Now You See Me Now YOu Don't (Movie Review)

 

As many movies are these days, this one is the third installment in a film series which started in 2013 and had a sequel in 2016. The franchise hovers around the world of magic, with both professional and wannabe illusionists comprising the plot. The film released on November 14, 2025 is rated PG, which is refreshing in that it accomplishes a lot of drama and action in a manner which those of all ages can attend during this holiday season. Seeing the earlier installments is not necessary for following the storyline. If you liked the earlier versions, it’s a good bet that you’ll enjoy the enhanced special effects along with the original and new cast members in this movie. The cast is enough to draw one in to a warm theater to partake in the hijinks, although the plot is hectic and unevenly presented. There are eight well-known actors in the line-up, including Jesse Eisenberg (who portrays the ringleader), Woody Harrelson (who is a mentalist), and Rosamund Pike (as a corrupt diamond and arms dealer). All principal and supporting actors play their parts with gusto, which is enjoyable to watch. 

The Four Horsemen are a famous magician troupe who are socially conscious. With each new trick or illusion, they are trying to right a wrong and benefit the public. In the current story, it has been ten years since they performed together. Several new illusionists appear on the scene, adding a younger generation to the activity while still featuring older master tricksters like Harrelson and Morgan Freeman (who plays a retired magician and mentor to the Horsemen). The newcomers start out by impersonating the Four Horsemen on stage, resulting in a joining of forces with the original Horsemen after their fraudulent performances are outed. The story centers around the magic shows and the efforts of the Horsemen and their new compatriots to redistribute wealth through sleight of hand, both during their shows and on special missions. If all this sounds fanciful, it is. A particular challenge is the presentation of illusion and magic on the big screen in a manner that is believable, because if not, then what is the point? This is hit or miss with a somewhat incoherent script, as the original Horsemen along with the newcomers try to use trickery to obtain a highly valuable diamond owned by a company who launders money for criminals.

The first two “Now You See Me” installments were box office hits, likely explaining the series return. Although the actors play off each other well in this densely packed and inane magic caper, the character development is thin. The English actress Rosamund Pike (“Gone Girl”) is well cast as the corrupt socialite and diamond magnate. She employs a very authentic sounding South African accent, which adds to the appeal. She uses her dazzling smile not as a sign of warmth but as a weapon, as she seeks to disarm and intimidate. With her hard blue eyes, which never soften, Pike balances elegance with cruelty to great effect. Jesse Eisenberg is also spot on as a presenter of smooth, polished magical showmanship. The actors and the fun they seem to be having performing in this superficial and over-the-top film are what makes it worth watching, far more than the tricks themselves. I left feeling entertained. If you are in the mood for something light and non-controversial which also provides non-stop action, you may enjoy it. I give this film a B-minus.

Article from Falls Church News-Press 

Liberty Vanish

 Now available at www.magiciansmagicshop.com

Statue of Liberty disappears!? The famous David Copperfield's Vanishing Statue of Liberty, which he performed in the TV show, is now made easy. Of course, we can't vanish the real Statue of Liberty, but Statue of Liberty in the picture disappears visually and instantly. No knuckle busting techniques are needed. It's very easy. In fact, Mr. Maric threw in this trick to his TV performance in addition to his new tricks, and that made this trick really popular among magic freaks at that time. Note: clips are not included.

Magician Ed Sumner: Our journey to the theatre stage as we prepare for one-night-only spectacle

 Two Staffordshire magicians are preparing to bring a unique mix of magic and comedy to Rugeley’s Rose Theatre for one night only later this month.

Ed Sumner, from Abbots Bromley, and Damon Conlan, from Cannock, have been in the industry for over 20 years, but only began performing together in 2022.

The Magic Room show on 19 December promises a rare chance to see professional modern magic in a theatre setting with sharp, stand-up comedy, and the pair hope it will lead to a future tour.

Here, Ed writes about their progression to a large theatre show, what it means to them and what else guests can expect.

“What began as a small monthly night in a bar has grown into something bigger, more polished, and designed to work for even the largest theatre stages.

We’ve previously spent years, refining our craft, from early performances for friends and family, to stand-up comedy nights for zero to five people, to solo shows, festivals, and even the occasional spot on TV.

Along the way, we’ve learnt how to mix magic with comedy in a way that feels fresh and modern, not canned and dated. We’ve discovered exactly what makes audiences laugh, gasp, and sit up on the edge of their seats. And that might be why our shows are so popular.

Now we’re putting all of that experience together as we bring our show to The Rose Theatre in Rugeley, for one night only. You might have seen a birthday party magician before, maybe even close up magic at a wedding, but this is different. This is a rare chance to see contemporary magic performed live in a theatre setting, without screens, without pretension, without limits.

There will be a unique blend of jaw-dropping visual magic, impossible mind reading and sharp, stand-up comedy. I don’t know of anyone who mixes magic with comedy the way we do.

The show means a lot to us as a showcase for those who have been with us from the start, people who have joined us along the way and hopefully some discovering us for the first time. Bringing it to the theatre stage makes the journey feel worth it.

When it’s performed well magic is always popular. Maybe it’s because it taps into bigger questions about life. What is possible? What can I achieve? Where are my limits?

Or maybe it’s just that people enjoy spending a night out laughing with friends and family. You see, for us the best moments are the feeling in the room when something unexpected happens and everyone reacts at the same time. That shared moment is what keeps us rehearsing, rewriting, and working out the kinks again and again, until they’re perfect. If we can create an evening where people forget the outside world for an hour or two and simply enjoy being part of something live, then we’ve done our job.”

For tickets and more information go to TICKETS

Article from Daily Focus 

JUNWOO PARK - 2022 FISM - The Shape of a Sound !!

 

Tommy Cooper

 

                                       Thomas Frederick Cooper (March 1921 - April 1984) 

Nathan Burton on Fool US

 

Jigsaw Deck - Magicians Magic Shop

 

Now available at www.magiciansmagicshop.com Instantly command attention with the ultimate card magic opener from David Regal. Jigsaw Deck by David Regal is a truly one-of-a-kind way to start any card magic set. You dump out a few wooden puzzle pieces from a box and start assembling them in front of the audience. Within just a few seconds, the pieces are brought together to form what looks like a playing card. The completed puzzle is then put inside a box, and after a quick snap of your fingers, the lid is removed to reveal that the puzzle has become a real deck of cards. This truly is a completely ordinary deck of cards. You can immediately dump it out and give it to someone to shuffle or just jump right into your favorite card trick. Jigsaw Deck is incredibly easy to do. It's basically self-working and all the props fit right into your pocket. Just add in your own normal deck of cards and you'll always be ready to perform. Produced by Vanishing Inc. the custom-made puzzle pieces and special box are exceptional quality. The pieces themselves are adorned with an authentic Bicycle mandolin design and are incredibly simple to assemble. It will only take you a few minutes of practice to master the art of putting it together without much thought. Everything you need to know is covered in the complete tutorial that you'll receive alongside an optional "Brain Buster" sticker that can be used to decorate the box if you wish. Elevate your card magic with Jigsaw Deck by David Regal today!

Wayne Dobson's Royal Variety Performance

 

Michael Kent on Fool Us

 

Johnny Thompson

                                                             Johnny Thompson 1934-2019

Jeff Sheridan

1948-2025 

 

Magic News: The Legendary Jeff Sheridan has passed

 

Jeff Sheridan Passed away on November 29th 2025 

Jeff Started his magic career as a street performer in 1967 

He was born in 1948 

Since the 1990's he has lived in Frankfurt Germany

Stand-Up Comedy Magic by Simon eBook DOWNLOAD

 READ AT YOUR OWN RISK: THIS BOOK WILL MAKE YOUR MAGIC FUNNY AND YOUR COMEDY POWERFUL.

Most magic books teach tricks.
Most comedy books teach jokes.

This one teaches you how to blend both into a weapon.

Let's get one thing straight:
This is not another "magician says funny lines" book.
It's not a collection of tired gags.

It's not a list of jokes stolen from the 80s.

Stand-Up Comedy Magic by Simon is a blueprint - sharp, modern, and uncompromising - for artists who want their magic to hit harder because the audience is laughing... not in spite of it.

This is the book for magicians and mentalists who understand that comedy isn't a decoration.

It's architecture.
It's timing.
It's misdirection disguised as joy.
It's the emotional engine that drives the miracle exactly where you want it to go.

If you're looking for "cute" jokes or "funny lines you can say," close this now.

This book isn't for hobbyists hunting for shortcuts. It's for performers who want to build unforgettable, intelligent, structured comedy magic - on purpose.

WHAT THIS BOOK ACTUALLY TEACHES (AND WHY IT MATTERS)

• The real mechanics behind set-up, expectation, punchline, and comedic misdirection
  Not theory - the architecture of laughter that fuels the astonishment.
• How to turn ANY magic trick into a comedy moment
  No new gimmicks.
  Just new thinking.
• Storytelling techniques for routines that breathe
  Shows that move.
  Moments that land.
  Laughs that mean something.
• Persona building
  Because your character is the engine behind every joke you tell and every illusion you perform.
• Gags and props reimagined
  Modern, elegant, theatrical - not childish cheeseball nonsense.
• Stagecraft, timing, rhythm, physicality
  Comedy magic isn't just spoken. It's performed.
• And a full arsenal of real lines, real transitions, and real world-tested effects
  Not "joke books."
  Not "internet gags."
  Lines written, sculpted, performed and refined on stage.

WHAT YOU'LL FIND HERE (AND NOWHERE ELSE)

The Line Between Joke and Miracle
Where the laughter becomes misdirection - and misdirection becomes impact.

The Comedy Arsenal
Dozens of lines, transitions, audience moments and framework phrases you can instantly adapt to your persona.

Full Tutorials on Comedic Timing
Not tips - full systems for timing, pause, rhythm, breath, emotional pacing and audience control.

Stage-Ready Bonus Routines
4 complete comedy magic routines with scripts, structure, beats, timing, and alternatives -not theory, but material forged in front of real audiences.

And the one lesson most magicians never learn:
Comedy isn't the enemy of magic. It's the pressure point that makes the impossible hurt in the best way.

WHO THIS BOOK IS FOR (AND WHO IT'S NOT)

This book is for the performer who wants to walk on stage and own yes, own -every laugh, every silence, every gasp.

It's for magicians who want to stop "saying funny things" and start performing thoughtful, structured, intelligent comedy magic.

If you want cheap jokes, you won't find them here.

If you want to build an act that feels alive that breathes, moves, hits, surprises this is the guide you've been waiting for.

THE EFFECT THIS BOOK CREATES

After this book, your performance won't feel like "magic with jokes." It will feel like stand-up comedy fused with miracles.

Your lines will land. Your timing will sharpen. Your misdirection will become invisible. Your audience will laugh - and then gasp - and then clap before they even realize why.

This is comedy magic for the modern stage. Clean. Dangerous. Sophisticated. And unforgettable.

FINAL WARNING

This book won't make you funny if you aren't willing to think. It won't give you a persona if you don't build one. It won't write your act unless you're willing to get your hands dirty.

But if you're ready for the next level - the level where you don't just perform magic, you perform your voice - Welcome to Stand-Up Comedy Magic by Simon.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

Now available at www.magiciansmagicshop.com 

Jeff Thomson At The Magic Castle

 

Shawn Farquhar's 2nd appearance on Fool Us

 

Magic News: Jack White poster artists to converge at Third Man for Holiday Bazaar

 Matthew Jacobson didn't design his first concert poster until he was 40 years old.

But the West Bloomfield Township native has since become one of Jack White's go-to designers for show posters, and he will be on hand Saturday and Sunday at Third Man Records' Detroit location for Third Man Records' Holiday Poster Bazaar.

He'll appear with two other Third Man poster artists, Chris Everhart and Eric Von Munz, to meet with fans, chat about their designs and to sell rare and collectible works from their archives.

Jacobson, who has designed posters for Jack White and White's band the Raconteurs, is used to being behind the scenes, not up front. "So it's nice to meet with people," he says, "because as concert poster designers, we don't really have many outlets to talk about our work."

Jacobson, 54, says he likes to incorporate unique geographic and artist-specific details into his posters; the more precise the reference or bigger the challenge, the better.

For White's concert at Little Caesars Arena in 2018, Jacobson paid homage to the Stone Burlesk, a burlesque theater in Detroit that Jacobson's grandfather used to run, which sat on the site of what is now LCA.

For a pair of White's shows at Detroit's Masonic Temple in 2022 — including the concert where White proposed to his girlfriend, Olivia Jean, and then Married her on stage — Jacobson Painstakingly chronicled the day's events on a local, national and international level and incorporated them into the design of the posters, and then raced against time to get them printed up and over to the venue.

Those posters sold out, but Jacobson says he'll have a couple on hand for sale this weekend. He'll also have a few copies of his personal favorite show poster, the one he designed for White's show in Las Vegas in 2022, which Jacobson opened, performing as a magician. The back of the poster for that night's concert included instructions on how to perform a magic trick for friends.

Jacobson is planning to perform that trick at the Third Man shindig, and he and the other artists will have an opportunity to talk about their designs from 1-2 p.m. Saturday. On Sunday, there will be a panel discussion with the three artists, hosted by Liz Warner, from 1-2 p.m. The event is free both days.

Jacobson, who now lives in Chicago, formerly worked in-house as Third Man's head of design and has also designed posters for Wilco, the Cure and the Smashing Pumpkins. He says he doesn't have a personal style or a trademark for his poster work.

"It's really important to me, as a designer, that the poster and the work reflects the musician, not me," he says. "That it looks like they sound, or it feels like they make people feel, not that you look at it and you're like, 'Oh, that's a Matthew Jacobson poster.' I would argue that my posters don't have a particular style. My style, hopefully, is not having a style."

Von Munz has been in the poster game since the early '90s, initially designing flyers and posting them around his hometown of Milwaukee to hype up shows from the artists he loved. He was a one-man promotion machine: His reasoning was that if more people knew about the shows, attendance would increase, and then the artists, in turn, would return to Milwaukee on their next tours, his art in service of the greater civic good.

In 1999, Von Munz silkscreened a series of thrift store LPs to promote a White Stripes show at Milwaukee's Cactus Club, hammering them into telephone poles and flooding local record stores with them. Those LPs are now pieces of White Stripes lore, and originals sell for hundreds of dollars.

"They were just a two-piece from Detroit! They weren't going to be the next Beatles," says Von Munz. "I wish I would have known then what I know now!"

Von Munz, 54, will have some reprints of the record at the Bazaar, and he says Third Man collectors have always been a voracious bunch.

"Jack White fans are Rabid." he says. "They Love the man."

Article from: Detroitnews.com

Welcome to Magicians Magic Shop Daily

 My goal is simple: 

To deliver daily magic content that keeps you inspired, informed and connected to the art. 

Why I created this blog: 

For years, our community has relied heavily on social media platforms to stay connected - and the last few months have made it clearer than ever how fragile that system can be. Outages, suspensions, removed posts, removed groups, lost access... all of it disrupts learning, growth, and the flow of ideas. 

This blog is the solution: 

This space is outside the algorithm where magicians can get consistant, reliable, daily magic content. 

This blog won't simply dissapear...