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Stunninger Inner circle 2819 Posts |
A brief walk-through of AOK2 Video 1:
00:00 – 9:50 AOK2 opens with a live performance with Lewis performing a small group Q&A for two couples enjoying drinks around a table, in what appears to be a private room in a pub. Turns out the place is called "The Oracle", which Lewis later mentions is a new venue where performers work nightly. The live performance is really a Q&A, psychometry, graphology routine that is beautiful, and seems impossible. 9:51 – 11:22 Video 1: Mechanics Introduction to the program by Lewis. 11:24 – 14:40 Props & Set-Up Lewis explains the simple props used in the routine, where he buys them and how he prepares them so they function smoothly. 14:42 – 21:05 Original Handling Lewis provides a short re-cap of the original AOK method and presentation. 21:07 – 32:40 ****** ******* In-depth discussion about the original AOK method, new insights and improvements to the handling that make execution easier, including step by step instruction that make the secret move almost fool-proof. I liked this part a lot. 32:42 – 47:28 ^^ ^^^^^^ ^^^^ HANDLING ONE Lewis explains and demonstrates the basic handling of AOK2 which does not require the move used in the original AOK. 47:30 – 51:11 ^^ ^^^^^^ ^^^^ HANDLING TWO A second way to execute the initial set-up is explained and demonstrated, which also does not require the move used in the original AOK. 51:13 – 1:15:25 AOK2 MASTER HANDLING Lewis explains and demonstrates his favorite handling, the AOK2 MASTER HANDLING, combining AOK1 and AOK2, providing a step-by-step explanation of the presentation and secret moves. A lot of thinking and refining has gone into the creation of what is ultimately a very beautiful, smooth flowing, entertaining and deceptive effect. 1:15:27 – 1:18:31 Close-up Recap A summary of the complete AOK2 MASTER HANDLING. End of video # 1. My thoughts: AOK2 is essentially an up-dated version of the original AOK. If you already own AOK, are there enough new features to make purchasing AOK2 worthwhile? In my opinion, absolutely. I loved the original AOK, and really love AOK2. Thank you, Lewis, for such a high-quality release. Coming next: Video # 2. |
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252life Inner circle Ninth Circle, Hades 3243 Posts |
Great job on that review
Look for all the world like you're counting the brain cells in his cranium.
-Theodore Annemann |
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MDantes Inner circle New Orleans 1435 Posts |
Great review stunninger:)
DChristipher reaches out to me and supplied the UK link to the cards Lewis uses. Here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07NL7LJHH/r......b7T5TP1D Here’s a US equivalent that I’ve found so far. They have a coated and uncoated version. I picked up the uncoated found here: Apostrophe Games Blank Playing Cards - Poker Size (180 Uncoated Cards) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VYLY9PK/ref......bR4E9H4B Index cards are “too large” for me I think. We shall see:)
S.A.N.C.T.U.M Chapter 18
Member 17 |
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no2ss Inner circle California 1027 Posts |
For what it's worth, I've used these for AOK (and for a variety of other "blank card" effects):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/157281......F8&psc=1 For me, they work great, and come with a whopping 500 to a box for just $13. You can even use R&S with them if you have Harry Robson's stick (not that AOK uses R&S, just noting those cards can be roughed). I use these cards for so much, but they work great for AOK. |
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Stunninger Inner circle 2819 Posts |
252life and MDantes, thank you
Another option for cards is blank standard business cards from vistaprint.com (or your local printer). The vistaprint cards come with standard glossy finish on one side, and matte finish on the other and handle great. |
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LewisLeVal Regular user 131 Posts |
Hy everyone, thank you for your feedback so far!
Here are the exact cards I use and have used for years: https://www.ryman.co.uk/ryman-white-card......k-of-100 I use them simply because I can walk into the store and buy them, there's nothing special or different about them. When I lived in Cyprus I used blank florist cards from a garden centre. Many times I have considered having cheap business cards printed, which would allow me to choose the card stock and finish. All I would have printed on them is maybe some lines for spectators to write on and my website at the bottom. I don't use my normal business cards for this routine as they're mostly black on both sides with a velvet 'peach fuzz' like finish, making them unusable for AOK. jsereb I'm glad you like AOK. As soon as I read your post I dug out Practical Mental Magic to find this Bert Reese routine. Although nice, it definitely doesn't have less moves, if anything it has more. Regarding the p**k, good luck to anyone doing that in their performances! Thank you for your review Stunninger! I look forward to your review of video 2! |
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lumberjohn Special user Memphis, TN 626 Posts |
I don't understand the advantage of AOK2 over AOK. AOK is a good effect that could be effectively taught in ten minutes or less. Lewis suggests using double-blank business cards but I've found regular business cards work fine, making AOK effectively impromptu. Whenever I'm at a restaurant with business cards at the hostess stand I can do AOK. AOK2 represents a combination of different moves, primarily it seems to provide alternatives to a move some find intimidating, and a bunch of theory and presentational advice. This increases the run time to over two hours. The theory and presentational advice is good, but by no means necessary to perform this effect and ultimately will boil down to a question of style. I'm comfortable with the original handling and believe that anyone who spends a little time with it will be comfortable as well. Also, the alternative moves require double blank cards, taking this out of the category of impromptu mentalism. That isn't an improvement to me. I prefer AOK to AOK2 and would say that preferences between these two will be highly subjective. Just my two cents.
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John C Eternal Order I THINK therefore I wrote 12945 Posts |
Different strokes Lj.
I enjoy both. The inspiration from aok2 got me to practicing the aok move a little more. I consider impromptu anything that can be done well impromptu not prop less. If you consider someone like me who always carries blank cards then I am impromptuly ready for anything. Also I enjoy supporting Lewis and don’t forget the nice pdf included with aok2. |
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lumberjohn Special user Memphis, TN 626 Posts |
That is true and I should have mentioned the PDF on graphology as that does provide added value for some. Overall, if you liked AOK but weren't comfortable doing the required move and/or you are looking for some additional pointers on presenting the effect or adding emotional impact, then you will probably be happy with AOK2. If you saw nothing broken with the original effect and have a presentation you are happy with, you might not find enough additional value to justify the purchase.
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siepielski Regular user 194 Posts |
I have found that after the conditioning process described by Lewis, regular USA sized blank index cards handle very well. The only modification is to cut them in half to create a 2.5 x 3 inch card.
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LewisLeVal Regular user 131 Posts |
Hi lumberjohn, thank you for your review! I’m glad you like AOK too. Impromptu pretty much just means ‘without warning’. I do not feel that the use of blank business cards takes anything away from the impromptu nature of AOK. Another good reason for using blank cards is, for example, I am on my way to a gig right now with my bag consisting mostly of blank business cards. I have a huge amount of material I use them for, many of which I have brought out with e-mentalism.com. Due to the amount of cards I am using, if I was to use my standard business cards for this, in the long run it will end up costing me a lot more as I would need to constantly have new cards printed and sent to me.
Another reason why I use blanks during performances is because after many years I realised spectators will treat your business cards in the same way that you treat them. If you write on them, fold them or tear them, spectators will treat them in the same way. So many times I found my business cards abandoned and damaged after spectators I performed for had left the venue. This left me thinking “why did I even bother?” So now I use blanks. If and when I give them one of my proper business cards, it is treated almost like a gift. My design and choice of stock and finish is spot on, almost too good to fold or discard. This also means I only end up giving my card to people who specifically ask for them, also meaning I am spending less money on them in the long run. The extra information offered in AOK2 is not all specific to the AOK routine, and that’s what I wanted. If what I have shared can help any mentalist in any other aspect of their performances or routines too, then I feel it was worth it. We are constantly searching for the holy grail of mentalism but in order to find that we need to stop looking at routines and start looking in the mirror because WE are the holy grail of mentalism, we are all keeping the art form alive and doing our best to not only keep the art evolving and moving forwards but also to develop ourselves as artists too. I urge any and all creators to not only share routines but to also share wisdom, ideas, subtleties, thoughts, theatrical and presentational points and any other useful findings at the time of filming or writing. AOK2 is the project I wish AOK1 was, but I have learnt a lot and changed a lot in the last 5 years, and I have included SO much more than just a routine here, this is why AOK2 is over 2 hours long. Anyone familiar and comfortable with the original handling, I recommend starting with video 2 first, and of course the pdf |
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Mark_Chandaue Inner circle Essex UK 4187 Posts |
Personally I think the second video alone is worth far more than the asking price. I loved AOK and bought this on the strength of that. I really like the new presentation for AOK 2 and I am kicking myself that it never crossed my mind to perform the original as a Q&A.
Mark |
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252life Inner circle Ninth Circle, Hades 3243 Posts |
Lewis mentions that he realizes many of his customers are working professionals, and they need to “put food on the table” with this material.
That was nice to see acknowledged so clearly. This has a flavor of Phedon’s Sibil (?) to it. I’m a big fan of this release and appreciate the generous price point.
Look for all the world like you're counting the brain cells in his cranium.
-Theodore Annemann |
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Chollet Regular user Don't be fooled by the fact I only have 191 Posts |
I love AOK. I came up with a handling that also eliminates the move that some are wary of, however I now perform it the original way unless I am using some card stock that is too "sticky". I will probably pick up AOK2 for completeness sake and to have more depth to my toolkit.
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MDantes Inner circle New Orleans 1435 Posts |
I appreciate y’all can walk in the stationary and pick them up but we don’t exactly have cards that size over here and I dig that size.
With prime, ordering online ain’t so bad over here:) The second video is dynamite, by the way. Very informative and practical (and genuine) way to give any type of readings, not just graphology. Lewis ideas and practices when it come to readings is straightforward and easy applied. There truly is so much value with this purchase.
S.A.N.C.T.U.M Chapter 18
Member 17 |
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MDantes Inner circle New Orleans 1435 Posts |
(Excuse the typos)
S.A.N.C.T.U.M Chapter 18
Member 17 |
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John C Eternal Order I THINK therefore I wrote 12945 Posts |
I would highly recommend opia from Lewis too. Another winner which can be performed at the same time as aok.
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252life Inner circle Ninth Circle, Hades 3243 Posts |
Thanks John! I wasn’t aware of it. Nice review on the Opia thread, I’m going to check that out as well.
Look for all the world like you're counting the brain cells in his cranium.
-Theodore Annemann |
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no2ss Inner circle California 1027 Posts |
Quote:
On Jan 2, 2020, John C wrote: Ahah. I had picked up Opia back when there was the big e-mentalism sale last year but... don't think I ever looked at it. Will do so now. |
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weirdwizardx Veteran user 389 Posts |
Wich one should I pick up? AOK or AOK2?
Happy new year! Cristóbal |
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The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Latest and Greatest? » » AOK2 By Lewis LeVal (55 Likes) | ||||||||||
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