So, have you guys seen this film?  One of the best, most realistic, looks at the world of Magicians ever put on film.  How do I know?  Because I began my career as an actor/performer at age seven and from 2 TV movies, at age 13, I graduated to the role of MAGICIAN. Like Bill Bixby in the picture above (from the 1970’s TV show) ~ I dreamed of being “THE MAGICIAN!”   I still hang out with magicians.  My best friend is the best close-up Magician in the city of Chicago.  I met my best friend at age 18 when I had just secured the position of, “head demonstrator” at the now defunct, CHICAGO MAGIC CENTER, which, in its day, was the oldest and best known magic shop in the city.  I had received this position because of my work throughout the Washington DC, Metro area.  By the time I was 16 I had performed at every Elementary school and public library within a fifty mile radius and had moved to Chicago in pursuit of my theatrical dreams.  When I got sick, 2 years ago, it was Lord Isaac (magician extraordinaire) that came to live with me, to make sure I was doing ok.  He is my best friend and room mate to this day. He is the only person I know that has never had a job of any kind, aside from that of “Magician”, he is a walking encyclopedia of the history and performance art of Magic.   Many a night you can find a group of Magicians in my living room practicing, and talking magic into the wee hours of the morning. So I hope this puts your mind at ease when I say I know what I’m talking about, when it comes to Magic and Magicians. 

The art of “Magic” , as an entertainment, has a long, documented history, with conjuring feats on record dating back to 2500 BC.  Thousands of books and publications exist, available to anyone who dare endeavor to discover the secrets of conjuring and prestidigitation.  The real trick is in the evolution of the art form itself, or staying “on top of”  the latest creations and ideas popping out of the minds of Magics latest performers.  BUT, and this is HUGE, there exists a basic foundation of years of training and understanding of principles that must be acquired.  Not everyone can “pass” the test.  Sleight of hand, and understanding of basic human nature,
being the “most” difficult to master.  It is in these basic principles that “magic” receives its “breath of life.” ………….  In the movie, the lead character is on a mission to restore his dead Fathers reputation as a Magician.  Brilliantly played by Mark Ruffalo and supported by an incredible cast: Woody Harrelson, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Jesse Eisenberg, Melanie Laurent, well, I think you get the idea.  What is so marvelous about this film is that the entire movie itself is one big Magic trick.  Every time you think you know what’s going on, you don’t.  And at the end, WELLLL you’ll have to see what I mean.  When I asked the men in my living room what they thought was the best magic film of all time?  “The Prestige” came up, “Houdini”, with Tony Curtis came up, but all pretty much agreed that for really getting a good look inside “Now you See Me” won out.  So, if you haven’t seen it ,take a look…….it doesn’t disappoint.
“The first American born conjuror to make an outstanding success performing in his home country was Richard Potter, the mulatto son of a slave and her white master.  Acting as his own agent and manager, Potter traveled throughout the Eastern United States during the early 1800’s, entertaining audiences with his demonstrations of ventriloquism, magic, and drama.  Not only was Potter America’s first negro magician, but he was also, easily, America’s greatest magician of his time.  His skill made him a legend throughout  New England and earned him great wealth and “A buttload” of fine friends.  POTTER PLACE, a town in New Hampshire, is named after him………..
The reason I bring up his story, in particular, is two fold.   First, if you put your mind to making a go of it, in the world of magic, the “Sky” is literally the limit.  There are no parameters or rules or stigma’s attached to being a Great Magician.  You can do, accomplish, vanish, or appear to be, anything your heart desires.  It is a resplendent profession filled with limitless possibilities.  And second, as a man capable of making your wedding ring vanish in mid-air, then reappear in your husbands, girlfriends purse, it is easy for me to recognize the hidden potential in acquiring such a skill.  The kind of skill that Isaac Marion Hood III (known as “Lord Isaac”) carries with him each and every day with an honor and integrity, that can only be described as impeccable.  In this world of performance art, there is nothing better than being capable of walking into any room, at any time, and completely blowing the minds of those fortunate enough to be present,  In this man’s opinion, Magic has the kind of lasting impression that will always be admired, required, and on the cutting of the arts and sciences, where this world houses it’s most coveted and protected secrets………..I am Dartanion2, and that’s the way I see it………..cheers