Screen Test is an excellent mentalist routine using a stack (17 to be exact) of assorted movie poster images printed on postcards. In Screen Test, the performer hands out the postcards, each with pictures of movies ranging from a James Bond flick and Singin’ In The Rain to Jaws and E.T. They can be mixed and shuffled and each of the 17 cards is displayed one at a time to the spectator. On the back of each postcard is a list of all the movies in alphabetical order. The spectator picks one card and does not let the performer know which one it is. The performer then asks the spectator to read the list of movies from the back of the card, in any order, to see if he can tell from the spectator’s inflection which movie was selected. He fails. He then asks the spectator to think of the card and is able to divine the movie postcard that was selected.
This routine is very strong for spectators and baffled every person that I perfomed this trick for. The routine allows you to really concentrate on your performance and the mind reading aspect of the trick as it is so very easy to learn and perform.
The 17 postcards are excellent quality props, which can be handed out and inspected. Although it is possible that the most critical and savvy spectator may see something to complain about, it passes more than a casual inspection for most audience members. When I first opened the package, and before I watched the 50 minute instructional video, I inspected the postcards and was able to figure out the method, but that is because I knew what to look for. I do think this will fool most people and you can perform it several times in a row. There is no force and any outcome is possible.
The ad copy and promotional video are accurate. There is no “memory work required” (although some memorization may make the performer feel a bit more comfortable), there is “no fishing” and “no peeks.” You can divine any of the 17 different movies and it resets immediately. There is no set up and it can be performed for one person, a group, in a parlor or strolling setting, or even on stage or for television.
The instructional video is top quality. Peter Nardi teaches the trick with the creator, Steve Dimmer, and demonstrates how the trick can be performed in a studio setting. It also contains a live performance with Peter Nardi in a one-on-one situation, in which he performs two different routines with the same cards. One of the routines contains a reveal of the selected movie by using a ringtone that plays the movie’s soundtrack.
Because this trick plays strongly to lay people, and gets fantastic reaction, it is highly recommended.