Magic Unlimited with Ellis & Webster: Happy Birthday to me... Wii

At the movies

Iron Man (2008)
Sensational superhero movie with just the right mix of humour, action, special effects and yet another totally unbelievable plot presented so well you willingly suspend disbelief.
Lars and the Real Girl (2007)
An outrageously implausible plot handled superbly and transformed into a wonderful movie about pure love.
No Country for Old Men (2007)
Great performances, great direction and possibly the most sinister movie villain of all time. A gritty crime tale of suspense and violence with well-written characters and real, non-Hollywoodified situations.
Enchanted (2007)
The perfect film to take the kids to that the adults will enjoy too... perhaps even more! This tale of animated characters crossing over into the real world great return-to-form for Disney and so chockful of injokes you'll have to see it twice!
Live Free or Die Hard (2007)
A total rollercoaster ride of a movie and the perfect popcorn action flick if you leave your brain at the door. Just forget reality and enjoy the non-stop adrenalin rush. It was a long time between DH3 & DH4 but don't be surprised if we see Die Hard 5 popping up soon!
Pirates of the Caribbean - At World's End (2007)
You've got to love this movie. It's scale is massive, it's scope is epic, it's characters are familiar and questions are answered. At almost 3 hours long (the original cut was even longer, I wonder if we'll see it on DVD) it left me still wanting more.
The Prestige (2006)
More than a film this is a magic trick in itself. Some say it is the definitive movie about magic and magicians, while others say The Illusionist is superior. Personally, I think The Prestige is remarkable.
Kenny (2006)
A rare beast, an Australian comedy that's actually funny! Much of this is due to the endearing characterisation of the title character by Shane Jacobsen. The entire movie is also one big product placement for it's financiers 'Splashdown'. I can see this being a great way to find the money to make Aussie films that aren't boring enough to qualify for government funding!
The Ringer (2005)
More a whimsical film than an out and out comedy. I really thought this film would go out of it's way to offend given the subject matter, but it's 'special' actors were really given the opportunity to shine and they did. Knoxville fell down and got hit a lot, but somehow showed his heart was in the right place. (Interesting note for wrestling fans, the director's only other film was the classic documentary 'Beyond The Mat' and this film features cameos from Terry Funk and Jesse Ventura).
Mission: Impossible III (2006)
Better than average popcorn action flick. The usual outrageous stunts and impossible situations but you do end up feeling like you got your money's worth!

Our web friends

* Australian Magic Conventions
A detailed resource looking at Australian National Magic Conventions from 1 to 29.
* Magic Convention Guide
Everything you wanted to know about Magic Conventions gathered togethered in the one place!
* iTricks
A magic news and resource site with podcasts, videos and reviews.
* Handmade Magic Wands
A great resource for magic wands and Harry Potter merchandise.
* Catch the Exotic Magic of Stallion!!!
Move over Rudy Coby... Stallion is now the coolest magician on earth.
* Engrish.com!
If you ever need a good laugh, check this site out for fun.
* 419 Eater
Andrew Wimhurst put us on to this site that tells you how to deal with spamscams and have FUN at the same time!
* Australian TV Guide
Very interactive TV guide you can customise. It even emails you reminders when your favourite shows are coming up!
* Herald Sun: ANDREW BOLT
Opinionated but well researched and extremely well argued columnist from Melbourne's Herald-Sun
* Not Good Enough - Australia's Customer Complaints Website
Got a problem and no-one wants to know about it? Tell them!
* College of Magic
Our good friends in South Africa at the only Magic College of it's kind in the world!
* ApologetiX
Our favourite band. Download music or order CDs here.
* Baptist World Aid Australia
How we hooked up with our sponsor children.
* Trick or Treat Magic Shop
Where we buy our magic from in Melbourne, Australia.
* Magic Fakers
Help stamp out rip-offs within the magic industry. Send all of your friends to this site.
* I Dream Of Jeannie.com
Featuring Sue-Anne Webster!
* Webjet Travel
This is the way to book your own airfares and save big bucks!
* The Internet Movie Database
Our favourite site for movie news and reviews
* Pro Wrestling Torch
Tim's hook-up for all the Wrestling news.
* The Genii Forum
Magicians around the world chat to each other in this forum run by Genii Magazine.
* MagicZooM
The latest in French magic, created by our friend David Stone. (Long Live Lotte!)
* Inside Magic.Com
Tim Quinlan's great site with all the latest news in the world of magic.
* The Magic Cafe Forum
A place where we chat to fellow magicians from all over the world.

Recommended Magic Books

* Penn Jillette, Teller: Penn and Teller's How to Play with Your Food
This book, is truly unique, hilarious, and inspired works in the area of magic and the allied art of practical jokes. We love to play 'The Parsley Game', and the Creamer Trick has become legendary.
* Penn Jillette, Teller: Cruel Tricks for Dear Friends
This book, is truly unique, hilarious, and inspired works in the area of magic and the allied art of practical jokes. We've tried many of them ourselves (ask us about they Sydney Harbour Bridge toll!)
* Penn Jillette, Teller: Penn & Teller's How to Play in Traffic
This book, is truly unique, hilarious, and inspired works in the area of magic and the allied art of practical jokes. Tim even gets a 'thank you' in the book's credits.
* Tommy Wonder: The Books of Wonder
An excellent combination of theory and practical magic effects. Well written and presented, a 'must' for the serious student of the art.
* Derren Brown: Pure Effect: Direct mind reading and magical artistry
This book, along with it's companion volume 'Absolute Magic', are essential reading for those who are serious about learning how magic works.
* Ken Weber: Maximum Entertainment
An excellent book for all entertainers. It will help anyone improve their show. Order your copy at www.ken-weber.com
* Tom Ogden: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Magic Tricks
The perfect book for anyone who'd like to become a magician.

Thursday, May 08, 2008

Happy Birthday to me... Wii

Well it's my birthday again today, and Sue-Anne has surprised me yet again with another spectacular gift. It's just released in Australia and I'm already starting to feel sore after just 35 minutes on it.

Yes, she got me a Wii Fit.

I've always been a fan of video games, but I hate the physical laziness that comes with them. That's why I was so happy when the Wii came along, but Wii Fit takes it to a whole other level!

Fitness in the electronic age, at least at our house is courtesy of Nintendo! Working on our bodies of Wii Fit and our minds with Nintendo DS Brain Trainer. Life has definitely changed in the last ten years!

Thursday, May 08, 2008 in Current Affairs | Permalink