Random I-Tunes Song of The Moment: All Cried Out By Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam

For $40 bucks you get a fun (though a bit pricey) effect with with a solid emotional hook, a stack of blank cards and a PDF with the photographs you need.

Basic effect: You claim that your child is learning card tricks. Two cards are chosen (one is a totally free choice). You show a photograph of your child holding a homemade playing card that matches one of the "selections." You then produce from your pocket (wallet, picture frame, etc.) another card that your child made. It matches the freely named (no force) card. Good effect; good emotional hook; good method;

I only have two complaints about this product, and they're minor. The first is a very common thing I'm seeing from RSVP videos. It seems to be more and more common to have the main person (the creator of the effect) teach the effects with a side-kick or co-host if you will. That's not a new idea, but what seems to happen on the RSVP videos more than others is that the co-host is more of a hindrance than a help. While Congreave is trying to explain and teach the effect, it would seem that his co-host would talk over him, interrupt him and cause minor distractions that made the learning a bit more complicated. I think it would have been a bit cleaner and more efficient if Congreave would have been by himself, of if the co-host were a bit more passive. It distracts from the learning, but no to the point that you can't learn.

Secondly, I do think the effect is a bit on the pricey side. You're essentially getting one trick with multiple ways to do it. The extra cards and pdf that you get don't quite justify the $40 price tag.

However, having said all that, it is an effect that I think is worthy of consideration. As Congreave correctly points out in the explanation, the premise that you're teaching your child (or niece, nephew, etc.) a card trick breaks down barriers.

The ad copy is honest and accurate. You learn methods for beginning and advanced level magicians, methods with load wallets, regular wallets, no wallets, palming methods, no palming methods, methods with the photograph, methods without, etc.

Considerations: For all versions, you need at least one (some versions require two) deck of cards that is specially prepared. It's a one time preparation that'll take you about 30 minutes. The deck cannot be examined and cannot be used for other effects.

I really believe that this effect is exactly what it claims to be and that the method is within the reach of pretty much any level magician. If you like the effect and the considerations listed above don't bother you, then you'll be happy with your purchase. The DVD is well made; the photos are sharp; the 26 cards are standard bicycle stock (rider back); the teaching is clear (barring the few distractions by the co-host). The product is solid all the way around. If the DVD were about $10 cheaper I likely would have given it a full 5 stars.

Final Verdict:
4.5 Stars with a Stone Status of Gem.