Killer Elite Pro also, click here
http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=3072 for another Killer Elite thread(the original)
Available from www.Alakazam.co.uk
Price: £24.99
Category: Close up Mentalism effect
Difficulty: 2 out of 5
They say:
Andy Nyman's Killer Elite was not only one of the most successful tricks of its time. It was also voted "Trick of the Year" but unfortunately it ceased production in early 2005. However it is now back and has been totally redesigned for the working performer. A combination of Andy Nyman's thinking and Alakazam Magic's desire for top quality professional products, we are now proud to bring you "Killer Elite Pro."
Even if you own the fantastic original version, you will want to update with this all new pocket sized showpiece.
Complete with stylish custom designed leather wallet, manufactured in high quality leather, real poker chip and full colour movie cards specially printed on credit card stock. No expense has been spared in bringing you this award winning effect in a slick new form.
The performer takes out a small leather wallet and from it; he removes a poker-chip and four cards, each bearing the image of a well known movie-killer. These are set out on the table and the performer then asks the spectator to imagine the following scene: All four of the killers are in a room, when all of a sudden the inevitable happens and gun shots are fired. When the smoke clears only one man is left standing! The survivor is the owner of the poker chip. The spectator is asked to choose the killer he believes to be the owner of the chip, which is then placed onto the card bearing the image of the chosen survivor. Amazingly the performer proves that the spectator's selection is the correct one!
I say:
Killer Elite is a firm favourite of many a mentalism performer (and walk around magicians as well).
The original used A-5 postcards to depict the killers, used an A-5 brown envelope to carry it all in and sported a “not-so-authentic” poker chip as a prop. Although the effect was brilliant and easy to do, it’s size was a bit of a hindrance for impromptu work and strolling performances.
Well, Killer Elite has come back with a vengeance.
Now you are kitted out with tough and hefty plastic cards where they were used to be printed card. Where, in the past you were given an envelope, there is now a very classy, leather playing card size “wallet” (very similar to those two-sided, leather packet trick wallets). The casino chip you now get is…a casino chip!! Hooray!
The working of the effect is exactly the same as the original and the instructions are very clear…in fact they feel a bit better than the original one…if I am remembering correctly.
It isn’t a cheery trick as it involves a (imaginary) bloodbath so your audience should be adult and not easily put off by a violent theme (the wusses).
Some people love Killer Elite and some don’t. Personally, I love it and I think the key to the effect is a good set up, a assertive attitude and a strong story telling style of performance.
There are a few risks but they are easily managed if you practice. It isn’t angle sensitive but you will want to look out for a risk of “flashing” a bit or piece as you go through it…no real hardship.
Overall: 9/10
A well thought of classic is give a new incarnation. Very slick props, a strong routine in the hands of a confident performer. It costs what it costs but you also get what you pay for…quality stuff.