Triumph
While it's described as a no-palm, signed card to pocket, "Backlash" is actually a transposition where a spectator signs the back and the front of a chosen card which is placed into the magician's pocket. The card mysteriously appears back in the deck and when it's turned over, the spectator's name has vanished and in its place is the magician's name.
I generally liked signed and changing card effects and often perform them, but I don't like the fact that in this effect the card has to be signed twice with the magician holding the card. I think this raises suspicions in spectator's minds. But once you're done with the double-signing, the effect is bewildering to lay spectators.
Heard From Angels
"Zen & The Art of Boomerang" is a variation on "Boomerang Card." Here, a selected card is tossed in the air by the magician and caught in the deck. When the deck is opened, the tossed card is found to have not only landed next to its mate in the deck, it has actually caused the card to split.
Bucks
The best effect is "Impromptu Nightshades." Here, Harris borrows a dollar bill and with a marker, draws a pair of sunglasses on the first president. In a flash, the sunglasses are moved from George Washington's eyes onto his forehead. And the bill may be given to the shocked spectators.
With the intriguing name of "Buck Naked," this effect is a bill switch. Two twenty dollar bills are brought out, folded and held together. A five dollar is borrowed. Harris makes the five dollar bill turn into a twenty. This one is good but you don't end up clean.
Also, when it comes to money conversions, you'll probably have to deal with spectators who are ready to take the money and run. Harris talks about using this one in a restaurant where he causes a five to turn into a 20 to pay the bill, which is a great situation. By the way, the method is similar to that used by Asi in his "Time is Money" (click here to read our review).
Astonishments
Another offbeat effect, "The Shape of Astonishment" allows the magician to wrap a quarter in a piece of foil and cause the coin to immediately turn over from heads to tails. This one is different and a real fooler.
In "Fizz Master," Harris causes the fizz from a shaken can of soda to go from one can to another. You can do this impromptu and with any cans, but watch out, this one is messy.
The video has a new age feel with its spectators who sit on pillows around a raging fireplace. There's also some cheesy dialogue among spectators who discuss the effects among themselves as if it's impromptu when it probably isn't. This doesn't detract from a great DVD, it's just a different approach that is as distinct as its effects.
-Wayne N. Kawamoto
Click here to watch a video.
MSRP: (US) $29.95
Dealers can purchase from Murphy's Magic Supplies, Inc.
