CARDIO – Liam Montier – A Review
CARDIO – Liam Montier and Big Blind Media
Reviewed by Rick Carruth
Liam Montier’s CARDIO is a follow-up to Liam’s PDF by the same name. Unlike several of Liam’s newer DVD’s, this one is not geared toward beginners and self-working card trick aficionados. Although this DVD is classified as for Beginners.. I would say more like advanced beginners to intermediates. There is nothing self-working, and most effects require sleights or combination of sleights. Don’t let that scare you. Everything is taught in detail, and most sleights are easily learned with a little desire and practice.
I am not a reviewer who cares much about video and audio quality, unless it’s noticeably bad, and don’t review those aspects. I also don’t review a product based so much on my personal likes and dislikes. I look at the effects from the standpoint of the typical magician, and consider whether or not I think YOU will like it. I honestly think I have a good grasp on what’s current and sellable.. and what’s not. That said, here’s a brief description on the 7 effects on CARDIO.
Back Hand Slap
A type of gambling trick where the magician helps the spectator select a moderate poker hand, which changes into an unbeatable poker hand with the Slap Revelation. This is one of those ‘sudden’ tricks that doesn’t give the audience time to assimilate what’s happening.. and will lead to.. “.. hey.. do that again!”
Twisted
A twisting the aces type trick.. 2 cards are chosen and brought to the top. Four Aces are introduced, twisted, and the two selections are revealed. Liam teaches a couple of nice controls and the effect itself is well taught. One of my two favorite effects on the DVD. Probably a little more complicated than the others, but nothing you can’t do with a little practice. I like the handling of the Aces, as there is.. as described in the ad copy.. “… no displacements or discrepancies”. This will probably be the first effect you’ll want to learn.
Reality Burp
Partially based on a Dave Forrest effect. Involves a little culling, and is basically a packet effect with 4 cards and a little hypnosis. Nice lift sequence and well taught.
The Hof
An effect with four Aces and a selected card, based loosely on the classic ‘Hofzinser Ace Trick’. The magician reveals the spectators selected card with the four Aces. This is a very good ‘filler’ when you already have the Aces available from another effect.
The Other Thing
The deck is divided into four packets.. and the four Kings are inserted.. one into each packet. Like most well designed card tricks, the Kings ultimately vanish.. and reappear in various locations around you.. One in your pocket, one under the card box, one IN the card box, and one lying face down on the table. Cameron Francis based. Actually, like all the other effects on this DVD, this is an impromptu trick that can be performed with a borrowed deck.. as long as your deck has two Jokers.
Swing Thing
Uses a pendulum to find a spectators card. This is one of the more commercial type effect, and Liam calls this a One-Move Wonder. Uses a unique, but easy, double lift, and has LOTS of potential.. depending on how you play it. I like this, and will definitely find room for it.
Pop HOF
Another effect with four cards. Begins with a nice loading move and ends with the Aces changing into the spectator’s selection. A very good effect to conclude a very good DVD.
You’ve probably noticed most effects use a packet or use four cards. I didn’t have a problem with this, as it’s simply another way to perform good magic. I found myself liking several of these effects after I had time to watch them, think about them, roll around in my noggin’ what I would do with them, and then re-watch them with a new intensity. There are sleights taught that you’ll use for sure.
I think TWISTED alone is worth the cost of the DVD. I’m particular about how much time I’ll put into learning an effect, and I was excited about learning Twisted in a fraction of the time compared to similar effects.. but it LOOKS so good.
I recommend CARDIO. I think it’s an excellent investment in your magic.. particularly if you’re to the place where you want to ‘up’ your performance and your material.
$22.00 at dealers who sell the Murphy’s Magic line of products.