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Review of MatriXpress by Shawn Farquhar

About.com Rating 4.5 Star Rating
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By , About.com Guide

Review of MatriXpress by Shawn Farquhar
When it comes to laying coins onto a table and causing them to magically move around while shrouded with playing cards, Shawn Farquhar's excellent "MatriXpress" offers an impressive effect with a clever and convincing gimmick-based method. Best of all, this one is not overly difficult to learn and perform.

Unlike most matrix and coins-across routines where each phase or “travel” of a coin finds itself under more and more spectator scrutiny, Farquhar’s routine is short and direct. You place four cards over the four coins and almost instantaneously, the coins have gathered under a single card - a stunning revelation.

The kit comes with attractive, gimmicked poker chips and that special something that makes the magic happen. And if you prefer to work with coins, you can purchase these on your own from a magic dealer and they will work as well.

The accompanying DVD offers first rate instruction from Farquahar who’s enthusiasm is contagious. I particularly enjoyed his explanation of the “giggle” move. The move is convincing from the spectator’s perspective, but from the magician’s view, what is happening makes Farquahar want to laugh. Thus, the name.

In addtion to the main “MatriXpress” routine, Farquaher teaches a second routine, “PhotoFinish.” In this strong effect, the poker chips seem to go in and out of a photo. To perform “PhotoFinish,” the kit comes with the necessary photos that work with the accompanying chips.

If you’ve been wanting to learn a particularly clean matrix routine, Shawn Farquhar’s “MatriXpress” is definitely worth the look. And if it’s in Shawn’s repertoire, you know it has to be good.

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