Here I Go Again, Volume 2
Bill Malone
L&L Publishing
(Based on 2 reviews)
His first DVD set, "On the Loose," is regarded as one of the finest collections ever released. Once again, from the shuffled mind of Bill Malone, comes more of the most entertaining magic ever caught on DVD. With everything from self-working effects to advanced sleight of hand, this incredibly funny series offers something for everyone.
Here he shares it all - the presentations, the secrets, the tips and touches that come from years of experience, plus discussions on business that will help bring your magic career to a different level! Sit back, relax and get ready to blast off! As Bill says: "Here I go again!"
Thinking Man's Sponge Ball Routine! - A sponge ball routine you will use! Bill's performed this routine for over 25 years!
Marlo's Color-Changing Deck Routine! - Bill's presentation and touches on another Marlo masterpiece!
Mind-Reading Magician! - Bill's presentation and thoughts on the Chicago Opener/Red Hot Mama!
Keeping My Money Safe! - S.A.N.D.Y. This is an absolutely unbelievable Coins Across by Bill's friend, Dave Neighbors. This routine is a killer!
Dealing A Good Hand! - Bill's handling of the famous Marlo-Gardner Poker Deal!
The Six-Card Trick! - "Sorry for the Delay" - A Joe Riding effect with touches and additions by Bill and his old friend from the New York Magic Lounge, Terry Vecky!
Bonus Tricks
Ravelli's Waterfall Shuffle - Ron Wohl's brilliant false shuffle from the late 1960s!
Steve Forte's "No Look Aces" - From "The Man" himself! Steve allowed Bill to share this great visual Ace cutting demonstration!
Bill's Tips
Putting Together a Stand-Up Show
My Trade Show Pitch
Drilling a Good Show Into Your Head
Following Up With Your Clients
Running Time Approximately 1hr 45min
Reviews
(Top ▲)
PROS
This series of DVDs is a must have for anyone serious about card magic and entertainment.
Bill Malone is one of the most entertaining card magicians ever.
The card tricks are excellent classic tricks.
CONS
The effects are not new. They are classic old fashion card effects, but performed and explained by a true entertainer.
VERDICT
A great set of DVDs.
This series of DVDs is a must have for anyone serious about card magic and entertainment.
Bill Malone is one of the most entertaining card magicians ever.
The card tricks are excellent classic tricks.
CONS
The effects are not new. They are classic old fashion card effects, but performed and explained by a true entertainer.
VERDICT
A great set of DVDs.
(Top ▲)
I felt some of Malone's performances, while filled with funny lines, were a lot more rushed and "put and take" than usual. I felt that in many cases he didn't let the magic moment sink in, and he was very rigid on his scripting. I normally wouldn't make a huge deal out of this. However, one of the main reasons I recommend Malone's stuff is so you can see him perform. His DVDs have always (for me) been about watching a pro at work, and less about the methods and effects.
So on this DVD, you get average performances from Malone and some ok to average effects (with a couple exceptions).
Below is a list of each effect followed by the official ad copy, a brief word from me and a 1 to 5 rating.
Thinking Man's Sponge Ball Routine!
Ad Copy: A sponge ball routine you will use! Bill's performed this routine for over 25 years!
My Thoughts: You have to be seated, and it's a little bit too fast paced for my style, but there are some great magical moments . . . it's worth considering
Rating: 3.5
Marlo's Color-Changing Deck Routine!
Ad Copy: Bill's presentation and touches on another Marlo masterpiece!
My Thoughts: Meh . . . it was a bit cluttered and too "busy" for my taste.
Rating: 2.5
Mind-Reading Magician!
Ad Copy: Bill's presentation and thoughts on the Chicago Opener/Red Hot Mama!
My Thoughts: Again, busy and cluttered. I'd stick with the original on this. However, the premise of this version may be worth considering . . . the "mind reading" angle.
Rating: 2.5
Keeping My Money Safe! S.A.N.D.Y.
Ad Copy: This is an absolutely unbelievable Coins Across by Bill's friend, Dave Neighbors. This routine is a killer!
My Thoughts: This is a faced-paced (too much so) routine that requires you own a certain set of gimmicked coins, but man there are some beautiful moments.
Rating: 4.5
Dealing A Good Hand!
Ad Copy: Bill's handling of the famous Marlo-Gardner Poker Deal!
My Thoughts: Stick with the original, but consider the Paul Harris gag that Malone starts the routine with; it's clever.
Rating: 3.5
The Six-Card Trick! - "Sorry for the Delay"
Ad Copy: A Joe Riding effect with touches and additions by Bill and his old friend from the New York Magic Lounge, Terry Vecky!
My Thoughts: I hate tricks like this . . . sorry. It's basically six card repeat done in a flurry of counting, talking and dealing . . . not a fan.
Rating: 1.5
Ravelli's Waterfall Shuffle
Ad Copy: Ron Wohl's brilliant false shuffle from the late 1960s!
My Thoughts: One of the best false shuffles ever. It'll take some serious dedication to learn, but so worth it.
Rating: 4.5
Steve Forte's "No Look Aces"
Ad Copy: From "The Man" himself! Steve allowed Bill to share this great visual Ace cutting demonstration!
My Thoughts: The best part about this effect is how "real" it looks. It's very visual and very deceptive. It's worth learning just for the moves.
Rating: 4
In addition to the effects, we get, "Bill's Tips:"
- "Putting Together a Stand-Up Show"
- "My Trade Show Pitch"
- "Drilling a Good Show Into Your Head"
- "Following Up With Your Clients"
I'd give this whole "tips" section - though it's spread throughout the DVD - a 4.5 star rating. There are some great tips and ideas.
The Average Trick rating is 3.3 . . . throw in some good tips, and deduct a little for a more-rambley-than-usual Malone and you're left with a 3 star DVD with a final Stone rating of gem with a really, really small "g."