Magic Tricks

Ok, as you know from my reviews, I'm a big fan of Paul Gordon. But in the interest of being totally honest in my reviews, Middle Earth is just not my favorite.

Middle Earth is a sandwich effect that any intermediate magician (or experienced beginner) can perform. I'm torn because it's actually a good trick... but there's something about it that just isn't working with me. Not sure if it's the presentation or what. I just feel like it's lacking something. There a a few easy moves the magician will have to make... nothing major. I can't quite put my finger on why I'm not into this trick. All I know is when I watched the demo and the method, I was like "meh" the entire time.

If I was brand-spanking new to this, I think this would have impressed me more.

Anyway, I give Paul 3.5 stars for this trick. Mind you, 4 stars is generally what I'll give any really good card trick, as I generally reserve 5s for visually mind blowers. I docked a half star just because I just feel like this trick doesn't do anything for me... for Paul, I think it's not as impressive as his other tricks. However, I didn't take off a whole star because the fact is that Paul does do a fine job of teaching it. I'm always impressed with his knowledge of sleights as well as who the sleights came from.

In a nutshell:
1. If you're a beginner, get this trick. Consider this a 4 star trick (on my scale anyway). Intermediates and up, it's up to you, but you might feel a little "meh" about it like me.
2. The price - a little high for what you get. It's not wayyy over priced, but I think a little bit. This $9.95 trick would have felt more right at $5.95.
3. The trick itself isn't bad... perhaps with re-thinking the presentation, this has some real potential. Just my opinion guys. I know some of you will love this trick. To each his own.
4. Would I perform this? Sure, I guess. Once I figured out a presentation that fit my style.

(By the way, I always try to be honest and straightforward in my reviews, while being respectful to the magician. If you appreciate my reviews, can you please click the "Yes" button below beside the question, "Did this review help you?" It's not like I actually benefit in any way by your clicking it... but it would be nice to see if my reviews are helpful or not. I hope they are. If you ever have suggestions or comments or questions about my reviews, please feel free to leave me a constructive comment. I'm just trying to be helpful. I love the Penguin community and hope that I can someday contribute my own product. :-) Thanks for reading and for any (hopefully positive, but either way, at least kind) feedback!)