Jeanskynebu the audience applauded

Platicsco Good story, Not enough for a whole film

ShangLuda Admirable film.

Kaydan Christian A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

atlasmb The other reviews of Deceptive Practice on this site run the gamut, proving that no single film is for everyone. But I would say that if you enjoy optical illusions, there is a good chance you might enjoy this film.Deceptive Practice is a biographical documentary, but it is more than that. Ricky Jay's life spans a particular era in the history of magic and, through associations, extends to earlier generations of magicians.I was never one who had to know how illusions were performed. The illusion itself gave joy enough. And although this film may not expose every aspect of Ricky Jay's life, it provides great joy.I remember seeing Ricky in some of his early TV performances, demonstrating sleight of hand and using playing cards as weapons. Years later, I saw him in some of David Mamet's films (most notably House of Games, that great tale of hustlers and confidence men). In Deceptive Practice, Ricky traces the story of his life, educating us about the culture of magic.By telling us about his relationships with other magicians--many of whom were his mentors--he brings us into their world. These are men who were fascinated by the peculiar, the arcane, the illusory, the ephemeral. Delving into their talents and their dedication to the lifestyle creates a joyous tour. In general, these are brilliant minds possessing unusual dedication to a craft that they elevate to an art form.Ricky's story also feels nostalgic. A look at bygone days. A chronicle of tales that have become mythic in the retelling. It includes a glimpse into the importance of secrets, some poetry, and an interview with an acquaintance that might even elicit tears. I enjoyed it very much.

gavin6942 Ricky Jay is a world-renowned magician, author, historian and actor (often a mischievous presence in the films of David Mamet and Paul Thomas Anderson) -- and a performer who regularly provokes astonishment from even the most jaded audiences.I was not familiar with the magic of Ricky Jay, though his face was known to me. Now I am more than a little impressed, as he seems to have the card tricks down -- especially the close-up sleight of hand that David Blaine brought to the streets. This is especially humorous when Steve Martin is shown losing a $50 bet (though he may have been in on it).This is not a showcase of tricks as much as it is a brief story of Jay's life, which touches on his magician grandfather and those who influenced him. Magicians are a secretive lot, and rarely reveal their tricks... this makes it even more interesting to see their history and who was the mentor for who... there is a distinct line of descent.

cali-miket I feel asleep 30 minutes in. Not bad, each 10 minutes earned it 1 start in my book. The beginning part where they talk about Ricky Jay's childhood was interesting. I guess he thought his dad was an idiot and instead he spent a bunch a time with his rich grand dad and famous magicians of the time. Sleight of hand and card tricks are cute and all, but you have to be physically close to the effect to really enjoy it. He seems like a great guy, and he knows a lot about weirdos. Apparently David Mamet is on his nuts and that helps to add to his coolness. If you are interested in old timey card tricks and hustling techniques you will like this movie. I just feel his expert skill and handy work doesn't translate well to the big screen,

BBB I can see the director's problem here. Ricky Jay doesn't have much to say about his family, left home young, got a job bar tending which led to magic act bookings. Please exit at the rear of the theater. Not much to work with there so we get into the figures he grew up with. When he was young he hung out with his grandfather Max Katz (insert biography here, show vaudeville photos.) He introduced Ricky to Cardini (insert biography here, show vaudeville photos.) Then he hung out with these other two sleight of hand greats (insert biography...you get the idea.) I guess in the end we learn that Ricky Jay has an interesting talent but an entirely uninteresting life. The coverage of the other magicians is so overpowering that this can hardly be called a Ricky Jay biography. This may have played better if it were about all of these past talents with Ricky Jay as the host, rather than pretending he were the center of the film.