Friday November 27, 2009
Just released on DVD is John Crowley's "Is Anybody There," a film starring Michael Caine that is about an aging magician.
When I reviewed the film earlier in the year, I was looking forward to a film that was about a friendship based on magic. I wasn't disappointed, but also wasn't overwhelmed.
My models for a film that depicts friendships built around an interest include: Thomas McCarthy's excellent "The Station Agent," which featured a character who was a train aficionado; and his "The Visitor," which was about drumming. I'm still waiting for a film that depicts the strong friendships that can arise from magic, as shown in Leslie Danoff's excellent documentary, Saturday at Reuben's.
Read my review.
More Reading:
Film Review: The Great Buck Howard
Documentary: Women in Boxes
Film Review: Saturday at Reuben's
Wednesday November 25, 2009
According to a recent release, American illusionist and television star
Mark Wilson has launched his "Mark Wilson Magic University." The new site provides online magic instruction that is based on his best selling magic book, "
The Mark Wilson Complete Course in Magic."
The Mark Wilson Magic University is not only designed to be a magic instruction site that is open to everyone, but to also support a magic community. Special promotion deals are being offered for the 2009 holiday season and students may participate in the community for free.
"I believe that instruction from the Magic University will revolutionize the teaching of magic, making it more accessible for everyone," says Mark Wilson in the release. "I also know that protecting magic secrets is much harder on the Internet, because with accessibility comes the danger of wider exposure. That's why I founded the Magic University, to provide top quality magic instruction to those who are sincerely interested in learning our art and who promise not to reveal its closely guarded secrets."
More Reading:
Magic Circus by Mark Wilson
Magic Bingo by Mark Wilson
Monday November 23, 2009
Yes, believe it or not. The holiday season approaches.
If you're shopping for a magician, here are some suggestions for gifts that will be well appreciated. And if you are a magician, these are worthy items for your wish list.
It's all in the new Magic Gift Guide.
More Reading:
Specialty Playing Cards
Magic Books
Saturday November 21, 2009
In our magic forum, Christian3 posted some helpful advice for beginners on how to maximize the impact of an effect.
He says: "Pause at certain KEY POINTS! If I am performing invisible deck, I always give a long pause before flipping over the reversed card. If you are performing sponge balls and when they jump to the other persons hand, pause and let the effect and the laughs of surprise go."
You can read the entire post on our forum. And if you ever have a magic related question, you can often find answers here as well.
More Reading:
The Five Biggest Mistakes Made by Beginning Magicians
Guide to Dealing with Nervousness
