Thursday, May 28, 2009

Jim's Magic Effects Review - Gaeton's Intercessor Gimmick

The effect:
For more years than magicians can remember, one of the most powerful principles used in card magic has been the "torn corner principle." A card is selected, one corner is torn off and kept by the spectator, then the rest of the card is destroyed. The card is later found in any type of impossible location, inside a cigarette or lemon, for example.
(Robert-Houdin used to have the card appear locked inside of a small safe buried under a tree.) Of course, not only is the card found restored, but the torn off corner matches exactly, proving it was the selected card. All of these mind boggling miracles work on the same principle, that of the corner switch. The torn corner of the forced selected card being switched for a corner of the duplicate card, already set-up in the final location.

From now on, thanks the Gaeton's incredible Intercessor gimmick you will be able to achieve all of these effects, without switching the corner at any time! More than that, once the card has been selected the spectator may sign a corner of the card which is then ripped off and handed to the spectator. The spectator may immediately verify that his torn corner matches the card, which only then will be destroyed and found restored in an impossible location. Gaeton's gimmick eliminates the need for any false moves and allows you to immediately repeat the effect if desired!

Includes the Intercessor gimmick and 24-page fully illustrated booklet with routines and ideas from Gaeton, Juan Tamariz and Michael Weber.

Price: US$45.   Available at: Most good magic dealer              Video Demo


Likes:
a) Very powerful trick. Only limited by ones imagination.
b) The Gimmick Packs small but plays big! The gimmick is well made and can last a long time!
c) The booklet that comes with the gimmick has many good routines and ideas.
d) Allows for audience participation.

Dislikes:
a) The price is on the high side.
b) You tear and waste a lot of cards!
c) Tearing the card can be unnatural looking if you do not do it well.

Presentation experience:
a) Performed the routine a few times, reaction from the people I tried on is very good! Really screw up their minds.
b) The routines suggested by the booklet are very good. But you must modify it to suit you.
c) Perform a few phase routine and not a single effect, this will make the effect more amazing and do allow time to let the effect sink in gradually before you move on to the next phase of the routine.

For who:
a) Parlour or even stage magicians
b) Those who do not like big props
c) Magicians who like to include some participation in their routine.
d) Cardgicians

Not for...
a) Beginners
b) Magicians who do not like cards
c) Those who feel $45 is too expensive for a gimmick and a booklet.

Overall rating, I will give it a 4 out of 5. Recommended!