Reviewed by Sam Fitton
These two effects have the potential to become classics in the modern mind readers repertoire.
‘Voice Prophecy’ strikes a bewildering prediction effect straight into the stomach of your audience whilst ‘CellularOracle’ follows a gentle and all together more traditional ‘Mind Reading’ plot. Both effects utilise mobile phones or ‘cell phones’ and these act, as Patrick explains in the method, as the gimmick you always have on you. So bearing this in mind you need not have a swami gimmick or fancy sharpie marker. Nor do you need a special wallet or ‘out to lunch’ in your back pocket. You are ready, ‘any time, any place’ to perform these well constructed pieces of mentalism.
‘Cellular Oracle’ is the first effect to be explained and I must say I thought this method was rather cheeky. It
requires a little preshow work and some knowledge of mobile devices but this is explained thoroughly using
multiple devices as examples. The effect (in a nut shell) enables the performer to physically describe the last
person that called your spectator. You then name that person. Finally you have your spectator ring that person and ask them to name any number between 0-9. The performer then rings his/her own friend (on speaker phone) and the same question is posed. The performer’s friend names the same number.
The method albeit cheeky is very clever and I was really impressed with Patricks ability to explain not only the effect but alternative ideas, notions and psychological subtleties. As mentioned previously some pre-show work has to be done to get the most out of this effect and prior knowledge of multiple ‘cell phone’ devices is advantageous if not essential. Taking this into account it is not by any means a ‘self working’ miracle that you can whip out at a moments notice however with much practice and rehearsal I imagine it could become much easier to perform.
'Cellular Oracle' makes the link between magic and technology, blending the idea that we are some
how ‘all connected.’ I like this thought and it is a great premise to construct an effect around. The patter for the
effect follows this idea and I’d say it’s a nice routine for those that are looking to combine a number of basic
principles of ‘mind reading.’ However I can’t help but think this effect will take 2nd place to…
‘Voice Prophecy’ is wonderful. From the minute I saw the demo I wanted to have a go and the method doesn’t
disappoint. The effect is simple: You have your spectator name any 3 digit number or playing card and you then
navigate to the memo recorder on your ‘cell phone’ and show the spectator a file dated 2 days ago. You ask them
to hit play and the recording is heard out loud, “It’s early in the morning, I will meet someone called (it then names your spectator) and I will make (it names your spectator again) think of the number X.” And every time you are 100% correct.
Again Patrick’s explanation of the method is excellent and he provides a number of tips and alternative scripts that you can use. I was pleased to see that after the main body of explanation Patrick provides solutions to a number of concerns that some people may have regarding the method. I for one had a couple of questions which were answered conclusively in this section. If anything this shows how much thought Patrick has put into this release. The method itself is devilish and yet surprisingly straight forward. It’s the type of method where you have to hold back a big grin whilst you’re performing. Unlike Cellular Oracle the only demand is knowing how to use your own memo recorder. The best way to sum up this effect is by using Patricks own words, ‘Bold but effective.’
Down to Business, if you are not afraid (please excuse the expression) to put your balls on the line for the chance of creating an exceptional piece of mind reading then Cellular Oracle is for you. However, if like me you prefer solid outcomes then Voice Prophecy is more likely to be your thing. Both are well taught and certainly worth the price tag for skilled mentalists.
Price: $24.95 (approx £15)
Available from: http://www.papercranemagic.com/doublefeature.htm
Format: Instant Download (.wmv)
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