Ghostbusters by Craig Petty and Phil Smith

Effect

Ghostbusters is a magic trick that uses a marked deck of movie trivia cards. The magician can instantly know which movie a spectator is thinking of. They can also reveal details like the year the movie was released or even a quote from the film. The trick goes further by allowing the magician to reveal information not printed on the cards, such as box office numbers or the director’s name.

Full Details

Ghostbusters is part of the Focus deck, created by Craig Petty and Phil Smith. The deck uses movie trivia cards instead of playing cards, making it more relatable since most people have a favorite film. The markings on the cards allow the magician to perform multiple effects, from simple movie reveals to advanced mentalism routines.

One standout feature is the ability to reveal information not visible on the cards. For example, the magician can state a movie’s box office earnings before the spectator looks it up. The deck also includes built-in book test elements, where real movie quotes, speakers, and release years are encoded in the markings.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Ghostbusters is ideal for magicians who want a versatile tool for both casual and professional performances. It works well for mentalists who enjoy movie-themed routines and magicians looking for a fresh alternative to traditional card tricks. The deck is designed to create instant audience connection, making it useful for social settings and stage shows.

Difficulty Level

The basic effects are easy to perform, requiring only an understanding of the marked deck system. More advanced techniques, such as revealing unprinted information, may take practice. The creators emphasize that the deck is designed to be organic and powerful, meaning the methods are practical but may require some study for full mastery.

What Magicians Say

Craig Petty describes Ghostbusters as part of "the Titanic of marked deck projects," highlighting its depth and versatility. He explains that the deck goes beyond simple reveals, allowing magicians to perform effects that seem impossible. One reviewer notes, "You can reveal information that they can only find out if they Google the film."

The trick’s visual potential is also praised. Petty demonstrates pulling Slimer (from Ghostbusters) out of the card, creating a striking moment. He says, "If magic was real, it would kind of look like that."

Overall, Ghostbusters is seen as a powerful tool that blends easy-to-perform effects with advanced mentalism techniques, making it a strong choice for magicians who want to engage audiences with movie-themed magic.