Magic Tricks

There's an old saying -- "If it isn't broke, don't fix it."
I'm afraid Colin McLeod, the author of Epiphanies, ignored that wise advice. He claims he has taken seven "classic mentalism effects and tweated them" using other techniques. I think a better word for tweated would be bungled.

There's a reason that classic mentalism effects are classic. Change does not necessarily mean improvement. In my judgment, Mr. McLeod's so-called tweating has made most of them impractical for the working performer.

I can't be specific here without giving away his methods, although, believe me, they're not anything to cherish. Perhaps one can perform such sophomoric methods for family and friends who might be forgiving and smile tolerantly. Paying audiences will not.

Whether the effects described in Epiphanies have been audience tested or not, I leave to the reader's judgment. I have my own opinion. But I can tell you this with confidence -- you can purchase a lot better material for $75.