has many different variations.

Potential Pros: Great attention getter, good lead in to a coin routine. Coin routines tend to be a bit stale, so adding a flash may add a touch of variety.

Potential Cons: Any time fire is involved, there can be many risks. The ad shows the coin floating....which I don't think is possible, but it doesn't claim to be a floating flaming coin. Doesn't seem to be repeatable to the same degree.

$45 for a special coin...gimmick...and sheet of instructions. Hopefully one sheet of paper is enough to explain it.

Grade based on ad: B

Long Distance Card Trick (Chris Mitchell)

A verison of the Tossed out Deck, using a fishing pole.

A routine meant for comedic purposes.

Potential Pros: A routine that has been tested, for comedy. A different variaton on a classic, no dropped catches.

Potential Pros: Too childish for adults, and card magic doesn't fit well with kids. You're connected to the cards, could be seen as a way to know which card is seen. Hope the prop is well built.

$225 for everything you need.

Grade based on ad: B

Bowling Pin Production (Michael Mode)

Producing a real bowling pin from article of clothing.

When producing a bowling ball from a briefcase isn't enough.

Potential Pros: Fast, Visual, Audible (hear the pin drop), Can be used to produce other things (suggested: bottle of wine).

Potential Cons: Discomfort. More of a gag than a routine. A little too outrageous, unless performing at a bowling alley.

$125 for Pin, DVD, and Gimmick

Grade based on ad: C

Disclaimer: I do not own any of these tricks, these are my opinions based on the ad and, if availible, demo video. The grading scale is sort of moot. It is hard to think from an audience perspective once you've crossed over onto the magician side. This is not a definiative review, just possible pros and cons of the trick.

New Format

Who knows how long this will last, but for a while I've decided to critique new effects on the market. A lot of new tricks are coming out, some trends are starting to form.

These reviews are going to be based on the advertised effects, and the demo video (if any).

Should be fun!


Robert Ruse.