Random I-Tunes Song of The Moment: I Won't Be Home No More by Hank Williams
MindSight by Andreu Review
Two props, 1 book, 74 pages, and $75 bucks. Is it gem or is it rubble? Stay tuned to find out.
Effect
The basic effect is (as seen in the trailer) is kind of a game of 20 questions, but really a game of only 4 (ish) questions. A spectator looks at a list of objects and thinks of one. Then you ask him a few yes or no questions that he never verbally answers. Rather, he places a mysterious object (whatever you have handy) in his left hand for "no" or his right hand for "yes."
Your back is turned while he chooses which hand. You then turn around to face him, "get your feelings and impressions" and then turn around again. You then ask another question, rinse and repeat. After several minutes of this, you divine what object he was thinking of.
This is the main piece, humbly titled, Andreu's Direct Mindreading Masterpiece. After exploring this concept (more in "Method" below), 3 more main effects are explored using the same method. Using the basic method, you can divine: 1) A thought of ESP card, 2) A thought of emotion or 3) the spectator's astrological sign. You certainly would not want to do all of these in one set . . . just one please.
Method
The method relies on a clever binary system, and one of many methods for secretly divining what hand is holding the mysterious object. This method is the basic foundation for the rest of the effects explored throughout the book. Many methods for discovering the hand that holds the object are taught, some more clever and practical than others, but you'll definitely find one that you can and will do (if you like this type of effect).
The method varies slightly depending on which effect you are doing. The way the method is used can range from heavy memorization to relying on simple cue cards and everything in between. Other than the amount of memorization that may be needed, this method is very doable. However, there are cases where you will have to write things down in order to keep it all straight while performing.
Also, though he refers to this as a binary system, there are a few applications taught where it's actually a ternary system (a.k.a., trinary system). Again, in most cases, you'll need a crib sheet and/or something to write on during the performance. Other than that, the methods are very workable. You'll just need to be quick on your feet.
The only "sticking point" with the method(s) I may have is the fact that in many cases you have to give very specific instructions that if not understood by the spectator can end with you looking a bit foolish.
Ad Copy Integrity
The ad copy is solid. They even mention the fact that there are base 3 (and base 4) systems in use in the book, though the book itself does not mention this explicitly. Everything explained in the effects and the ad copy is accurate.
Product Quality
The books printed nicely with an easy to use table of contents. Everything is explained clearly and easy to understand. There are plenty of charts, diagrams, etc. to make the explanations even clearer. The props that come with the book look great and are made of a durable plastic that will last a long time. Further, each of 4 (ish) effects taught are taught in great depth. First the basic idea is covered, then further and deeper sections and angles and ideas and variations are covered. I was very happy with the teaching quality . . . not too deep and not too shallow . . . very Goldilocks . . . just right.
Final Thoughts
Let's be clear about the basic premise: You have the spectator think of something. You ask some yes or no questions. The answer "yes" or "no" in their mind (essentially). You then discover (secretly) the answer (yes or no). That answer leads you to the thought of object. The effect, to the spectator, is that you somehow figured out if they were thinking yes or no. Sometimes (maybe even oftentimes) the effect will be that you divined yes or no, AND you divined the thought of object. Other times, the "realize" that all you did was deduce or "fish" for the answer with your yes/no questions. But it's still "magical" because they never told you if they were thinking yes or no.
I hope that all made some sense. The question you have to decide (based on the trailer and my description) is whether or not this is the kind of material that you like and would do. If so, then know this: this type of mentalism is the kind of stuff that (once you've mastered it) can be done pretty much at anytime as long as you have a sheet of paper handy (depending on which effect you're doing).
It has a lot of potential to be that reputation maker you're looking for. However, you must be a strong performer, stronger than Andreu was in his own trailer. His performance was very dry, boring, and very hard to watch. This is a performance piece. It requires your skills as an entertainer more than anything else. If you think you've got the personality and the discipline to master these effects, you'll have some solid material to add to your repertoire.
You just need to figure out if you want to spend $75 to get there.
Final Verdict:
4 Stars with a Stone Status of Gem.