Hello everyone- this is a review for Madness Behind the Methods by Simon Lovell. This is a 3 dvd set and its worth every penny! the set has some of Simon's most requested tricks such as Heartless, twisted rose, and sleight of tongue! My favorite trick in this set would have to be "Your number's up" in which you reveal a spectators phone number in a rather creepy way! Those tricks I just named are only on the first DVD! Simon includes a lot of sandwich effects and his story trick- using a full deck of cards!! The dvd not only has great effects on it, it is extremely enjoyable to watch! Trust me when I say, you will NOT be disappointed!

You should also take a look at Simon's other material such as Simon says and the Son of Simon Says! You can take a look at the review for Simon says here: http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......orum=110

All I can say is get this set! you will not regret it!

You can find my review for heartless here: http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......tart=0#2

"Madness behind the Methods" is one of the best of the 'magic makers' produced DVD's. Lovell has an infectious style about him and will keep you entertained throughout the 3 DVD set. He also introduces a lot of his pet card effects as well as his napkin rose routine and patter; great stuff. I could have done without the constant prescence of Rob Stiff though `ala "the art of card splitting".

I found the effects to be largely underwhelming, with the handling not always particularly clean (oil and water effect). This is however a series for the layperson and not full of magician foolers. The effect with the telephone revelation - whilst a nice idea, is rarely going to be practical in the real world, unless pre-show work is done. Similarly, not that many people will be happy destroying their deck for sleight of tongue.

If you are relatively conversed with card effects, you will find little new here. The patter and, off the wall presentations, and one liners are however very enjoyable and give an insight into an alternative presentation style.

This set had some great gems but what it really needed was simon with LIVE REAL LAYMEN AUDIENCE! that's the reason why this set isn't as good as it could be and the man of danger set from Lovell still reigns supreme. don't get me wrong, this set still contains extremely good and commercial cardmagic for laymen, but there is a great risk that you mislook lot of em cos you don't see them presented for laymen. I did, until I saw same things on man of danger set performed in real bar and they fryed! a lot of laymen.

J-M

Thanks for bringing this up

I know Simon and have seen him perform live on many occasions. His material kills! Simon gives you all the moves and all the presentation. What more is there!? Oh, right...get out of your bedroom and actually perform for someone!

That's how you find out whether the material is worthwhile.

Further, who wants a "magician-fooler" anyway? Magicians don't hire magicians. Lay people pay the bills. You hear this a lot from inexperienced or "bedroom mirror" magicians.

I'm all for real pratical magic, and view magician foolers as a waste of time. My comment about magician foolers was to an extent making this point. However suggesting that he gives you all the presentation, whilst correct isn't entirely helpful, since there are very few people who even if they wanted to (which is never a good idea) could get away with Mr Lovell's presentation. What it does however do, is give an insight into alternative presentations and allows a degree of emulation.

With regards to 'bedroom mirror' magicians, his most entertaining effects, as pointed out by crdshark86, also appear to be the least pratical. Few working magicians will be able to afford continually destory decks of cards by covering them in saliva, unless of course you have a specific saliva covered deck for the effect and carry an additional one for alternative effects.

As Korttihai, points out it is a shame that all the effects aren't performed infront of lay people. Sleight of tongue, which I believe I'm correct in thinking is the only one filmed infront of laypeople, gives a glimpse of how successful Mr Lovell's presentations are at entertaining the audience. My only other Magic Makers purchase on cards (Sal's lecture notes) was also filmed without an audience.

You're absolutely right, ragingcalm. A live audience would have really boosted the DVD's appeal. I also know Sal and his audiences are positively dumbstruck when he performs. He's one of only 2 magicians to ever fool & entertain my wife.

There is some great material on this set!

Guys, guys. I do not need to see how an audience reacts. All I ned is for the magician to perform the effect for me....I am the audience. It either impresses me or it doesn't and that is where I make my decision not from some audience which are some times paid (sometimes) don't jump on me here. Seeing the effect performed then viewing the procedure is the best way to decide. Of course this is my opinion, and we all know about opinions.

John (acesover)

As life plays, I just got it as a present . . . lucky me

Now that's magic.

Yessiirrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Sorry-- I can not give my money to Magic Makers. Check out his videos. I believe they are called Man of Danger. It is him performing in New York Bars. It is video not DVD. Simon's stuff is great, I just can not support anything by Magic Makers. Do not overlook old videos, there are a lot of hiden gems out there.

It is a Phenommenal DVD set. You are missing out on gold if you don't have it.

Simon if you see this note I have a question. Was Rob Stiff drunk during the taping ?

You NYC monday night magic pal

Pablo