"Full House" by Wayne Fox
Suggested Retail USD$20.00
Available from your favorite dealer
In a Blink: 7 Out of 10

"Full House", a new effect by Wayne Fox, is a engaging, involving, and ultimately entertaining piece of work that will please as many with its commercial value as it displeases with a method that is about as common as you can get.

I have to say right off the bat that I personally don't care all that much for this one. My big problem? When I read the description, the first that went through my mind was how I'd do it, how pretty much any performer worth their salt would think to do it, and it was, indeed, the method. Sorry, but when the secret is that common, I always have this feeling that the product wrapped around that secret deserves a place in a magazine somewhere and not in an already glutted marketplace.

But that's just me and I know I'm standing alone out in the cold thinking that way nowadays so, while it is a test of my ability to perform an impartial review, in the case of "Full House", it's really not that big a deal.

I have to face the simple fact, you see, that "Full House" is an absolutely wonderful effect. It involves spectators to a great degree -- something always desirable but an absolute requirement in mentalism -- and uses an object that is either easily remembered from the spectators' pasts or easily understood if it hasn't been seen before. And Fox has structured the routine beautifully.

It all begins with the performer handing an envelope to a spectator for the proverbial safekeeping. A "sliding-number" puzzle is given to a spectator and told to mix the numbers around. That spectator then hands it to another spectator, who holds the puzzle face down so no one can see it, and mixes it some more. This is repeated with as many spectators as you like. When finished, the performer hands the puzzle to someone to hold onto while another spectator opens the envelope. Inside is the performer's business card. One the back, and verified between the spectator holding the card and the spectator holding the puzzle, is the exact series of numbers: both the prediction and the puzzle match exactly.

Now that's just slick.

It's also very practical. It can be repeated in a flash, with the same group and a different outcome if you so desire. Given the use of another magical apparatus (not supplied), it can be done under some pretty strict conditions in terms of angles and cleanliness (problems that do exist without said apparatus). The set-up takes next to no time at all, and the reset is quick and simple. As for venues, this one plays anywhere except for the stage (the puzzles are about two inches square, so anything above platform work would be pushing it). You can even, if you feel the need, end with everything being examined: puzzle, envelope, and, yes, business card.

So "Full House" has a ton of good things going for it.

How does it play? Pretty darn good, actually. If the spectators end up being those that are forgiving, or easily entertained, this is an enjoyable piece of work that will leave them giggling -- that nervous giggle we like so much -- or quite possibly speechless. The problem is that some spectators do latch on to the method and, if your personality won't carry the day and your handling is the least bit suspicious, you're on a one-way trip to Bustland.

The presentational pieces are enough to give you leeway there, but the "barehand" version taught as an alternative to the "further gimmicked" one (that previously mentioned apparatus, which has some requirements of its own) will likely not get the job done. If you've got some mileage on you, you'll probably come up with a better way of doing it, one that works better for you.

But then again, if you've got that experience, then you've probably worked out the method behind "Full House", in which case you're going to more than a little unhappy with what you get for your money.

And there's the rub, as they say.

You can count yourself among the displeased if you're after some new method or gimmick or working of some sort. Boy, are you going to not like this one at all.

But if you're after Fox's routine and presentational pieces and some little bits that make this a neat piece of mentalism -- oh, and the props -- you're going to get a kick out of this one.

Fox did the right thing here, pricing this one quite low: you'd spend the money in time just trying to locate the puzzles, let alone work out the routine and handling and actually buying the things. That takes much of the sting out of the "displeased" folks and makes the "pleased" ones feel they got a real bargain.

And for me, "bargain" is what "Full House" ends up being. True enough, I still feel this one has a better place elsewhere than in the magic marketplace, but for what you get, for the price, "Full House" is worth a look and, perhaps, more.

"Full House" by Wayne Fox
In a Blink: 7 Out of 10

Practicality: 9
This has a lot going for it. It can be repeated instantly with a different outcome, the set-up is almost non-existent, the reset is quick and simple, and it will play in most intimate venues. Drawbacks? To do this the recommended way requires a certain piece of equipment that packs a clothing requirement (and will require an additional purchase if you don't already have one), and if you don't do that, then you have some angle issues to fret with.

Workmanship: 5
The props are all on the cheap side, but they get the job done. Definitely handle with care otherwise you'll be replacing bits of this before too long.

Documentation: 7
Fox did a great job with the documentation, with clear descriptions and nice photographs. It would have been nice to see more than the two methods given, all things considered, but it's good enough to get you going quickly enough.

Effect: 7
This plays very well. It might not be mind-blowing, but the reactions are fairly solid. Be sure to pick your audience carefully though, or use method requiring the additional equipment, or you'll get caught out before too long.

Presentation: 8
Fox did a fantastic job with the presentation, covering all the bases any good mentalism routine does: interactivity, engagement, entertainment. Where it falls short is in handling and cleanliness and a method that is too easily guessed if either is weak. Handle this one with care, though, and you've likely got a winner on your hand.

Shane

Available direct from your favorite dealer. Dealers, please contact Murphy's Magic Supplies, Inc. toll-free at 1-800-853-7403 or visit Murphy's Magic Supplies website.