I'll admit that the description of this effect in the ads, got my attention. While I'll never be a Vegas kind of guy, it's clearly continues to be a major hotspot for magicians. It also didn't hurt that Mexican Revolution is published by Gorden Bean-who rarely if ever makes me regret a purchase of his effects. The effect description and mention of Fenik's background made this hard to pass by.
The plot here is of the twist variety; I already do Vic Trabucco's version, with a punchline showing real bills on the backs of cards. Mexican Revolution, appears more magical, because the cards turn over without counting them. Bear in mind, that I've had this effect for a few months, and only kept it aside while I taught myself effects from my list of 'must knows'. The handling is a bit tricky, which has nothing to do with Fenik. The challenge that I have, is handling the cards in a way that I usually don't: separating them top to bottom, keeping them aligned-and aligning the cards so that the turn overs are clear. Bean does include card placement to a pinpoint degree, as the effects transitions depend upon this. What I love about this effect, is the visual ease-wave the hand over the packet, and cards just turnover! The final turnover happens with a shake/wave and no cover. Then, they all turn to redbacks. Eye-poppingly visual INDEED.
I appreciate Bean's version of the trick, Jaywalk, for different reasons: it only uses four cards, and while there is no color change, the FACES of three cards do change. Jaywalk is clean, economical, and the patter makes perfect sense. Bean ends his routine with counting cards into the spectators hand-having set the person up as a winner of the game, Bean justifies then getting the guilty cards OUT of the spectator's hand, by offering a congratulatory handshake. Very clever, and sensible move. Jaywalk, also reminds me of Bikers: it only uses four cards, so cleverly handled, that there's no need for the fifth card, or wax/tape...which is an option with Mexican Revolution. Jaywalk likewise requires that the performer keep the cards vertically aligned-and they must remain so, as one finger determines the 'turnovers'.
So, precise placement of the cards, maintaining their alignment while still, and during push/transitions, are the aspect challenges of these routines. Considering just how magical and impossibly pretty these effect LOOK, I think it's worth spending the time (and also the money) to master them.

I use this effect. The effect requires some practice but is not a knuckle buster and the effect is excellent. With the Jaywalk effect included you have two versions of the same trick that look different. My only quibbles with this effect are that the presentational ideas given are not great adn there is one very useful touch that makes this much easier to perform that they don't provide.. Luckily a presentational idea came to me and fits my style exactly. If you can come up with a good presentation, this is a good effect that builds more and more mystery as it progresses. The one thing they don't tell in their directions is that you have to separate two cards in a stack of cards and slide the bottom one, bowing them slightly makes this a breeze. Well thought out idea, very well made and with two versions provided. A good value!