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Spiderman by Craig Petty and Phil Smith

Created by: Craig Petty, Phil Smith

The 'Spiderman' trick is a captivating blend of magic and mentalism, designed for close-up or parlour performances. The magician presents a folded card containing a prediction, then invites an audience member to cut a deck of cards. Through a series of seemingly random choices—like selecting a number between 1 and 100—the magician reveals that the audience member's selections match the prediction. The routine escalates with the use of IMDb, where the magician predicts a film title the audience member will choose, culminating in a surprising revelation of 'Spiderman' (the Toby Maguire version). The trick thrives on audience interaction, humor, and a modern twist with digital integration.

Key features

  • Combines magic and mentalism for a unique experience

  • Uses IMDb for a modern, unexpected twist

  • Highly interactive, engaging the audience throughout

  • Versatile and adaptable to different performance styles

  • Features a humorous and surprising climax

Pros

  • Engaging and interactive, making it great for live performances

  • Modern use of IMDb adds a fresh layer to classic prediction

  • Humor and audience participation enhance entertainment value

  • Versatile for various performance settings

Cons

  • Requires smooth handling of audience interaction

  • Reliance on digital tools (IMDb) may limit performance in certain settings

Effect

The Spiderman trick combines magic and mentalism to create an engaging performance. A magician presents a folded prediction card at the start. A spectator cuts a deck of cards, selects one at random, and names a number. Through a counting method, the magician reveals that the chosen card matches a film title—previously predicted. The routine escalates with the use of IMDb, where the magician seemingly predicts a film the spectator will think of later. The climax reveals the bottom card of the deck matches the magician’s IMDb search, "Spiderman," in a surprising and humorous finish.

Full Details

The trick begins with a prediction card placed in view. A spectator cuts the deck, and the magician removes a small packet of cards. The spectator picks one by counting to a freely chosen number. The magician then reveals the card matches a film title, such as "Braveheart," which was the initial prediction.

The performance deepens with mentalism. The magician uses IMDb to predict a film the spectator will later select. Through questions about color and letters, the magician seemingly reads the spectator’s mind, narrowing down to a title like "Heathers." The final reveal ties back to the magician’s earlier IMDb search for "Spiderman," matching the bottom card of the deck.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick suits magicians who enjoy mentalism and audience interaction. It works well for performers who like modern twists, such as using smartphones and IMDb. The humor and surprise make it ideal for close-up or parlor settings.

Difficulty

The trick requires smooth handling of cards and confident audience management. The mentalism portion relies on clear scripting and timing. While not overly technical, performers must rehearse the counting method and patter to ensure a natural flow.

What Magicians Say

MurphysMagicSupplies highlights the trick’s versatility and audience engagement. The use of IMDb adds a fresh element to a classic prediction routine. Craig Petty’s performance demonstrates how humor and interaction enhance the effect. One reviewer notes, "The final reveal with 'Spiderman' is unexpected and gets a great reaction." The trick’s adaptability allows performers to adjust it for different audiences.

What people are saying about Spiderman

MurphysMagicSupplies says...

The routine combines magic and mentalism, utilizing IMDb for a modern twist. [...] The performance culminates in a humorous and unexpected revelation.

Performance videos