I don't like the term "self-working" because it implies that you don't have to practice, exert effort and make it your own. But yes, the gimmick does most of the work, and the video is very good, which will help you through the moves. The hardest move is probably the force, which isn't very hard.
I wouldn't call any $40 trick one for beginners though. If I were spending $40 as a beginner, I'd probably spend it on DVD's or something else that focuses on technique and features multiple effects.