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| - During the show, Mat Franco suggests that we stop trying to figure out how the tricks are done and just enjoy the show. Umm, no. What makes magic shows great is that the entire audience is trying to figure out how it's done and still coming up short. To be wowed by something we've never seen before, to see something that should be impossible. That's where the magic lies in magic shows.
Mat Franco has mastered the sleight of hand, and his control over a deck of cards is good. That's why 90% of this show is filled with card tricks. And while I do enjoy card tricks up close and personal, that does not translate well to a large, open stage. That's a whole lot of room for such a small act.
As for the other tricks, there isn't a whole lot of mystery as to how these are done. I have seen about a third of the tricks in other performances in Vegas, and even some of the jokes are recycled (if you've seen Nathan Burton at Planet Hollywood, you'll recognize the kid-age routine). Another third of the tricks seem ripped from every other magic show I've seen throughout the years, and while that may be true for most magicians, there was nothing original to the presentation to make it seem fresh.
So here's the bottom line for this show. If you are a true fan of magic tricks, you won't see anything original in this show. If shows like Fool Us are your thing, you've seen many of these tricks before. If you enjoy big, elaborate illusions with a lot of wow factor, you won't find it here.
However, if you've never seen a magic show and don't know/don't care about any of these tricks, then here's a chance to see a guy who has good deck control and sleight of hand techniques. If you want to entertain some kids (who hopefully won't get the sexual innuendos and double entendres), this show might do the trick. Just don't think too hard on how people are selected or watch too closely on exchanges.
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