This is a fun trick and for $25 you get a unique set of routines, a lot of laughs and a decent bang for your buck. You get a very long and detailed DVD; one hour, forty seven minutes and seventeen seconds, to be exact. The DVD also contains a 37 page e-book and several different Cootie Catcher templates, for different routines.
This trick uses a paper Fortune Teller (it was called in my neck of the woods) which is also known as a Cootie Catcher – something I did not know. I have to think that anyone that grew up in the USA will recognize the Cootie Catcher from their elementary school days. It certainly brought back some nostalgic memories for me, which is part of the charm of the trick. Basically, the performer uses a Cootie Catcher to reveal a fortune or prediction in a funny and entertaining way.
The DVD has live performances of many different routines and detailed and easy to understand explanations. The routines can be done close-up or on stage. It is very easy to perform.
The DVD explains, step-by-step, how to turn the included color templates into a Cootie Catcher and also how to build a giant Cootie Catcher if you are interested in using this during a stage performance. The construction of the Cootie Catcher, using the templates, is a quick process consisting of folding paper on the right lines. You can either watch the construction or follow the e-book directions.
The included routines have humor and appeal for various different ages (from children to adults) and the e-book provides the word-for-word scripts for each routine. The original routine, “The Fortune Teller”, is an excellent routine and that and the “Lie Detector” routines are my two favorites. There is also a routine, with multiple outs that uses a himber wallet and a special envelope, and if you are particularly motivated and don’t mind a more complex art-and-crafts project, check out the bonus routine and build a gimmicked Cootie Catcher that has a very impressive routine.
The Cootie Catcher can be folded up and put in your pocket and can even be given out a souvenir to your spectator.
The promotional video and ad copy are accurate and what you see is what you get. Jason Michael credits comedian/magician, Stephen Bargatze, and others, with development of some of the routines and the product.
This is a great product, especially for the performer that wants to have fun and add some light-hearted humor to their act.