by Django » Mar 10th, '07, 10:34
Okay, where to start. Ambelitious Card is one of those gimmick tricks that looks so impressive on video that you wonder can it be this good in my hands?
Yes, it's pretty much what you see. The gimmick is pretty much what I expected but that's my magicians mind at work. So far spectators all react real big. And it got the, "I don't like that, that's TOO good! Stop it, it's creeps me out." From the girlfriend, but she grew up in Italy around gypsies and believes in "real" magic, no matter how much I insist there isn't.
Difficulty: EASY. If you can pull off a TT you can do this. Sure, there are some angles, but how many tricks don't?
Clean up is the real issue. The video shows a performance where the clean up involves lapping, which personally I hate. I've been using an inner pocket in my everyday jacket and turning around while they sign they're card "so I don't see it." But if you dont have an inner pocket a shirt pocket will work almost as well. (or a fanny pack for any of you fashion victims) Since "the deck" is still in your hand people arent the wiser and anyone that is thinks your were doing set-up when for the most part you are done.
(Personally, thats my favorite kind of trick, when people are waiting eye-balling for the trick to happen and its already done.)
Then it's just angling the gimmick and letting it do what it does. The gimmick my seem shifty to some magicians but anyone that has put their faith in "Hijack" or "Strange Traveler" will know better, it's a new take on the same idea.
The DVD is of little importance. It shows performaces, how the gimmicks work and angled performances. It's in Japanese with sort of funny "japanglish" subtitles, that are easy enough to understand.
It's a really strong effect and unlike most of Masuda's other effects seems to be nothing more than a regular bicycle deck.
Is two gimmicked cards worth $40 (yes, you need 2 gimmicks if you are lapping) That depends on your wallet and taste. For me, I see it going right up there with some of my favorites. Not to mention a fantastic way of ending an ambitious card routine. (If only I can think of a good reason to turn around since the card would already be signed.)