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Moneypulation by Lawrens Godon Review:

A few technical sleights, a dozen-ish routines, one DVD and $40 bucks. Is it gem or is it rubble? Stay tuned to find out.

Effect

This is a compilation DVD that focuses on a couple of key sleights and how to use them. The effects you'll learn are pretty standard coin effects: coin productions, vanishes, changes (i.e., Spellbound), Three Fly, etc.

Method

The methods employed are, as the ad copy states, overlooked techniques that are very powerful: The Back Thumb Palm, The Williamson Clip, The Harada Hold along with some more standard things like Classic Palming and so forth.

None of the stuff on this DVD is for beginners, and they're very upfront about that. The ad copy clearly states: "Moneypulation is not a dvd for beginners, but any magicians familiar with intermediate level coin techniques will be able to learn the material taught."

The methods are pretty solid methods overall. Some are a little bit angle-sensitive, but not so sensitive that they are useless. The methods are legitimate and have the potential to create miracles in the right hands. Just keep in mind that some serious work is involved in learning this material. Learning how to go from Williamson Clip to Back Thumb Palm can take the aforementioned "standard" effects to new heights if you're willing to put in the time.

There are a few places where it's kind of obvious where the vanished coin went. But in most cases, it is not obvious. Also, it's not clear (to the spectator) how the coin got there, so there is still a level of deceptiveness.

Ad Copy Integrity

The ad copy is pretty solid. It claims that there are "14 no-gaff routines and techniques[.]" The "no-gaff" part is true, but the "14" needs some explaining. Here's why. There are 12 routines on the DVD. Two of them are not taught. One of the ones not taught is not a coin trick; it's a contact juggling routine. So you're taught 10 routines. However, there's a section that teaches you how to put a coin into Back Thumb Palm, another that teaches how to get out of it, and a third teaches a "flash" production from it. That's three more "techniques."

So yes, the three techniques plus the 12 effects equals 15 - one more than claimed. The three "techniques" are the foundation of almost all of the effects. So the claim is true, but it's not clear. Hopefully the above cleared things up.

I also appreciate the honesty of pointing out that it works for "most" close up situations, and that it's best for coin work at "chest height." Bonus points for being upfront about that.

Product Quality

The DVD is well produced for sure. It's done with no speaking. It's all performed and taught by using close up shots and the semi-frequent text on the screen. During some of the performances, I did have a small issue with the way they shot it. It seemed like there were way too many quick cuts, and they often happened at the exact moment when magic was happening. You know the cut . . . the jerky cut where the performer appears to be a bit closer or a bit farther away from the camera.

That's a bit annoying to watch, but it's even more frustrating when it happens right when a coin is appearing/vanishing/etc. It makes it harder to see the full effect. Also, during a lot of the footage, it would change from Black and White to Color or vice versa. That was annoying to watch as well.

However, the teaching technique was done well. They would show Godon slowly walking through the moves from an exposed viewpoint. Then they would immediately follow that with a full performance done in slow motion without the quick jerky cuts. I do, however, think that $40 is a little on the pricey side for this.

Final Thoughts

In order to learn this material, you'll definitely be stopping the DVD and rewinding a lot. You'll need to if you want to be able to fully absorb the material and master it. This will take a serious time investment on your part. Watch the trailer. If you want to perform the types of effects found there and you're willing to do the work, then you'll be happy with this purchase. The ad trailer accurately depicts the way the effects will look.

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

3 Comments

  • Dr. J. says:

    Great review Jeffu!

    I will try to clarify the Harada Hold thing for you here. The technique is the brainchild of the Japanese magician Daisuke Harada. About 10 years ago he put out a DVD titled “Harada Hold” which had Japanese and English menus (poorly translated) and the production quality was not fantastic, but the technique is clearly explained. This was another of the text – based, no – talk teaching.

    It created quite the stir among coin magicians when it was released. The technique is not at all easy to “master” but it is easy to understand, if that makes sense. It is an advanced move/technique, it looks very good when used properly but is not necessarily usable in every situation because while the angles are pretty good, it is not angle proof.

    The quote from Eric Jones on this DVD sums up the difficulty of the move and even though I can do all the individual moves themselves quite well (I am, after all, a coin magic specialist/geek), after four years of practice I still cannot do a M***le P**s directly into Harada Hold.

    That said, I do use a lot of the material on this disk in my stand up work and others in my parlor show – very good and commercial stuff.

    If anyone else is reading my little commentary here, has this DVD and likes it and/or uses any of the material, look for a Volume 2 in the future; Lawrens is gearing up for it!

    Keep up the good work Jeff!

    • Jeff Stone says:

      @Dr. J – Thanks for the info brother. I can’t even imagine a M***le P**s into Harada . . . that seems impossible. If you ever master it, send me a video. 🙂

  • Dr. J. says:

    I forgot to mention that the Harada Hold DVD these days can still be found but it seems like it is getting harder to find. Check dealers that carry older stock and those that buy and sell used items.

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