Wonder Worm
Alan Wong
Includes complete Wonder Worm prop and instruction sheet.
Wonder Worm Dimensions Approximately: 4" x 1" x 1"
Reviews
(Top ▲)
Overview
I really think 3.5 stars is a fair review on this one. The instruction sheet is sad, they really phoned it in on that one, but it does get the basics across. Do not pay attention to the f*rce listed on that sheet -- it is QUITE sad. You can do a f*rce or utilize a m*rked deck -- either should work. Will some spectators suspect a remote control? Sure they will! So what -- have fun with it! They still won't know how the worm picked the correct card, it you make things flow properly.This is a fun little effect -- for a party, or a group of friends. I am writing this in October 2024, and sadly, this one is very hard to find these days. I like effects that are fun to practice/rehearse and this falls into that category for sure.
Effect
This is a card selection where the 'reveal' is done by a little toy caterpillar. The larger premise and delivery are pretty cute.Method
Some spectators might suspect a remote control is being used.....but, so what? It's still a fun little effect with loads of presentation possibilities.Product Quality
Pretty darned good! The worm (caterpillar) is quite cute and the remote does a pretty good job of controlling things. You do have to get comfortable with the remote, but that will fun unto itself.Ad Copy Integrity
Pretty much spot on. What you read on the package/most dealer sites is pretty much what you get here.Final Thoughts
While maybe not a reputation maker, this is a fairly fun little trick.(Top ▲)
The package contains a "worm" that looks pretty good and looks more like a caterpillar than worm. It also contains a remote control to make the worm move forward or backward with a right hand turn. It's an electronic remote controlled gadget. 6 batteries are included. The directions say that they will only last for 20 minutes of continuous use. I haven't had it this long so I wouldn't know.
You will also need a very small screw driver to install the batteries.
In the description it is suggested to operate the remote from your pocket, hidden in your hand under crossed arms or have an accomplice control the worm.
An earlier reviewer said that there has to be a line of sight. I did find this not necessary. It works fine from my pocket as described and even from behind my back.
The remote is a bit bulky to hide in one's hand. From the pocket it works fine. It takes a bit of practice to make the worm go where you want it to go. The movements are pretty cool to watch.
The effect is basically that you use the worm to find your card.
You need to force a card. A borrowed deck can be used as long as you can force a card. The instruction for a force are very bad. It seems to be a Hindu shuffle force but is not explained clearly at all. I use a riffle force that forces the top card. As per instructions, I would only use a small packet of cards. A marked deck could be used or as per suggestion the force card could be marked in a regular deck.
I force a card and have the spec shuffle it into a small packet of cards, 10 cards or so would be fine. Spec can lay the cards face up on the table. No need for marking a card as you know what the card is.
Pretend that you need help and use the worm to walk over the cards and stop on the selection. I call it a card worm, the outdoor cousin of the book worm.
All in all, I think this is a really cute gadget and different from anything I have seen. The movements of the worm are great.
I give it 4 stars because of the poor instructions.
(Top ▲)
Well . . . for $25 you get a remote control worm . . .
Basic Effect:
A card is selected. Several (8 to 10) cards are spread out on the table. A toy mechanical worm is placed on the table. It starts moving all over the table and the cards and finally settles on one card and stops there. The card is shown to be the selection.
Pros:
The effect is cute, funny and has a fair amount of presentational possibilities. The worm is very well made with a very strong motor, and the way it's animated it kind of looks like the worm really is looking for the card. It's funny, and I think people will enjoy the experience. The package comes with the worm, the remote control and the batteries needed.
Cons:
I think the method is relatively transparent. The spectator's will likely think along these lines: "somehow the magician figured out which card was mine, and he used a remote control to stop the worm on my card." That's pretty much it. The so-called instructions are very minimal, just one side of one sheet of paper. Also, the instructions warn that the battery life is only 20 minutes. So every 20 minutes of use will cost you about $6 bucks or so - the batteries are about $1.00 each and it takes six to run the toy. Additionally, the directions tell you to secretly hide the remote while you're using it. That makes for a bit of an awkward performance. Standing there with your hands in your pocket seems a little suspect. Having your hands under the table . . . suspect . . . having your arms folded . . . maybe. Having an assistant in the crowd . . . best solution.
Final Thoughts:
Frankly, I don't think that the fact that the spectator's kind of know what's going on is really that big of a deal. I still think that most people will just enjoy the novelty of it. Considering the fact that the batteries are $6 bucks, the toy itself is worth a few dollars, the cost isn't too bad. The bottom line is this: would you do this effect? If so, then it's worth it. If not, then . . . duh!
Weighing the pros and the cons, this ones somewhere in the middle.
Final Verdict:
2.5 Stars with a Stone Status of gem with a really, really, really small "g."
(Top ▲)
This is a repackaged children's toy that retails for about $7. I know there's a long tradition of doing this sort of thing in magic, but ideally the reseller should add some real value by providing a complete or unique routine. Wonder Worm does not.
The toy worm, and its controller, use six hearing aid (or watch) batteries. These are more expensive than regular batteries, and you better have some spares on hand, as the included instructions warn that one set is good for only about 20 minutes of usage. You'll also need a tiny screwdriver to open the battery doors. Time to find that eyeglass repair kit in your junk drawer.
The toy is of low quality. The on/off switch on my review unit broke off the fifth time I used it. The instructions also note that it doesn't work well on a close-up mat due to its low clearance.
The instructions included with the trick suggest that you can control the toy by hiding the controller in your pocket, or behind your folded arms. This is absolutely incorrect, as the toy is controlled by infrared light. This is a line-of-sight technology so you must point the controller directly at the toy. Good luck doing this secretly. Frankly, this was the last straw for me and this product. When the instructions suggest something that's technologically impossible, I can't help but feel this product has little thought or testing behind it.
Perhaps the name of this trick alludes to the fact that every time you see it in your drawer you'll wonder why you bought it. I'm giving this trick 1/2 a star because my dog really enjoyed watching and barking at the toy, while it lasted.