Creator: Cameron Frances
Publisher: Murphy's Magic
MSRP: $ 30
Skill Level: All
DVD Run time: Approximately 25 minutes
Type of effect: 4 stage spectator finds the aces routine
Manufacturer's Write Up:
Cameron Francis' OVER THE TOP is the mother of all card tricks. It is a multi-phased, virtually self-working, juggernaut of magic.
A selection is made and lost in the deck. Then the deck is handed to a willing spectator who proceeds to quiz those watching about the value of the lost card. Based on the crowd's answers your new found friend deals piles of cards onto the table.
The new top card of whatever remains of the deck (still out of your hands remember) is flipped over. Incredibly the spectator has found the selection. But you ain't seen nothing yet... we are only just getting started.
The cards are shuffled and cut. (Remember that - it's important).
Remember those random piles the spectator dealt down earlier? The top cards from each are turned over and IT'S THE THREE MATES OF THE SELECTION!
Before your audience can react, you also reveal that the spectator found THE FOUR ACES!
BUT THAT'S NOT ALL... THEY ALSO FOUND THE FOUR ROYAL FLUSH SETS. IN ORDER. All from a shuffled deck, and all in the hands of your spectator.
But OVER THE TOP doesn't end there. You still have one more incredible, unbelievable climax... It's insanely cool that your spectator found all those cards from out of a shuffled deck, especially when they flip the remaining cards over and discover that the rest of the pack is BLANK!!!
That's not just mind blowing magic... it's OVER THE TOP!
Just as perfect for a small intimate group as a full blown stage show, Over The Top is the kind of trick that makes reputations. Cameron Francis has used it as his set closer for years, and even picked it to be the center piece in his Magic Castle act in 2013.
As Cameron says "If I had to pick just ONE trick to perform and I was going all-guns-blazing to impress... I'd definitely pick Over The Top!'
How accurate is the ad copy? The add copy says, The cards are shuffled and cut. (Remember that - it's important). However, only 50% of the cards are "truly shuffled and cut" so you need to be able to know a false shuffle and false cut.
See the actual performance here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7HczGZWM-0
What's in the box? 25 minute DVD and a gimmicked deck
Key points:
* Comes with special USPCC Bicycle Deck
* Super easy - requires almost no skill
How are the production values: Cameron uses the same BBM backdrop library seen in other BBM videos. DVD is well shot with 2 cameras, and good sound. Live performances are upstairs in a loft with real spectators. Teaching moments are done with Liam Montier.
Is it well made: Nice Bicycle brand gaffs
Is it well taught: Cameron fully teaches this effect along with all needed sleights and he even teaches a deck switch.
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" This all fits into a standard deck of cards
Does it "play big?" Cameron likes it so much, he uses it as his closer
Difficulty / Skill level required: Very easy, all you need to know is how to hold a break, how to false shuffle a deck and how to force a single card. (Cameron does teach one method)
How much arts and crafts are involved? Zero - Cameron has built you a working prop that you'll be able to use time and time again.
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) This is best done in a group setting like parlor, close up or party magic.
Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
X Very Satisfied
_____ Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
Everything is great and you get a wonderful product from BBM. The actual effect plays out exactly as described in the write out above.
+ Hey do you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas? Visit this link for my video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rD6jHiT5_2c