"Instinct" DVD by Matthew Mello
Suggested Retail USD$34.95
Available from your favorite dealer
In a Blink: 9 Out of 10

"Instinct", a DVD by Matthew Mello, is as slick a version of the "Russian Roulette" plot as you're going to find that doesn't rely on the old methods to pull off -- which makes this also one of the sweetest takes on the classic that you'll perform.

Mello doesn't alter the plot at all: a nail is placed upright under a styrofoam cup, the cup mixed with others while the performer isn't looking, and one by one cups are eliminated by the performer by slamming their hand down on the cups until one cup is left untouched (the one with the nail, obviously).

If anything, Mello stuck to keeping this as straightforward as he could get it. No numbering of things, no placing cards on the cups, or any of that. To the spectators, this is simple and direct.

Of course, for those spectators paying close attention (and brother, do they!) they'll notice the performer never touches the cups until the slamming begins. They'll also notice there's no peeking, glimpsing, or anything else going on. From the viewpoint of the astute spectator, nothing happens other than what is actually seen: the performer simply doesn't seem to have anything to do with the proceedings except for taking on the danger of it all.

That's a big plus. As Mello states a few times, spectators aren't stupid. Sure, we'll get lucky and find one who's bread ain't baked, but by and large? Spectators are smart, astute, and -- in the case of a "Russian Roulette" plot -- bloodthirsty. With "Instinct", there's nothing for them to hang their hat on, no hook that leads them to a method. That clean appearance makes "Instinct" play all the better.

Okay, so that's the audience. What about us? What makes "Instinct" so special?

Well, for once the ads don't lie. There really are no gimmicks here. The cups are ordinary styrofoam cups, the nail is just a nail, and nothing is added or taken away. There is no peeking of any kind and absolutely no forces. Don't like the nail? Don't use it; anything that will fit underneath the styrofoam cup can be used -- the composition of the "load" doesn't affect the working whatsoever. The cups are not marked by the you or the spectator or any "stooging".

Now, the biggest selling point of this for me was that all-powerful word: "impromptu". An impromptu version of "roulette"? Okay, that sold me.

But there's a little bit of a caveat there. Yes, "Instinct" can be done impromptu: get the cups, put a load under one of 'em, and you're off to the races. Sounds like the perfect "party trick". The problem is that there's a bit of something you'll have to do first to make sure "Instinct" works. Not to be overly cryptic, but there's a certain requirement you need from those cups and you'll have to make sure it's there before you do this. Not a big deal, really, but something that should be mentioned.

Also it should be mentioned that this only works with styrofoam cups. Mello points out a specific "make and model" on the video, but that's not absolutely necessary -- the cups I had stuck away in the basement worked just fine and they aren't the specific brand. However, if you're looking at doing this with something other than styrofoam cups, you're going to be disappointed.

I do have to throw this out there: as much care as Mello puts into the instructions, please know that no method -- none! -- of doing a "Russian Roulette" is guaranteed safe. In every version, something can go wrong, if nothing else than your cerebellum freezing into a mass of concrete at the wrong time. Mello's routine is as safe as it gets, but there's always a risk of something going wrong. Know that going into this one, please.

While we're on the subject of Mello, he gets big props from me for giving an exceedingly thorough job of teaching "Instinct". He gets bonus points for giving a ton of alternate presentations, replacing the nail with all manners of things, and genuinely striving for the consumer to find something of use on "Instinct". He succeeds and his diligence in satisfying anyone who buys this is admirable.

Which probably explains the presence of the second, bonus effect, "Impulse" which is a wonderful addition to the disc and an effect worth it's own video. Think of "Impulse" as "Instinct" without the cups, the load, or the danger. I won't go into a lot of detail with this because said detail would lead you by the nose to the working, but suffice to say it's a location effect that is completely impromptu (all you need is the necessary US currency) and quite entertaining. Working on the same basic principle as "Instinct", it's a great idea and a worthy addition to the disc.

Speaking of worth, the real value here is a bit esoteric: the secret of "Instinct" (and "Impulse" for that matter) is one of those things that, once you've learned the method, it will stay with you. Not needing any special gimmicks or gaffs, the idea is the trick so you're always "carrying" it with you, ready to whip out whenever you like. Just like seeing a couple of rubber bands laying on someone's table leads you to perform "Crazy Man's Handcuffs", seeing a stack of styrofoam cups leads you to do "Instinct". You're always ready to go with it.

All in all, "Instinct" is a valuable disc to anyone looking at the "Russian Roulette" plot. It's a solid method with some solid thinking that is easily worth the purchase.

"Instinct" DVD by Matthew Mello
In a Blink: 9 Out of 10

Material: 10
The method is very clever (having been used by others in decidedly different routines), the presentational pieces well structured... even the bonus routine is great stuff. The best part? Once you've seen the method, you won't forget it and you'll always be ready to perform this.

Practicality: 9
You'll need space to work, just as with any roulette routine, but you'll also need styrofoam cups and the "load" -- the nail, egg, etcetera. While the latter can be improvised, the cups may not be; you'll have to check them out first before using them. The bonus routine, as far as I know, will only work with US currency, so be aware of that as well. Overall, though, this is quite a practical piece of work.

Quality of Production: 8
Some of the camera shots are a bit odd and tight close-ups get lost in a blur, but really they have little or no impact on your learning these pieces.

Quality of Instruction: 10
Mello does an excellent job of teaching his routines. He covers the methods, the presentations, and all the nuances superbly. Big thumbs up here.

Presentation: 10
Any roulette routine requires a great deal of cleanliness to make it potent; Mello's work has that by the truckload.


Shane

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