More Memory ManIf our memory serves (!), this is the first time we have reviewed an instant download on Bicyle-Cards.co.uk – so here are our thoughts on More Memory Man by Joel Givens from Vanishing Inc.

The Effect – this isn’t just an effect it is a whole routine which gives the impression that you can memorize a whole deck at speed. There are multiple phases which logically build – and perhaps best of all it doesn’t feel like a magic trick – getting away (largely) from the ‘pick a card, any card…’ formula.

First Thoughts
Advertising is sometimes deceptive, but this routine can genuinely use a borrowed deck – it is entirely impromptu in the classical sense of the word. It is an entertaining routine – which has been really well constructed. Each phase builds upon the previous one – and the climax genuinely packs punch. Overall it has the feel of something which has been honed over time, and we are glad to see Joel crediting the various sources/inspiration for moves and ideas.

Who’s it for?
More Memory Man definitely requires intermediate card handling. This will not suit the complete beginner – though the sleights used, once learnt, will serve you well in many different ways. But wonderfully there is hardly any memory work!

A few niggles…
As a UK-based magician, I suspect there may be some problems with the very first phase – which requires your spectator to riffle shuffle the deck. This is a cultural thing – but in the UK spectators are less likely to be able to do that than in the US. The phase may require a small re-think for a UK context. Or, you could only perform it in contexts where card-handling is more common – at a Poker club for example!

Another minor niggle is the quality of the video. It is a bit grainy, sometimes out of focus and (on my download at least) lip-sync was out. This is not a DVD quality studio production. That being said, at no point is it difficult to follow the action or instructions. And the folk at Vanishing Inc put this down to it being filmed at Fetcher’s famous international convention. So you could say it adds authenticity!

The Verdict
At current exchange rates the UK price for this download is £6.26. We feel that this represents good value for money. It is possible to pay a lot more for a one-minute wonder. As we have already said, what we really appreciate about this download is that you are paying for a whole routine – which will play for several minutes. Download it, study it, and give it a go! Available at Vanishing Inc.

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