* Indecent by Wayne Houchin

[magokiron]

Ok guys I give you this review, hoping nobody has done it before, and that it may be helpful for some of you.

From the *********** web page:

Full Overview

Here's what your spectator sees: a card is selected from any deck. It's a free choice-- no force. Signed. The card is then lost in the deck, then shuffled. The cards are then dribbled on top of a sealed Ziploc bag.

Slowly, the bag is lifted up from underneath the chaos of cards to show that one card is sealed INSIDE the bag-- the spectator's signed card.

$19.95 (february 2010)

Running time: approx. 40 minutes. Explanation time: Approx. 30 minutes.

Ok. I just watched the video, but haven't performed it yet, but these are my impressions:

The video is well produced, with the first part showing some "live" action shots, and the second part taking us to the studio for the "explanation" part.

The sound is ok, no missed words, and the language is clear so everything can be undestood without problems, even for me (remember that english is NOT my mother language).

Now about the effect:

If you ever have done a "card to impossible location" (I have performed lots of those along the years), you already know how good a reaction these kind of tricks have.

***********'s Indecent by Wayne Houchin is just one more approach to that.

But wait, there are good things about this trick.

1. The trick ONLY uses a deck of cards, a pencil, pen, or permanent marker (and you can skip the signed card part, if you wish), and a ziplock bag.

2. There are NO GIMMICKS to worry about.

3. There AREN'T any "difficult sleights" to learn, and the simple "control" needed is fully explained and within the possibilities of a beginner in cardmagic.

4. The effect is clean and direct. No misinterpretation or confusion for the audience, and EXACTLY what the ad said.

5. Everything is examinable, you start "clean" and end "clean".

6. The expectator CAN KEEP the signed card inside the plastic bag as a souvenir.

7. There isn't "reset time". If you work in a restaurant, you can walk to the next table, bring a new plastic bag and you're ready to go.

Sounds good?

Well I found a couple of drawbacks too:

1. It has some bad angles.

2. The control explained is very simple (not to say it doesn't work, is a good method), but of course you can substitute your favorite method, as long as it brings the selected card to the desired position.

3. The "secret move" neccessary may not appeal to everyone. It seems curious to me that working in a bar or a restaurant, the author didn't pointed out the simple way to obtain the stuff just rearanging some dishes and glases "So that everybody can have a better view" (sorry, can't explain it better without giving away a good deal of the secret, but if you know the effect, you will know what I mean).


All in all, I think this is a PRACTICAL effect, worth the asking price (I'm sure I have wasted much more money with unpractical stuff that end in the bottom of the drawer), and I know that I will try this pretty soon in my proffesional work, as soon as I buy a packet of the required ziplock bags.

The "you may keep the card and bag as a souvenir" part has a strong appeal to a working professional, just find the way to attach YOUR card to the mix so the volunteer will remember you for a long time.

The extra tips WH gives avery time he explains why he does each phase in a particular way, are very helpful to avoid mistakes and make the trick work.

PLUS, at the end of the video are some credits about other magicians that has explored the "card to bag" effect, and he encourages you to take a look to those works.

I think you will not be dissapointed if you buy this video.

Hope that helps.

[The_Outlaw]

I like this illusion very much, but I have one problem with it.
S****a is just not very sanitary and it's messy i.m.o.
I prefer using a dab of chapstick or magicians wax.

[magokiron]

Actually WH points out that possibility, but he explains as well that it may leave a "tell tale" of the modus operandi.

That's why I suggested the rearanging of dishes and glasses, "to give a better view" or to "make room for the plastic bag", sounds like good reasons to touch the objects on the table and get a little "stuff" to work with.

I think the effect is strong and direct, and well worth a little experimentation until you're happy with it.

Your audience will appreciate it.

Best wishes.

[Eoin Lavery]

ahhhh i can see what you mean, this effect is very good and your review is ver detailed and awesome thanks man

[Jacob Hatfield]

Originally Posted by hexcruncher

ahhhh i can see what you mean, this effect is very good and your review is ver detailed and awesome thanks man

Best way to thank someone is through the THANK YOU button and/or adding to their Rep.

[Eoin Lavery]

Originally Posted by Jacob Hatfield

Best way to thank someone is through the THANK YOU button and/or adding to their Rep.

Sorry about that Jacob. You know we could add a sorry button, Lol
Which is better the thanks button or the rep button?

[Jacob Hatfield]

Originally Posted by hexcruncher

Sorry about that Jacob. You know we could add a sorry button, Lol
Which is better the thanks button or the rep button?

Sorry Buttons are located on your keyboard...duh!


I always say hit the thank you button when you can!

Great review and thoughts on the effect!
This effect is definitely a keeper. Especially for it's great ability to be a spur of the moment miracle.

[Eoin Lavery]

Hold the phone a second
How come MY keyboard does not have this button? Hmmmn?
Is this only on an American keyboard....Or a Mac??
Hmmmn
or is this one you would find in an italian restaurant???

[magokiron]

Thank you guys.

I'm glad this review has been useful for some of you.

I will try to add some other reviews, and will try to follow some kind of consistency.

Are there any form that can be used? (Like ratings for presentation, skill level, clear explanations, etc.)

See you soon.

[GordoTheGreat]

The thing about this effect is that it's amazing AND Impromptu! I have been doing this for a while now and there is always the sight gag of pulling out the baggie that can afford many possible lines and byplay.

It can be a bit angle sensitive, but with those considerations I really like this one!
There are many many uses for s****a in our work and this is a great one.

[retired]

The only problem I have with this effect is the widespread exposure of it on a major video sharing site. This, combined with the fact that you are in effect just purchasing a secret, diminishes its worth.

I think it would have been better if it had only been published within a book.

In fact, I think that a lot of Houchin's stuff is more suited to being released in a book. On the other hand if he makes money selling his effects , more power to him.

Cheers

Jeff

PS: Your review was excellent