Penn Jillette (Penn & Teller) Reviews Magic Tricks from Movies & TV | Vanity Fair

Vanity Fair11 minutes read

Penn Jillette reviews movie scenes with magic, pointing out inaccuracies and practicalities, such as piranhas not attacking in "Now You See Me" and the safety concerns of the water tank escape. He also discusses tricks like long-distance moves, seed growing, and sleight of hand in movies like "Mission Impossible" and "The Incredible Burt Wonderstone," highlighting both implausible elements and well-executed executions in the films.

Insights

  • Movie magic scenes often take creative liberties with real-world accuracy, such as piranhas not behaving realistically in "Now You See Me."
  • Safety concerns, like those highlighted by the water tank escape associated with Houdini, underscore the importance of prioritizing the well-being of performers in magic acts.

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Recent questions

  • How does Penn Jillette review movie scenes?

    Critiques magic inaccuracies and practicalities.

  • What is a common onstage magic trick?

    Performers appearing in the audience.

  • What is the significance of the water tank escape?

    Highlights importance of safety in magic.

  • How does Tom Cruise perform a sleight of hand trick?

    Likely uses a hidden pocket.

  • What is instant stooging in magic?

    Technique directing a person to act without question.

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Summary

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Movie Magic: Reviewing Tricks with Penn Jillette

  • Penn Jillette reviews movie scenes with magic, noting inaccuracies and practicalities.
  • In "Now You See Me," an escape scene involves piranhas, which wouldn't attack as shown.
  • Onstage vanishes where performers appear in the audience are common but often unnoticed.
  • The water tank escape, associated with Houdini, highlights the importance of safety.
  • A magic trick involving a long-distance move in a movie lacks real-life plausibility.
  • A magic trick where a seed grows into a plant is disliked by Penn but is well-executed in the movie.
  • Tom Cruise's sleight of hand trick in "Mission Impossible" is likely done using a hidden pocket.
  • "The Incredible Burt Wonderstone" showcases a sword cabinet trick, with some inaccuracies but also realistic casualness in execution.
  • "Arrested Development" demonstrates instant stooging, a technique where a person on stage is directed to act without question.
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