Random I-Tunes Song of The Moment: Sometimes She Cries by Warrant

For $30 bucks you get a solid Monte routine with all the needed props and a very thorough training DVD.

Let me start by saying that I've never been a fan of the Three Card Monte plot. Let me also say that I'm extremely picky when it comes to the type of magic I perform. So as usual, my review will be less based on the fact that this is a Monte routine and more focused the quality of the product.

General Quality:

Watch the video and read the ad copy. It's 100% accurate and legitimate. If you like the video, you'll like the product, cards, etc. The product quality is excellent, and the cards are made on Bicycle stock Mandolin Backs.

Teaching Quality

I don't personally know Garrett Thomas, but I've always liked what I've seen from him. His kind of a quirky funny guy and seems like the kind of guy I would totally get along with, and I'm as picky about my friends as I am with the type of magic I do. On this DVD, you get a thorough and complete education from this quirky funny guy that I like. The only complaint I have about the education section is that because he is so familiar with the moves (that comes from doing it a lot) he tends to move through the teaching section a bit too fast. This makes learning it a bit more difficult than it should be.

During the education section, there would be flashbacks to the performance section to help you see what was being taught in action. I really like this concept and wish more teaching videos would use this.

Additional Thoughts

Many of Monte effects of this type (where you place a card down on the table, and it magically changes to another card) use the type of gaffed cards used in Skinner's Ultimate 3 Card Monte. This version, however, does not use those gaffs. This, in my opinion, is a definite plus. The gaffs used in this version allow for some very clean displays. Additionally, the handling sequence taught on the DVD is very deceptive and completely masks the gaff. The effect is one of the better Monte effects (again, keeping in mind that I'm not a fan of the Monte plot). Also, Mr. T's presentation is the "right" one. It's one where you show the audience what the Monte guys do . . . rather than making the audience member the loser for guessing the wrong card every time.

So, learn that from his presentation. Also, learn from his presentation that he goes too fast, and that you should slow it down a bit.

For the price, the fact that you get all the needed props (plus yet another vinyl wallet for your collection) and a thorough DVD, this gets a solid rating. Minus a little bit for the teaching section being a bit too fast paced making the learning process a little painful at times . . .

Final Verdict:
4 Stars with a Stone Status of GEM.