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Keep Calm & Carry On!

Carey, John

RSVP - Russ Stevens

(Based on 2 reviews)
JOIN YOUR HOST JOHN CAREY AS HE TEACHES 13 BRAND NEW ROUTINES THAT ARE ALL EASY AND FUN TO LEARN

1. The Teleport card. Inspired by Darwin Ortiz's psychotronic card, this approach to the classic mystery card hits hard and will create a striking impression. No weird moves, just elegant construction and routining.

2. My Luck and your thought. An extremely efficient and practical impromptu invisible deck style piece. A genuinely thought of card is revealed in a very sly and effective manner.

3. Homage to Marlo. Johns self working approach to Ed Marlo's ace of spades trick. A very effective one phase hands off approach to this classic effect, using a utility concept useful for many effects.

4. Extracted from the dark. A beautiful hands off discovery of a mental selection. You will add this to your repertoire immediately.

5. Take her home and Poker!!!
From a spectator shuffled deck, Lady Luck will always shine on your spectator as they always get an unbeatable hand of poker! Features Johns shuffled Ose subtlety. A great utility in its own right.

6. Me and my shadow. Inspired by a wonderful Tony Binarelli idea, this two deck routine will get you great reactions! Features John's work on a classic Hofzinser technique and an amazing finale.

7. It's a mystery. A solid, practical approach to the classic mystery card effect. Technically simple and powerful.

8. Think a think. Would you like a simple, powerful and reliable think a card technique? Look no further as Carey tips his work on this topic. Taught only to a few of his close friends until now, you will be surprised how beautifully simple this is to use!

9. Another kickback. John's gaff free approach to a Ryan Swygert effect. No tough moves. Simple and direct.

10. A mystery in time- George McBride.
John's great friend George McBride very kindly allowed him to share this beautiful handling of the mystery card. We honestly believe this is one of the finest methods to date!

11. Thought trapper. A mental sandwich effect you will love using. Sneaky and devious!

12. Out of sight change your mind. Carey's stripped down approach to a Vernon miracle.

13. It's the thought that counts! Another thought of card piece from Johns repertoire. Built around an imaginary game of Blackjack, you will smile at the method and they will react when you perform it!

WORLDWIDE PLAYBACK - 1 HOUR 55 MINUTES APPROX.

Reviews

Stephan Sloan

Official Reviewer

Oct 07, 2022

Overview

I find it rare that something comes along that ticks all the boxes for me. When it comes to card DVDs, often there are elaborate set ups, difficult slights or in some cases the effects are so endowed with the performer’s persona that it is difficult to perform them in a manner other than they were created. Keep Calm and Carey On is a nice collection of easy to do, commercial magic that will entertain all.

Effect

Keep Calm and Carey On is a collection of 13 card magic tricks by John Carey. The effects range from poker deals, sandwich effects to mentalism routines. The tricks presented have simple plots which are easily followed but non the less are very impactful. None of the presentations are completely new but are based on previous routines by notables such as Marlo, Ortiz, McBride and Vernon. What Carey had done was to simplify the plots and moves which makes them more accessible to the average card worker.

Method

The methods required to perform what is on this DVD is not out of the realm of any performer other than a rank beginner. Slights such as minor set-ups, push offs, double turnovers, false cuts and shuffles are typically what is required to bring these effects to a successful conclusion. Keep in mind that two decks will be needed two perform some of these tricks as well as cards with different colored backs.

Product Quality

The DVD is set up in a way where the trick is performed for a spectator(s) and after which the explanation follows. Each performance and explanation is done in a very easy going manner and each slight is reviewed fairly well. In addition to a thorough explanation, each trick is presented in Carey’s mild mannered, self-effacing way in which the dialogue is sprinkled with little quips and jokes which were quite endearing. The filming, lighting and sound, although not elaborate was adequate for the job at hand.

Ad Copy Integrity

The DVD delivers all of which was advertised. Anyone who purchases this will definitely get value out of it.
(Top ▲)

Joe Diamond

Official Reviewer

Jul 16, 2014

I love John Carey’s material. He creates solid, deceptive, and usable real world material. This DVD is no different.

He comes off as quiet, soft spoken, maybe a little nervous, but overall he is likable beyond some of the cornier jokes. The magic ranges from the mystery card plot, to a SUPER clean deck vanish, to several great thought of card effects.

If you use card magic in your everyday or professional work, you will find something of use to you in here. Most of these effects can be used with a shuffled deck in use, or a small set up. All use regular cards. Sometimes an extra card or stranger cards are used, but that’s the extent.

My only issue is that some of the effects are a little unfair. Like they THINK of a card, but it’s one of three cards that the performer tells them, or shows them. I don’t see this as a big issue for laypeople in the middle of a card magic set, but some magicians looking for more ‘pure’ versions of these effects to fool their magic buddies will be disappointed.

For me, my personal favorites were:

“Out of Sight, Change your Mind” where the spectators can change the card they are thinking of to another card, and you still locate it.

“Extracted From The Dark” where you pull a thought of card out of the deck while it’s in your pocket.

“Me and my Shadow” is a clean vanish of a deck of cards within the card box, with the thought of card left behind. This is a shocking closing effect.

If you work restaurants, cocktail parties, or most close up situations, and you like to have a good chunk of card material you can use with a deck in use, this DVD has some wonderful options!

Four Stars
(Top ▲)