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Richard Griffin: The Matrix Pad Review

One DVD, two sticky pads, two gimmicks and $30 bucks. Is it gem or is it rubble? Stay tuned to find out.

Effect

Draw a dot on each of the four corners of a post-it note. One at a time move the dots magically to gather in one corner. Tear off the sticky note and give it away.

Method

The method relies on a simple gimmick and a simple move. However, I found that mine was not 100% reliable. There are a few special somethings that you have to put on the note pad. They are supplied. However, when I did the secret move for the final dot to move, I found that on more than one occasion the little special something would fall off. I actually lost one of the special somethings — they're very small.

The overall handling is very good and relatively simple. If the gimmicks were a bit "stronger" (if you know what I mean), then I would feel more confident. Being extremely careful and aware of the gimmicks is helpful, and maybe with more practice they'll become more reliable, but the one secret move at the end is the kind of thing that if you bump the pad the wrong way, you're gonna lose your little secret somethings. The good news, in this case, is that if the gimmick dislodges during this final move, it doesn't impact the effect.

However, I also found that on a few occasions they fell off during performance. This is bad. I was able to get it to work most of the time without the special somethings falling off. Something like this has to 100% reliable during the main part of the effect or else the effect is ruined.

Ad Copy Integrity

The ad copy is very accurate. They did show an edited performance. However, to me it felt like they were protecting the method, rather than being dishonest. On the DVD, they show an uncut performance, and frankly, I thought they could have shown that in the trailer as well. However, the one they show in the trailer is accurate.

Product Quality

The DVD is produced well. It's easy to navigate, well lit, well mic'd and well taught. Other than the previously mentioned issues with the gimmicks falling off occasionally, the included gimmicks and notepads are also well made.

He covers everything you need to know to perform the routine, including how to make another gimmick if you need to. Included is the stuff to make another gimmick.

Final Thoughts

This is the kind of thing that's relatively easy to carry around. However, there are some risks of the gimmicks dislodging while in your pocket. He gives you a way to prevent that, but it does add a step to the performance. You have to start to draw the dots on the sticky note then pretend to mess up and throw away that sheet of paper. That's a relatively small price to pay to be able to keep the gimmicks secure in your pocket. If the above mentioned things don't scare you off, then you'll likely be happy with this.

Final Verdict:
3 Stars with a Stone Status of gem (with a little g).