Justin Wilman’s Netflix Special: Magical Lover
Justin Wilman is gearing up for a big moment with his first hour-long Netflix special, Magical Lover. This new show is set to blend his extensive experience in magic and comedy, aiming to turn even the biggest skeptics into true fans of magic. The question is: will you be one of them? You’ll have to watch to find out.
Key Points: Filmed live at the Fitzgerald Theatre in St. Paul, Minnesota, Justin Wilman: The Magic Lover combines humor and magic to provide an entertaining mix of tricks, mind games, and fantasies.
Wilman points out that there are generally two types of attendees at such shows: the enthusiastic ones and those who—well, let’s say—aren’t big fans of magic, often skeptical to the core. He makes an effort to engage the non-believers, starting off with a trick that involves pulling random names from a box, which definitely gets the audience’s attention.
He quips, “Magic is like a hot dog. The more you know, the harder it is to swallow.” Wilman acknowledges the natural skepticism and encourages everyone to open their minds, only to humorously interrupt his own challenge by crumpling paper into a ball.
Throughout the special, Wilman masterfully involves the entire audience, employing crowd work that extends from the front row all the way to the balcony. His tricks range from classic illusions, like transforming a dollar bill into a twenty, to more inventive feats, such as having an audience member solve a Rubik’s Cube behind their back. There are even some lighthearted games that bring unexpected excitement, pushing the limits of interaction.
Which comedy special does it remind you of? It’s hard to find a direct comparison to Wilman’s unique blend of magic and comedy, though fans of his style might also enjoy pieces from performers like Drummond Money Cout and magic legends like David Blaine.
Memorable jokes: One standout moment occurs when Wilman nostalgically recalls his childhood determination to memorize every ZIP code in America, humorously admitting, “I wouldn’t say I was popular.” His interactions with audience members are priceless, as he quizzes them about their city and state before skillfully reciting ZIP codes in precise order, showcasing his impressive memory.
Our Take: Overall, Justin Wilman: The Magic Lover is a delightful experience from start to finish. Wilman’s charisma ensures that viewers—both in the theater and at home—are brought along for the ride, feeling included in the fun without ever being ridiculed.
His knack for weaving inclusivity throughout his performance speaks volumes, creating an atmosphere where everyone feels engaged. With a level of confidence that comes only from years of experience, he navigates through the show seamlessly. Impressively, his memory shines as one of the standout elements; remembering details like ZIP codes and audience names adds an extra layer of magic, reminding us that the true essence of magic lies in those shared moments.
Our Call: Whether you’re a devoted fan or just tuning in for the first time, Wilman’s special has a way of making anyone a magic enthusiast. Definitely worth a watch!
