A review by craig Browning.

PRODUCT: “CONNECTED” by Paul Stockman

PRODUCED BY: Peter Nardi/Alakazam Magic

CONTENT: Six complete routines original to Paul Stockman which make up a proven 70-minute act of mentalism. The complete program is well explained on a 2 DVD set along side an informative interview by Peter Nardi of the featured talent.


Pick a Chair
Hands Off Bank-Night
The Pendant Curse
Back to Becker
The Sweet Jar
My Luckiest Day


GENERAL OVERVIEW & OPINIONS
For starters I must tip my hat to Pete Nardi & his team at Alakazam Magic for creating a dynamite looking product; the packaging for this two DVD set is AWESOME, I wish more companies in our world would take as much pride in what they offer.

If I were to sum up the full package I would have to say that this is a most excellent resource for those involved with Mentalism and looking for that fun twist to some of the more popular classics. Paul’s offering is clean, simple, economical and most importantly PRACTICAL! The Psychology he applies along side bold misdirection, will prove an inspiration for many, especially when it comes to his finale routine “My Luckiest Day”, it is the most impossible variant to Confabulation I’ve seen in years.

I’d be amiss to not point out that there is sound material in this collection that any creative Bizarrist would find exciting and potentially chilling. If you prefer working in this arena you will be doing yourself a big favor, spending some time with this video set. If you’re the least bit creative you’ll see the possibilities.

Pick a Chair Is of course, a Chair Prediction routine. In this case a quite simple, non-confusing and clean bit of business that’s actually suited as a show opener, which is not normal for such demonstrations.

Hans off Bank Night Is a very clever spin to a yesteryear classic that allows the participant to be the winner, not the performer… at least, not in the traditional manner one considers “success”. Truth is, for those concerned with how the classic Bank Night routine paints the participant as being a “sucker”, this is the handling for you! On the other hand, I enjoy the bit because it is so clean, straight forward in how it operates, dummy proof, and impossible. I’ve no doubt that this will be the primary version to the routine I start featuring from here on out.

The Pendant Curse a fun bit of business surrounding Murder and of course one of four ladies found murdered – poisoned, if would seem, by way of a simple pendant necklace; the routine and method being quite clever, lending itself well to the bizarre market, though obvious Psi connections will remain. The real beauty about this bit centers on how well it lends itself to a far more bold, theatrical mode of presentation as well as flexibility when it comes to the method, including a subtle inference towards Koran’s famed Medallion.

Back to Becker is a brilliant spin on Larry Becker’s popular Casino Royale gambling routine. The real value in this bit however, won’t prove visible until later in the show, and for me that little “twist” makes the cost of this collection worth every penny, it’s so beautiful.

The Sweet Jaris a cute routine that is part Chair Prediction. I hate saying this but it’s the perfect style of Mentalism routine for a family show or even as a feature in a more traditional magic show in which older children are present… maybe it’s just me, but I simply see young teens working this routine over adults.

Though loads of potential exists in this bit, I personally felt it the weakest of the six routines offered and yet, it hosts a great deal of application when it comes to the corporate working pro; the candies readily being replaced by most any sort of small items be it nuts & bolts or golf balls.

My Luckiest Day on so many levels, is worth the price of the set and exactly where you will find the Back to Becker routine a thing of pure beauty because of how it supports this one outstanding bit of business.

Ignoring the effect delivered in this routine, the lesson you will learn by discovering its secret is one of the most valuable lessons ANY magic-based performer could hope to learn. Do yourself (and magic) a favor and go back over this section a few dozen times so you can ingrain the philosophy deep into your mind and then find ways by which to exploit it time and again within your live shows.

The Bottom Line I would recommend this set to any and all of my friends regardless of what their performance background is like, but more so, I’d recommend it to those that are at the intermediate stages of developing their Mentalism and creating their first full evening program in that the set demonstrates such. Too, it will help you understand that simple is always best; this entire show packing in a small brief case of large envelope for that matter.

Enjoy!

Craig Browning

I was asked by a good friend who is not a member of The Café to post this reply.
What I can tell you about the writer is that he is one of the worlds leading Mentalists, with many publications under his belt.

He will be known to all of you and is a very powerful force in our art and
I am proud to have him as a friend and I have learned so much from him over the years.


This post is rather unique and frankly, I doubt it will be allowed to stand for too long should anyone get wise as to who penned it. Nonetheless, I have a short retort to <a href=“http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/nimrod”>The Nimrod</a> as well as a more “honest” overview of the DVD set from someone that actually works in the industry.
For starters, I doubt that Nimrod would be the sort willing to pay someone thousands of dollars for a couple of grease covered, coffee stained hand-written pages of information such as many noted pros within Mentalism have done for years with little complaint; we tend to understand value, even when something isn’t presented in a pristine manner, so long as ego isn’t part of that presentation such as we find in so much of the flash & glitter garbagé that’s been released in recent years by a sundry of inexperienced children thinking they’re someone. In the case of Paul’s video we certainly don’t have that horrid piece of paper but we do have footage that probably could have been better polished or “tightened”. Even at that, the content is awesome and if you missed that I fear that it merely reflects how much you don’t know about magic or mentalism.
No, I didn’t get all hot and bothered over everything Paul presents in the video and as I’ve told him, I noticed areas that could have been done in a far more superior manner. Nonetheless, he has given folks a solid collection of routines that can go with most any show… and if you had gone a bit deeper in some of the discussion you would note that what Paul did wasn’t “his show” but a special performances featuring all the effects scheduled for the video… there’s a big difference here.
The Chair Prediction (or, I should say “the First” chair prediction) is a wonderful bit of business that’s practical for anyone looking for an easy to do, practical bit of business. Though I do not do many routines of this nature myself, I would consider this one as a replacement to the two such bits I’ve done in recent years, Rick Maue’s FATE being my favorite.
Hands Off Bank Night is bloody brilliant (and not a prediction, btw). Paul has taken a classic idea and simplified it. More importantly, he’s made it innocent simply by the fact that he does not handle any of the props throughout the routine… not that would be seen as suspicious and as explained, that very minor episode can likewise be side-stepped. But again, if I were still doing cabaret or theater dates, I’d certainly give this one a try and might still consider it as part of my weekly dinner shows.
The Pendant Curse is a thing of beauty to someone such as I that is drawn to the macabre. Again, it is NOT a “Prediction” per cé, but rather a demonstration in how the participant’s own Intuition guides them to the victim… much like some of the current variations to OOTW or more honestly, a high profile Living or Dead Test. My only wish with this routine is that Paul would have presented it with full theatrical trimmings; demonstrating how $25.00 worth of simple printing can look like the grandest of stage illusions… so to speak.
Back to Becker was probably the sloppiest of the six pieced Paul presents in this set. It is the one routine I wish I’d been present to direct and help block. Nonetheless, it was a sound variant to Larry’s Casino Royale, which is one of my all time favorite bits of Mental Magic. HOWEVER, the one thing that made me fall in love with this routine is how Paul exploits it; using the sequence of events that unfold during this segment as a “tool” if you would, via which an absolute miracle is made tangible. This is brilliant thinking and the sort of thing that separates the wannabes from the real world workers.
The Sweet Jar was certainly not one of my favorites bits for two reasons; I thought it could have been better presented, with a better tie-in to the wonderful story Paul used around it. Secondly, dismissing the two “extra” volunteers simply defied logic; in my mind something tied to the main effect should have been done with all three participants, with the guy in the “right” seat, delivering the kicker. Even with these weaknesses however, The Sweet Jar is perfect for many of our High School aged aspirants with cheeks of tang – those with that clean cut boy next door appearance, to use in their shows in which “Mentalism” is the supposed theme (sorry, I just don’t consider 99.9% of those under 29, capable of being “true” Mentalist from the audience’s point of view and ability to accept one’s claims)
My Luckiest Day is one of the best variations to Confabulation I’ve ever witnessed. It is seamless and down-right beautiful. As much as I love the version I do, this routine is in the running as a replacement. Especially in that it plays better to the type of venues I work these days.
Hmmm… six routines only two of which has the Performer (Paul) making an actual prediction of sorts. In truth, almost every single routine tested audience members and their sensitivity to “things”… their Intuition. Like a sound thinking showman Paul offers material that makes the participant shine rather than stuff that says, “Look what I can do, aren’t I amazing?” This and material Paul normally presents sustains his down to earth “humble” persona and makes the “psychic” something tangible, obtainable and EXPERIENTIAL for his audience and potentially, the audience of any person hosting a hint of savvy, a touch of creativity, and a dab of tenacity and is willing to make something out of the offering.
This video wasn’t of Paul’s regular show; it was not intended to show off his skill as a showman. The man works rooms of 1,000 or more regularly, which is one reason why I offered him this “rebuttal”… I simply detest folks that rarely perform, especially on the level someone like Paul works steadily, and yet they have the audacity to tear into something and seriously misrepresent it as you’ve done.
Understand, I have gotten onto Paul about a few things and I can assure you that the next release will be far tighter, hosting material that will blow your mind (we’re already working on it). But I’ve likewise given him some serious kudos where they belong. But that’s another thing that segregates the truly professional from the ego-driven; we can be brutally honest while giving our peers the good & bad of it all.
I know you will want to confront me Nimrod but because I don’t hold my tongue or vote Republican, and I actually support free speech,

Mentalmagic 101 to Nimrod:
"You sound as if you are mostly a magician and not a full performing mentalist".
AND
"So I suggest before you make these types of comments you go make your own DVD and perhaps learn the art of performance and not just tricks.

And then Nimrod gently reveals who he is and just what he's achieved in the world of mentalism... WOW! I really felt for mentalmagic101. If it were me I'd have fainted!

But wait! Now that Nimrod has shown his, does mentalmagic recripricate? No!
Rather along with refusing to say who HE is, he assures us that he is great friends with 'someone we would all know' (if he told us but doesn't) and that he said: blah blah blah...

But we don't need him now mentalmagic101. We've got Nimrod, thanks to you. We KNOW how good he is and therefore, should we not listen to his EXPERT opinion?
C'mon. Say your sorry.
And go back to the guy who 'we all know' and ask him WHY he'd say something great about someone but NOT want anyone to know HE said it. That's never happened before in The Café.
Anyway I still like Stockman and I think I'll have a look at this.

I think the reason for such mixed opinions is that this is (at least for me) a 5/10, some say less others say more. I say what do you expect for 30quid!

I must admit for me presentation is everything and I think Paul thinks the same, but like so many he over thinks it. The result was cringing (Sorry Paul take this constructively) You know the one with the red bike...and the bag for his stuff? How can you be both the stand operator and the customer? You can't rework it! On a side note anyone with a west country accent should not say 'London' change it to 'Bristol' makes it more believable.

The other quite strange thing is on the second disc in the explanations, Paul explains some of the failings of the show (it doesn't take a cold reader to see his 'appology' for the really bad parts) so why bring it up? Would you have prefered a retake? I wouldn't!

Lastly the 'Psyclock' idea is already out there 'Time Control - H. Gold' I don't believe it has UK distribution, this might be what Alakazam is looking into. But if you do use it for God sake state 'No Batteries' or even remove them infront of them, remember you're the mind reader not them, shame Paul forgot too!

I went to see AVATAR last night.
It has broken all records and cost 250 million to make.

My wife and myself loved it. It was an amazing film.

But heres the thing.

I have read many review that say its the worst film ever.
The point is everyone has their own opinion.

Art is subjective and as long as we respect the constructive opinions of others then we all have a right to say what we think.

I have read many great reviews from many of our best loved performers on Paul's Connected DVD release.
Magicseen gave it 5 stars. Larry Becker thinks its brilliant. Even Magicicans like Keith Barry loves the material on this.

However if you are not one that loves it then move on and I look forward to watching your releases very soon.

Dear Korttihai_82, Mindcontroller, Nimrod and Mumford:
Thank you very much for your (upstream) opinion about this DVD's.
It is thanks to people like you that this forum has not (yet...) become a total monopolised forum for advertizers and creators of "hypes" (à la "Little Man" - Paul Harris).

To be honest, I don't care if you or Mentalmagic101 are wright or wrong, but it is a relief to read sometimes "mmm" or "I found nothing of intrest" in stead of "fantastic" "go and buy this!".

A fair description of the effects that one can find on a DVD is sometimles enough for me. Then, I will decide if I buy a DVD or not.

I totally agree with your comments Waterloophai.

Only you can decide if you like something or not.
I must also add that I have no connection with Alakazam or Paul and I receive no payments for my comments.

I have been a member of the Café for a long time, but have never posted a single review!

I have just bought and watched Paul's DVD and felt that I needed to post this....

I am a professional (full time) magician that wanted to rework my stage show. My philosophy is the same as others, for £30 if there is only 1 routine in the DVD set that I can put into my show then that is without a doubt money well spent!!!

The truth is...there is at least 3 of Paul's routines that are going into my show. His sweet jar routine and "My luckiest day" are brilliant. Yes they may not be completely original and yes they might not be to everyone's taste but if you strip them down you have a few Killer effects!!!

The best thing about these routines are that they are so simple in method (that's a compliment). When Paul explains how he does them you can't help but laugh. As the methods can be learnt quickly, like Paul, you can then spend a lot of time building your patter and making sure that the presentation is right for you.

£30 = Bargain!

Definitely buy it.

(I've just popped my Magic Café cherry...I think I'm going to go for a cigarrette!)

Im sorry
but I actually bought connected
and read the reviews here and I felt like I screw it up for buying it
but then.. finally the dvd set arrive I saw it without high hope.. and what I saw I actually enjoyed it

Yes.. a lot of pieces are bad.. like the chair routine, the pendulum and back to becker are quite HORRIBLE.

but you also have gems! like MY LUCKY DAY, the Sweet Jar, the PsiClock and Hands off Bank Night.. Those are 4 routines that are really workers, in my understanding of magic.. when I buy a set of magic tricks I only expect to find at least one workable routine or at least a new method.. here I found 4 routines that are quite great
not only that.. even if I didn't like the other 3 routines
it does help seeing how a professional like Paul does his set.. the way he choses the audience (reminds me a little bit of nyman), the way he talks and combines music with his story telling.. is quite impressive to say the least.
I will give a 5/5
for real.. It is really a great set

so I just wanted to drop a line here supporting connected, even thought I wish nobody else will start using this routines.

I loved to watch a performer doing an act to see how he structures the whole thing and I wish there where more of these kind of dvds. I would have loved it more if it was for a paid audience. Because that is what I thought I bought :an act which he would do for a regular audience, but in the explanation it wast mentioned that the act was only made and structured for this dvd. Still I could learn a lot from this set even though none of the effect I will be performing. It was entertaining as well.

there are some dissapointing things:

1.the claims for independantly coming up for the methods is false. You cant say I watched an effect and worked out a methid so I came up with it independantly. Its like after seeing the annemann bill swicth, figuring out the method and then saying I independantly came up with the annemann bill switch.

2. after the story with the boy, I had a huh moment.ANd was confused. Surely that is not the emotion paul was after. Peter and Paul where were fond of the story, but nobody noticed that the story is wrong. Please remember what your english teacher told you about writing stories and apply it to this one. Please rework your story cause it can be a good one.

3. I was curling my toes when paul said that there is a similar effect by ted lesley but did not know it. When you put your effect out you must do a little research. At least reading the effect of ted lesley would not be too much effort I think.

at the end I would like to say the format is great and please keep these kind of dvds coming. I was glad I bought it.

robert

Yeah... in the world of stage mentalism, Sweet Jar and My Lucky Day are true blockbusters

A review in the latest Magicseen Magazine, Jan 2010 gives this DVD a 5-star rating.

Always fun with quality dvds.

My luckiest day is an incredible piece of thinking, I absolutely love it and it fooled the hell out of me when I watched the DVD. That alone is worth 10 times the price of the product. Well done Paul !!!

Looch, it's good, but 10 times the price of the product???? That's a bit overreaching don't you think?

Lot's of food for thought on this DVD...

Piers.

You think that one effect is worth $500? That's a bold statement.

Many times I buy a dvd and learn and use one effect and feel the dvd was worth the price just for that, so I understand being excited about an effect you'll use.

I'd have to get $500 worth of work to make it worth that much, however.

Luckiest day is awesome

I certainly hope the other routine..
psiclock doesn't costs 10 times the cost of the dvd set
I am waiting for that thing to go on the market

and about looch's statement..well
is one of the strongest closers I have seen and a great principle
I totally love it.. cant wait for to perform it again

Stockman is worth a look and most of this stuff isn't beat to death by other performers.

It is worth that much to me no question, I have been looking for something like this without going down the MPS route. I don't know your circumstances in terms of performing but for me and my cabaret show, I would have been happy to pay Paul £300 for that idea, it would pay for itself on less than one show!

More than worth it to a worker who will use it to make money !!

Luckiest Day sounds great - I really like the idea of a Confabulation type routine where the prediction is written much bigger and taped to the bottom of a tray. I'm tempted by buy the DVD just for that.

Without revealing any methods, can anyone comment on how adaptable the idea is? It definitely wouldn't fit my act, for instance, to light a candle at the start and have it burning throughout, but I'm assuming the candle is simply to justify the existance of the tray and that I could put something completely different on it?

I'd also be interested in whether it could be structured as a traditional "stand-alone" Confabulation routine where the choices are recorded and then you show the prediction before moving on to the next routine. Or is it specifically a method for predicting things that happened earlier in the show?