Name: Don’t Cry For The Star

Price: £34.99

Where to buy: Dont Cry For The Star

Creator: Katsuya Masuda

Reviewed by: Gary Sumpter MagicFreeads.com

Effect as advertised:

The performer introduces a bunch of cards. He takes a joker which sits on top of the packet revealing the remaining cards have star-shaped hole in one corner. The hole is genuine. The magician places the joker on top of the packet and makes a magical gesture. Then the joker is removed to show the hole has disappered. The packet can be examined.

Comes complete with gimmick card, 16 regular cards, card case, a Joker and instruction sheet.

Demo: Dont Cry For The Star

Packaging Quality: Typical Masuda plastic wrapping, does the job but generally the packaging gets destroyed when you open it.

Instructions Quality: Black and White photocopied instructions. They arent the clearest but you can make out whats needed.

Contents: Instructions, Cards / Gimmicks

Prop Quality: Fine, not bicycle stock though.

Initial Thoughts: To be honest, prior to even opening the package, I watched the video online and wasnt impressed by the effect, it doesnt seem to have any rhyme or reason. However as I am a bit of a ‘method monkey’ and ‘gimmick junkie’, I wanted to see what was going on. Upon reading the instructions and looking at the supplied items, I am still not very impressed. Theres a fair bit going on for such a simple (and pointless?) effect.

After Playing for a while: I have sat here playing with this for a while now. Sadly I couldnt find any reason or place for it. We all know Masuda for the fantastic WOW Wallet / Sleeve. Sadly this doesnt even come close to living up to WOW.

First Performance: Please don’t make me perform this I would feel very silly…

Overall Audience Reaction: I havent performed it yet. If anyone can assure me that it gets great reactions, I will try it out…

Pros: Interesting idea I suppose.

Cons: For me, it just doesnt fit in anywhere. Its literally a ‘take it out, do it, put it away’ kind of trick.

Value for Money: If this was £10 – £15 It would be worth a punt if you like these kind of things. IMO its way overpriced at £34.99