I recently picked up a copy of 'Brain Games' after previously seeing Max's lecture in Liverpool last
year.
Just to clear things up yes in over 70 pages yes there are 6 adverts, anyone would think
half of the book is adverts the way you guys talk..In any case the products advertised one of them
(The Dictionary Test) I bought at the lecture last year and highly recommend it, The Mind Bag I've
seen up close and plan to purchase in the future too as it is a quality item as are the 4 other
items advertised. Also when you buy any other magic/mentalism book these days more often than not
the authors other products (and often their friends or associates) other books and products are
listed so considering the price of the overall book to criticise a few adverts is a little harsh.
Anyway onto the routines covered:
1) MENTAL MAX - I found this quite interesting
as I've never really delved into the whole binary principle before, looking at it, it's a fairly
simply idea and I can see this being a nice parlour routine to warm an audience up with, especially
if your character is about reading people and perception etc At the same time I can't help thinking
there may be better ways to achieve a similar effect so until I've really tested this one out I will
reserve judgement.
2) SECURE DRAW DUPLICATION - The principle of this is something I have
never been comfortable with, even though I am aware many established performers use it. To me there
has always seemed to be something not quite right about setting a participant up to do something
before the show. After reading Max's presentation and justification on this, I have to say this is
now something I may consider in the future. Also if it were performed following the MIND POKER FACE
routine as a justification for bringing the individual on stage (as Max later recommends) it would
seem all that bit fairer. Definitely a winner here and something I will certainly try out.
3) MIND POKER FACE - I do a similar routine using an electronic device which recently failed me
a couple of times. After reading this I believe this will now replace that routine. I actually
believe this routine combined with the above SECURE DD routine is worth the price of the book alone
and if you're a working mentalist I recommend you check it out on the basis of that.
4)
FOUR CHAIR PREDICTION - After reading this one through, I have to be honest an say I'm not sure if
this adds anything to what is already out there. Having said that it is a nice method that I haven't
seen before in this concept. The downside of a book is that you don't get to see it performed as I'm
sure it probably plays better than I envisage.
5) DRAW SUGGESTION - Another principle of
Max's I really like. I think any creative performer will look at this and think of ways to
add/increase to perhaps make it a bigger routine. Very nice, I really liked this.
6) KISS
ROULETTE - When I first started learning magic, I had a few little card routines which would result
in me receiving a kiss from a girl. Once I moved more solely into mentalism I never really continued
with these effects. My presentation can be quite a cheeky character at times and I think this will
fit right in with a lot of situations that I work in. The method is simple and this will definitely
go right into my close-up repertoire.
7) EGG ROULETTE - Same method as above with
obviously a different presentation set for stage/parlour with a different outcome. Gives a more fun
variation to the often very serious Russian Roulette plot. To be honest initially I didn't think
this would be my thing but having read it a few times now I can see myself at the very least giving
this a go at a future show. Simple to perform and maybe even combined in a more comedy setting this
could be taken a step further with the performer or maybe their sidekick/assistant etc being covered
in egg! Just an idea.
8) THE GIFT - This is one of those effects I think is really
difficult to describe how strong it can be. I recall a number of times over the years I've looked
into buying something and the description sounded 'Okay' but it wasn't until I saw it presented did
it make me think "I want that!" ...This I believe is the case here. It reads like a nice effect but
I saw this performed at Max's lecture last year and saw the power of it! Very very strong.. A
wonderful piece of mentalism that really pulls the show together in a Derren Brown type style. Again
I believe if you learnt this one and used it, it would massively outweigh the small cost of this
book.
Overall I have to say this was a great purchase, like stated above some routines I
probably won't use long term, but some I know I definitely will. The several adverts to me were not
an issue and simply provided ideas on how to potentially present some of the effects included.
Considering some of the overpriced and overhyped mentalism books around right now this is great
value for money. If people don't see that then I just see that as their loss.
Thank you
for a great set of routines Max, I look forward to seeing more of your work in the future
