What The Audience Sees:
“Can someone please explain to us how Jamie has managed to sneak into every movie I’ve ever seen, since I was a kid, and remember them all?! Because that’s the only way he could have known! Listen, he had these cool business cards printed, right, because he collects autographs or something. I mean, they’re blank except for a picture of a movie screen. Anyways, I write down a movie that only I know I’ve seen, onto the card and place it FACE DOWN into his hand. He cannot see it! To prove the point, he even slides it back into the middle of the stack of business cards. And then…BLAM!…He names my movie! HOW? Thank goodness he gave me his card- I’m calling him for my next party!”
How It Went:
You know, I’ve been meaning to write this one up for some time but I’ve been unintentionally delayed. I really wanted to see how it would play at an actual paid gig and, even though I’ve done a few hundred since I’ve gotten this effect, I’ve always forgotten to take it with me. Doh! Double Doh! This trick is great! It takes up the exact same amount of pocket space that I normally designate for business cards, but I now have a great closing effect for my set. I sincerely wish I had it for all those other times.
I think I made up for it on Friday, though as I used it dozens of times to great effect. What I like about it is that it’s super clean. I mean, you’re basically looking at a stack of business cards and an elastic band. That’s it. No wallet, clipboard, helmet transmitters, etc. Just a small stack of cards. No folding required! Hurrah! Not that I’m lazy, but at gigs, I really want to not have to worry. And Sneak Preview is worry free.
The reactions were right on point as well. I can always tell if something’s gone exceedingly well when the spectators start addressing each other. They wanted to know if we were in on it and all the pressure is on the spec defending himself that we weren’t in cahoots, lol. Awesome.
The Difficulty:
Man, like, what, 1/5? Do your eyes move? Sweet, then you can do this.
Best Lines:
“Peter! PETER! Do you guys know each other?!?!! ANSWER ME!”
~Poor Peter was in for a rough night I think.
“Were you there?!”
~At Ben Hur?! Um, no.
Angry Bob Rating:
For those of you reading this article for the first time, Angry Bob is a co-worker who has an understanding of some magic because his uncle was a magician. Angry Bob knows that TT’s exist, for example, but he has no desire to become a magician himself. He also has an anger management problem that can be experienced first hand if he can’t figure out how a trick is done. A high rating means he has no idea.
Let’s just all be thankful that Angry Bob doesn’t show up at any of these functions. Could you imagine?! With regards to this, however, I’d say pretty high. There’s a flash of the stack that is really nice and takes people away from the cards. Maybe 4/5? I’m not worried.
My Rating:
Magic Friday Approved!
I owe myself an apology for not taking this out sooner. It’s gone into my Suit Jacket- the ultimate rating!
The JDG Tip:
The iTricks Idea:
The only thing you need to brainstorm is why you had the cards printed. Try and find a plausible reason for you and stick with it. Conviction!
Closing Thoughts:
Someone e-mailed me and mentioned that they couldn’t watch my video reviews because they live in a mountain cabin, so it looks like we’re back to the old format-written and video. I hope you like it!
Have a Great Week Everyone!
Jamie D. Grant
www.cardsinabottle.com