Night at the Oscars by Peter Nardi

Effect

The trick 'Night at the Oscars' creates the illusion of predicting a spectator's choice of a movie from a selection of mini movie posters. The magician presents five movie options, mixes them up, and has the spectator choose one. Despite the random selection, the magician reveals that they had already predicted the chosen movie, which is confirmed by opening a sealed envelope or through a phone call that plays the movie's theme as a ringtone.

Full details

'Night at the Oscars' is a mentalism routine that combines elements of prediction and audience interaction. The magician uses mini movie posters and envelopes to create a structured yet seemingly random selection process. The trick is designed to work in various performance settings, including close-up, walk-around, and stage. It requires no memory work, fishing, or peeking, making it accessible for performers of different skill levels. The routine resets instantly, allowing for repeat performances without additional preparation.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who enjoy mentalism and want a versatile routine that can be performed in multiple settings. It is particularly well-suited for those who appreciate movie-themed presentations and want to engage audiences with a fun and interactive experience. Performers who value tricks with instant reset and minimal setup will find 'Night at the Oscars' a practical addition to their repertoire.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

'Night at the Oscars' is relatively easy to perform, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced magicians. The trick relies on straightforward handling of props, such as movie posters and envelopes, and does not require advanced sleight of hand. The main challenge lies in smoothly managing the postcards and envelopes during the performance, but with practice, this becomes second nature. The included tutorials and bonus content provide additional guidance for mastering the routine.

What magicians say

Magicians have praised 'Night at the Oscars' for its simplicity, strong audience reactions, and repeatability. AlakazamMagicUK highlights the trick's versatility, noting that it works well in close-up, walk-around, and stage settings. They also appreciate the instant reset feature, which allows for multiple performances without additional preparation. The bonus content, including a two-spectator version and a ringtone reveal, adds extra flair to the routine. Overall, 'Night at the Oscars' is described as a practical and effective trick that delivers strong impact with minimal effort.