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CineMental (Gimmick and Online Instructions) by Nikolas Mavresis


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"I thought I knew what was going on... then that second phase, phenomenal!"
- Tom Elderfield

"Simple, strong, powerful!"
- Fraser Parker

Nikolas Mavresis' Cinemental is a blockbuster two-phase mentalism routine that will leave your spectators begging for a sequel.

The first phase gives you the power to reveal any movie your spectator has selected under test conditions. They select a movie, they shuffle it back in, and without ever needing to look at the cards, you know exactly the movie they are thinking of. No marks, no peeks, you can even perform this blindfolded.

But it gets even better! In the second phase, you make an open prediction and the spectator deals cards face up, freely stopping at any point they want. Without any switching of any kind, the card they've stopped at ALWAYS matches your prediction. No multiple outs, and there are is only one prediction ever in play. Once you know the secret, you'll smile to yourself at how clever the method truly is.

"I was involved in the visual design of the Cinemental deck, but had nothing to do with the actual effect. The way the Cinemental deck works is a great combination of different methods that allows a killer one -two punch that will fry spectators."
- Phil Smith

  • Unique movie artwork of well-known classic films designed by Phil Smith
  • Quality cards printed by USPCC
  • A super easy-to-do method - it's almost self-working!
  • Two and three phase versions included in the instructions
  • No fishing, no multiple outs, no progressive anagrams of any kind
  • No markings, no Svengali, no rough and smooth
  • No peaking at any point
  • No sleight of hand required
  • Prediction effect that utilizes a unique method that has fried even the most seasoned magicians and mentalists.
  • Perfect for close-up, parlor, strolling or street magic.
Cinemental packages the familiar hook of classic movies, the unique art designs of Phil Smith, and the craftiness of Nikolas Mavresis into a blockbuster experience that your spectators won't soon forget.

Cinemental, now playing in a magic shop near you.

"The first time I saw this I was fooled pretty badly. As a magician it's really easy to think there is more going on. The genius of this method is its simplicity. It puts you so far ahead that it feels almost self-working and lets you really focus on performance and presentation. A modern day classic."
- Jason Knowles

"Cinemental is a brilliant two-punch Mentalism piece that fooled the #%@#$ out of me. I simply had no clue as to the method, and when you see the method you will laugh out loud and hit yourself. It's genius!"
- John Carey

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Customer Reviews (showing 1 - 10 of 28)
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Loving this. Gorgeous Deck & 2 methods that cancel each other out. Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on February 13th, 2020
Just got this today. First off, this is a gorgeous deck designed by Phil Smith. So many "movie cards" are either just the poster or cheap cardboard -- this deck is beautifully designed to evoke key conceptual elements of the film. Can't say enough about the design. The methods employed won't necessarily be new to many magicians but the way in particular one of the methods is executive is truly inspired and almost hiding in plain sight. I think this will be a lot of fun perform, something different from a standard deck, and offers a universally loved theme. While it will take some "practice," there is nothing difficult about the routine and no sleights are involved. Thanks to Nikolas and Phil!
9 of 10 magicians found this helpful.
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Jezz I love this... Report this review
Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on February 6th, 2020
I didn’t get this from Penguin, but... This is a method I’ve never seen before! This fooled the pants off me! I watched the instructions to this and I smiled... (Joker Smile) I cant wait to get my hands on this! 10/10
9 of 11 magicians found this helpful.
Did this review help you? 2 comments
Do yourself a favor and get this now! Report this review
Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on February 24th, 2020
The printing and design of the cards are fabulous. It looks like a souvenir deck but in good quality because it is printed by USPCC. It doesn’t feel or look like a magic prop at all. The deck also comes in a matching design box so it indeed enhances the overall theme nicely. The decks come in 2 parts, each serving a different purpose. The principles are camouflaged in a very clever way. As the effects are enveloped in the theme of movies, there are many presentational angles possible with human sensory reception. Since the trick is self-working, some performers may be tempted to rush the effects. Never do this! Since the method is well hidden, the effects should not be rushed at all.
7 of 8 magicians found this helpful.
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Genius!!! Report this review
Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on February 6th, 2020
Just finished watching the explanation. I have no words! The method (especially for the 2nd phase) is ingenious. I will certainly add this to my parlour set.
6 of 6 magicians found this helpful.
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An Ingenious Routine with Dramatic Theme Report this review
Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on February 20th, 2020
Here is my in-depth review of CineMental by Nikolas Mavresis

**REVIEW PHILOSOPHY**

When I review a product, I’d like to judge the product by itself alone. I will try to put myself into readers’ shoes and give the most honest review.

I paid full price of the product, and come with no affiliation with any magicians or dealers, thus as a consumer I want my readers to have full information about the thing they may be getting.

I will provide what is not said on the advertisement and details beyond the product itself.

If the product is good, I say it out loud. At the same time, if there is bad about the product, I don’t hesitate at all to say it.

I believe by giving you the most transparent information, you will have better knowledge to judge.

Helping my readers is my biggest goal with this review.

**WHAT YOU GET?**

You’ll get a custom deck of cards in the movie theme. The artworks on the cards are abstract representation of different famous classic movies, designed by Phil Smith

A link to the online tutorial is also included in the box.

**QUALITY OF THE GIMMICK**

The printing and design of the cards are fabulous. It looks like a souvenir deck but in good quality because it is printed by USPCC. It doesn’t feel or look like a magic prop at all. The deck also comes in a matching design box so it indeed enhance the overall theme nicely.

The decks come in 2 parts, each serving a different purpose. The principles are camouflaged in a very clever way, though it’s not original because there is gimmick deck (MSP by Anton James) out there using the exact same system. But I like this deck better because movies are meaningful and it’s easier to remember.

By the way, since the whole deck is necessary for the routine to work, you may want to keep it off from table where people have put the drinks on, because it may make the deck wet.

All in all, I am satisfied with what I receive. The quality, design, and the secrets of the deck are all top-notch in industry.

**QUALITY OF THE TUTORIAL**

The effect is well explained in the 41 minutes & 34 seconds long video. It is shot in a studio from a straight-ahead angle mainly, with occasional closeup shots. Though the video quality is nice, but it is too closeup so that sometimes you cannot see the deck on the table at all. Most of the shots are at chest level.

Length (minutes) of the main parts (I literally counted):

Introduction- 0:49

In Studio Performance- 4:38

Explanation- 13:35

Multiple Spectators Performance- 3:38

Multiple Spectators Explanation- 4:26

Live Performance- 4:42

Additional Ideas- 7:57

Final Thoughts- 4:16

‘In Studio Performance’ starts with a performance in studio for a single spectator. It is the main routine and was performed brilliantly. Even I am aware of the principles involved, I was still fooled because the performance is so smooth. You can return to this section later to learn about how to enhance your performance. However, one thing I am not particularly satisfied is the shuffle at the start of the effect. That was not convincing.

In ‘Explanation', the main routine is explained in details. The explanation is very clear. However, when they mentioned about the cue card, they are distracted by the card box and start talking about how nice the box is without going in-depth what the performer should do with the cue card if something is forgot. The solution maybe obvious to some learners but I would expect they give at least a way to learners with less experience.

In addition, when they talk about the setup, it sounds they are rushing and the reason is not very well explained (maybe they are too excited to go into teaching the effect). You will have no problem at learning how to set up but you may wonder why.

In ‘Multiple Spectators Performance’, a second routine using one part of the deck is performed. It is a well thought-out routine and the principle is well disguised.

In ‘Multiple Spectators Explanation’, the second routine is taught with good details. There is a nice subtlety taught to make a secret maneuver easy to do. It’s a nice touch that I’ve never seen before. There are also other small details discussed. All in all, I am quite satisfied with this session.

The live performance is not particular impressive but nice to have.

In ‘Additional Ideas’, one idea about what should be done when the performer forgot writing the prediction is taught. The idea is interesting but it’s not particularly elegant as the idea sounds very ad hoc. Then some ideas of shuffle are discussed. However, it’s not much helpful and I am quite surprised that they even forgot the name of Charlier Shuffle. Overall, I don’t think this session is very helpful to learners because it’s neither inspiring or deep enough.

To conclude, the production quality of the tutorial is OK-ish good as information is enough for learners to understand the secret and routines. Both effects are impressive. But there are more to be done with camera-work and idea session.

**DIFFICULTY**

The routines are almost self-working though some memory works are involved.

There is no sleight-of-hands involved at all if you skip the shuffle. Beginners can do it almost immediately once they know the secret. (You don’t have to remember anything if you use the cue card)

**PERFORMANCE ANGLE**

There is no angle issue at all.

**CLOTHING REQUIREMENT**

There is no strict requirement for clothing. But you may want to have pocket accessible to you.

**ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT**

I will include my analysis of the effect in my product review. In this analysis, I will present my view on the strength and weakness of the effect. And will also go deeper with magic theory in mind.

Both routines in the tutorial looks like mental magic. As the effects are enveloped in the theme of movies, there are many presentational angles possible with human sensory reception. Since the trick is self-working, some performers may be tempted to rush the effects. Never do this! Since the method is well hidden, the effects should not be rushed at all. Good presentation can make this trick from good to great.

On the other hand, it’s a trick about movie but not all of us are movie lovers. Therefore, there is an inherited weakness in this effect that audience may not have emotional attachment to what they are seeing. Therefore, it’s better to pick audience who loves movie. You can ask before starting the effect.

**PERFORMING TIPS**

* Emphasizing that you don’t touch the shuffled cards at all, you can allow audience to deal cards on the table and still be able to know the selection. This approach is completely hands-off and will fool even magicians.
* It’s better to cut a few cards from bottom to top of the deck in the 2nd phase. This makes the phase more safe with bigger leeway.
* You don’t have to reveal the movie by naming it, you can play the music or even show the trailer in some creative ways to make the revelation more dramatic.

**PROS ABOUT THE EFFECT**

* The deck is super clever
* Strong routine with unique presentation
* The price is very reasonable
* The deck can be used for other routines

**CONS ABOUT THE EFFECT**

* Many parts of the tutorial can be improved

**FINAL VERDICT**

The product is nicely produced and the secret is very clever.

There are at least few things you can use with this deck and thus it is not a one-trick pony.

There is no difficult sleight-of-hand involved and therefore suitable for any levels of performers.

I am satisfied with the quality of the product. At US$35, it is bang for bucks for this amazing effect.

Product Quality: 10/10

Video Quality: 7/10

Effectiveness of Tricks: 10/10

Practical: 9/10

Creativity: 10/10

Cost Performance: 10/10

Final Score: 9.5/10

Thank you for reading.

Alex Magic Review
5 of 5 magicians found this helpful.
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A great effect - just one ask Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on February 23rd, 2020
For my style of work. This is one of these effects I see as as a perfect interstitial beat between my main routines.

Right when my audience is thinking there's no way he can top the last card trick. I can turn to Cinemental and stun them again in a very unexpected and magical way.

My only ask is the publisher release auxiliary gaffs.
4 of 4 magicians found this helpful.
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Amazing effect and gimmick. Get this ASAP ! Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on February 19th, 2020
Love this trick!
1 - The craftsmanship of the cards is amazing.
2 - The trick is very versatile: Comprises of different phases and there are different ways you can perform this to suit your personal routine style (extra suggestions in the instruction video as well)
3 - Reactions are always great

Μπράβο Νίκο, είσαι μάγκας !
4 of 4 magicians found this helpful.
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Already using this Report this review
Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on February 15th, 2020
Nikolas showed me this about 4 months ago while lecturing in Athens. I bought the trick from him. He fooled me badly with this. When he said: "and now shuffle the cards" I was like "really"!?. And that was not all. He proceeded with phase 2 where the method is so clever. Never seen anything like that before. This went straight into my set. Highly recommended!
4 of 4 magicians found this helpful.
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Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on February 7th, 2020
Innovating trick! Guaranteed to leave your spectators amazed for weeks. It seems so clean, it's amazing. Another thing I like is that the movies that are used are well known. Great buy!!
4 of 4 magicians found this helpful.
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Cinemental by Nicolas Mavresis Report this review
Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on February 6th, 2020
I think Cinemental is one of the best close up mentalism effects that have been created. It is super practical, it does not require sleight of hand and the method is super clever. I definately recommend it!!!!!!
4 of 4 magicians found this helpful.
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