by Mandrake » May 28th, '03, 13:06
Just In Case – JB Magic
Price: £27.95 from e-magic (May 2003)
(also available - Just In Case Accessory Kit – JB Magic includes a Mini Eight ball, a Jumbo Acrylic Die, Mini Handcuffs and Complete Comedy Patter - £11.95 also from emagictricks)
Price:
Difficulty: Somewhere between a 1 and a 2/5
(1=A Mandrake could do it, 2=No sleights, but not so easy, 3=Some sleights used,
4=Advanced sleights used, 5=Suitable for experienced magicians only)
Description:
A small, slim, scale model brief case, complete with working locks – quite neat, really! Magi introduces the case on whatever pretext is appropriate – perhaps as containing some sort of prediction card. He shows that the case is a real one, just scaled down, the locks work just as on the larger ones, and he opens the case and extracts a large 8 Ball and a huge Die – both far too big to have fitted in there. Before the puzzlement wears off, he finally produces the prediction card/business card which was required in the first place.
Review:
I saw the demo video and was rather impressed with this gizmo – such a slim case yielding obviously far too large items so easily. Having received the effect, and accessories, it really is that easy! As usual, presentation is important, angles need to be considered – across the table is fine and you can use your hands to mask things from most angles for the short time required. Having produced the 8 ball and the Die you can then produce cards/business cards/cash or whatever.
Overall:
Not exactly cheap at £28 quid plus £12 quid accessories but you could provide your own accessories – a golf ball instead of 8 ball is one saving and would tailor the effect for a golfing audience. Half trick and half gimmick to produce a (forced) prediction of some kind, it’s one of those items where presentation is all yours and you can really have fun with it. You can also get an ungimmicked case for a subsequent switch if required and this is much cheaper. You could ‘convert’ this type if required.
Rating: Effect/item: 10/10, Quality of goods: 9/10, Value for money: 7/10
The bottom line...
I like it and I don’t mind the cost – it’s cute, specs are usually amazed to see that the thing is ‘genuine’ inasmuch as the locks actually work like a big case.
PS - re the 'Complete Comedy Patter' - don't bother!
(Just for you, Cliff!)