Main Event: The Knockout Magic of Caleb Wiles is a strong 2 DVD set with 16 tricks all of which are performed and explained by Wiles. Vanishing Inc. seems to have developed a knack for putting out great magic projects and this is no exception.
There are some really amazing tricks on these 2 DVDs. This project is not a beginner, self-working compilation of tricks and that is just fine with me. Many of the tricks require basic sleights to get the job done. Some of the tricks require a bit of practice and a few are easy as pie. Wiles takes inspiration from or borrows from certain magicians, including Dai Vernon, Harry Lorayne, Joshua Jay, Karl Fulves and others and puts his own touch on the tricks.
Some of the tricks are quite involved and are not the 1-2-3 quick card tricks that you can use in a table-hopping setting. Some of the tricks are somewhat elaborate and require the attention of spectators that desire to see magic. A total killer is the Lucky Shuffle in which you will need to rip up a small handful of cards, but you will totally amaze your spectators when the totally mixed and shuffled halves all end up with the right halves despite impossible and seemingly free mixing of the cards.
What you will take away from this project is that Wiles thinks about his routines, presents them with a strong theme and patter as distinguished from many magicians who just lay the trick on you.
At the end of the DVD, Wiles teaches a Bonus Moves segment in which he gives instruction on the Elmsely Count and other basic moves. Wiles assumes you know the basics of magic and plows ahead without stopping to explain the fundamentals.
Main Event: The Knockout Magic of Caleb Wiles is a strong group of tricks and another worthwhile project by Vanishing Inc.
This double DVD set can be purchased at any Murphy’s Magic dealer.
