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John Bannon: Sizzle Review

One DVD, nine specially printed cards, two effects and $27 bucks. Is it gem or is it rubble? Stay tuned to find out.

Effect

The main effect is the standard type of packet trick effect. You show the backs of the cards changing colors multiple times; then show that the faces all change at the end. Watch the ad trailer to get a sense of how this looks. The trailer shows Bannon using a bunch of Three of Heart cards. However, the set you'll uses Jokers instead. One at a time show three Jokers each with a different colored back. Then the other three Jokers (total of six) all change to have the same colored back as one of the Jokers.

One at a time time, the set of three Jokers change to match the color of the back of another Joker. Then as a kicker, the cards are shown to have changed to all have different backs. Then the faces all change to be a Royal Flush in Spades rather than Jokers. Everything is examinable. The second effect — the bonus — is a very convincing prediction of a selected card.

This is a modification/variation of Alex Elmsley's effect, Dazzle.

Method

The method for the main effect relies on straight up Sleight of Hand. Bannon's Bullet Display and/or the Elmsley Count and the Hamman Count are all the moves needed to perform this. You'll, of course, need the special cards that are supplied with the DVD as well. The Elmsley and Hamman counts are standard card moves, and the Bannon display is a variation of the Elmsley count, so it's essentially a standard card move as well. If you can do an Elmsley, you can do the Bannon move.

This is totally legitimate and doable and within the grasp of any sleight of hand performer. You'll need to practice, but this is nothing difficult. The second effect is actually self-working and uses a couple of ideas that when combined are extremely clever. This is the most deceptive X-ing the Cut force I've ever seen. This effect is within the grasp of any performer and is suitable for magic or mentalism or mental magic.

Ad Copy Integrity

The written ad copy is 100% accurate except for the hyperbole found in the way spectators may react (e.g., " . . . an ending so impossible, so utterly unexpected that people may well faint" — I'm guessing they won't really faint). Other than the stuff that is obvious satire, the ad copy is dead on. The effect is as clean and as examinable as they claim. The video ad trailer is also 100% accurate. What you see Liam Montier perform is exactly how it looks in real life.

Product Quality

And it came to pass that there was a mystical creature who, while sporting a magnificent goat-beard, was able to create magic videos of the highest quality. The majestic creature was named Owen Packard. Legend has it that this is where the phrase "pulling an Owen" came from. You know; you've heard it: Tony Hawk is amazing . . . did you see him do that 1440 in the air!? He totally pulled an Owen!

Anyway, the point is that this is a Big Blind Media production, so of course it's well produced, well lit, well mic'd, etc. Additionally, the teaching of the material is detailed and clear. They cover how to do each of the three required moves. Both Liam Montier and John Bannon teach them separately. Bannon also clearly teaches the bonus prediction effect that is performed with a regular deck of cards.

Final Thoughts

If you like the effect shown in the ad trailer, then you'll be very happy with your purchase. It's reasonably priced, easy to do, taught well and comes with everything you need to perform it. Additionally, you'll likely be very interested in the bonus prediction effect and his method for taking an old force and making it much more convincing.

Final Verdict:
5 Stars with a Stone Status of GEM!

4 Comments

  • william lainsbury says:

    This to my mind is the finest packet trick I have bought and used since Dirty Deal(Ken brooke sold this in the 60″s)..None of the moves are difficult to master and if they were the effect is so strong the work is well worth it. This review is spot on and SIZZLE earns its stars and stripes as given. Great in every sense of the word.

    Billy Benbo

    • Jeff Stone says:

      @BB – I don’t think I’ve ever seen a John Bannon effect/product that wasn’t super solid.

      • william Lainsbury says:

        Have to agree. His two books show the quality and depth of his thinking and maybe under sell is the right word for his effects/routines.

        • Jeff Stone says:

          @BB – Yep. He was one of the original magicians I cut my teeth on. It was Paul Harris, Jay Sankey and John Bannon. I love the way those guys think.

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