John Bannon – Move Zero
$30.00
http://www.murphysmagic.com/product.aspx?id=57515

An incredible 2 hour extravaganza on self-working card magic.

John Bannon's Move Zero is undoubtedly the most exciting study of self-working card magic this century. 

There is not one sleight in any of the eight featured jawdroppingly impossible routines. That's right - no sleight of hand. None. No moves, no sleights. Yet despite being automatic in method, each and every effect is a staggering, explosive, layered stunner. And contrary to expectation of how powerful sleight free magic can be, these tricks will decimate any audience (be they magicians, lay people, even sometimes yourself).

Each routine is achieved with nothing more than an ordinary deck of cards. No gaffs, pencil dots, 'marks', gimmicks or extra cards. Many are also entirely impromptu!

And it is not just incredible tricks you are learning here. The fascinating, detailed explanations Bannon provides on MOVE ZERO reveal his incredible thinking about method, applied subtlety and intelligent layering. MOVE ZERO will help you turbo charge ALL your sleight free magic. This is a true masterclass in trick construction.

On MOVE ZERO you'll also learn seven essential techniques to put into your own 'trickbag'. These are the building blocks of self-working magic. From false cuts done in the open to card forces that spectators can unleash on THEMSELVES!

Forget everything you think you know about self-working card magic. It's time to plug into MOVE ZERO.

Over the last few years, Big Blind Media and Liam Montier has made a reputation for releasing superb DVD’s of self-working card magic.  They most certainly have scored again big time with this new release from John Bannon. John is the creator of Sizzle, one of my all time favorite packet tricks so I was excited to get this.

One of the things that has always impressed me about John is the fact that he is an amateur and does magic that can put many professionals to shame. By positing himself as an amateur, he places himself on the same level as his students. I have seen too many magicians over the years who put themselves on a level about their lecture attendees and thus lose a large portion of what knowledge could be imparted. No chance of this here. John comes across as someone you would just like to hang out with. As usual this is absolutely brilliant work. The routines are flawless, his crediting and history of the effects is extensive and this is just plain fun to watch and perform.

In addition to eight great routines requiring no moves, John gives his take on a number of procedures (cuts, forces, etc.) you probably already know but knowing his philosophy on why and how they should be done will not only educate you but make your own handling much more effective.

One thing that greatly impressed me was John’s crediting. He gave the background for not only moves or plots but also any trick that might have inspired him. This will inspire some of you to look up the original publications.

Let’s get to the tricks.

Collusion – John’s handling of Karl Fulves’ Gemini Twins bring whole new level to the effect incorporating the feel of an ACAAN.

Sort of Psychic – Although unrelated, the mechanics of this reminds me of the twenty one card trick. The biggest difference is that this is a great routine (and magicians won’t flee in panic if you do it.)

Ulterior – Easy, but oh, so deceptive. John’s layering of techniques hides the method.

Prophet Motive – Teaches a nice technique to make your volunteer feel as if he really ins controlling the deck. I was thrilled to see this called the Ray Goulet Subtlety. Ray, besides being a close friend for many years, is a superb card magician.

Ion Man – This is actually a no move coin trick but it is easy to do and is a nice thing to carry in your pocket.

Ban-Nihilation – The plot is based on Cameron Francis’ Annihilation Deck but the method is totally different.

Four Sided Gemini – A spectator finds the Aces. Same technique as Collusion but with a different plot.

Perrenial – John’s take on the Birthday card trick. (This is one you will definitely use).

Conclusions: This is definitely a keeper. I made the mistake or watching it through the first time without a deck of cards in hand. Please learn from my mistake. There is a wealth of easy to do magic on this disk. Like all of John’s stuff, this scores a solid 5 out of 5.

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