This is Video one of the three-video set, Videomind . . . Parlor Magic. It's hard to say for sure, but I think this one might be my favorite. The effects are extremely clever (duh . . . it's Max Maven), and the methods are just as clever. In most of the effects, it just seems totally impossible to end the effect successfully. There just seems to be no way back. Below you'll find each effect, ad copy, my comments and a star rating.


Effect: The Mockingbird
Ad Copy: A sampling from the fabled "Birds of Prey" series. At its core, an inexplicable demonstration of playing card telepathy - but you'll discover how audience participation and an unfolding plot structure can transform an already strong effect into a full - fledged routine.
My Comments: This is one of those effects that seems to have no way back. It just seems impossible . . . it uses a stack that is destroyed during the performance, but it's so worth it.
Star Rating: 4.5

Effect: Autome
Ad Copy: An extraordinary book test using plain, ungimmicked props under the fairest conditions. This is a remarkable routine in and of itself, but it also introduces principles for which you'll find a host of other uses.
My Comments: Though the book is ungimmicked, you need a specific book . . . or a specific type of book, and there is some set up required before the show (not to the book). In other words, you can't just borrow a book and do this (unless the person happens to have the specific book on their shelf. This isn't a bad thing. I just wanted to make sure you know what you're getting. It's very clever for sure.
Star Rating: 3.5

Effect: Divine Write
Ad Copy: Mutual mentalism with built-in appeal. The performer tries an imposing experiment in clairvoyance, working simultaneously with a member of the audience. Despite the overwhelming odds, the outcome is successful for both!
My Comments: This is a great effect that requires a special deck and a couple other things that you have to make. This is one of the few times that I pretty much knew exactly how a Max Maven effect was done before watching the explanations . . . so take that for what it's worth. I don't know if that means that an average lay person would figure it out too or not. Either way, I think it's a pretty solid effect.
Star Rating: 3

Effect: Zenvelopes
Ad Copy: A test of intuition using several participants and a number of ESP symbol cards hidden inside opaque envelopes. These are thoroughly mixed by the spectators, who then pair them off by playing their hunches. When the contents are examined, all the symbols have matched perfectly.
My Comments: Too cool. I love the props. I love the effect. I love the method, and I love the fact that it can be customized to many other objects. Maven uses ESP symbols, but why not famous couples, or matching images like "bow" and "arrow"/ "nut" and "bolt", etc.
Star Rating: 4.5

Effect: Kurotsuke
Ad Copy: An ancient game from the imperial court of Japan is turned into a delightful routine of stand - up mentalism that lets several people get involved. And, best of all, it can be done entirely impromptu using only borrowed materials.
My Comments: What I like about this is that if you're at someone's house, you can borrow all of these props and do this effect . . . it's very powerful and very simple.
Star Rating: 3.5

Effect: The Mind's Eye Deck
Ad Copy: A pack of some 40 design cards is used. Each one is different, and the deck is shuffled. While the performer's back is turned, a spectator removes a card. Without turning around, the mentalist starts describing the thought - of design, eventually drawing it on a pad of paper. It's as straightforward as that.
My Comments: This looks like real mind reading. The above description is 100% accurate.
Star Rating: 4.5

Overall, the average rating for each effect is 3.9. Add in the fact that it's Max Maven and that these effects are within the reach (technically, not necessarily presentationally) just about any performer and you've got a solid 4.5 star GEM of a product.