Film Review: Modern Con Man Collection

By
Charles A. Smith

Imagine being dropped off in a major city with absolutely no money to your name, no contacts, and no credit cards either. How do you think you'd fare for 7 days? You might be a smooth talker, but something tells me (at least I can speak for myself) that it would be a nightmare. But not for Todd Robbins, who is a master is manipulation. At the end of his 7 days, Robbins was staying in a nice hotel and had $500 in his pocket. 

The Modern Con Man Collection Boasts 3 DVDs: 
- How To Scam Your Way Into Free Beer (And Other Bar Bets) 
- Poker Night Games (And Other Card Playing Tricks) 
- Workplace Pranks (And Other Ways To Con Your Co-Workers) 

Brought to us courtesy of First Run Features, the DVDs are hilarious and great for anytime you want to have a few friends over and have a laugh, or just enjoy the craziness all alone. I can tell you now that Robbins is not the guy you want to buy your next used (or new) car from. Slicker than a frog's back, on Disk 1, Robbins shows you how to drink your way through the night for free on How To Scam Your Way To Free Beer by giving you some of his tricks that will prank drinkers at the party or bar. Smoothly, like a uncle who's come into your life that you didn't know about and your parents didn't want you to know about, he shares his secrets of the bar con game with many brilliant manipulations that will confound your victims like he does his. He really makes it look so simple on this very entertaining and enlightening DVD . It's very funny at times and will make you wonder if you could really pull it off, and after watching, I think I could. Con after rib chuckling fun, this is a must for the party guy or girl. 

"On disk 2, Poker Night Games, Todd Robbins, aka Mr. Con Man, shows you tricks that you can use to win with cards. His solutions and gimmicks will make you a semi expert at the card con game. Many interesting cons are displayed and broken down so with a lot (in some cases) or a little practice, you can definitely work the cons. Once again, it's all highly entertaining and full of fun as Robbins carries you right along like you're his protégé. He even shows how to set up the con so the person is a good mark before you even begin, and he's a great teacher because he obviously loves his job and is a natural in front of the camera; he seems to be in another place than the rest of us. The world he thinks in is very different and yet simple when he shows you the brilliant solutions. This DVD is a card players dream. There are very simple patterns and counting systems you can learn quickly.

On Disk 3, Workplace Pranks, the very slick Robbins once again displays his wonderful gift of observation and being able to read and manipulate people, and guides the viewer through the mayhem of office politics with a twist. You will love some of his suggestions for giving a co worker a little payback or just ways to have some good, clean fun to keep the boredom down. He also has jokes and tips for success in the corporate office, as well as office games employees can play to make the day go by a little faster. He is a lot of fun on this one. I bet you didn't know you could put your head though a business card. Well, believe it or not, you can. Trust me, this guy has a very unique way of seeing the world around him, and just taking a walk with him will educate you way beyond your years. He is one step away from the edge, but still comes off as a real nice guy (slow wink). Some of the things he suggests, you might want to do as you are leaving on your way to the next employer, but for the most part, it's all a day of play at the office.He calls it mirth and mayhem, and he's right. I really like this guy and you will absolutely love the riveting "Modern Con Man Collection". This is a great present to yourself or to those you love who need a little more laughter in their lives.

Film Review: The Callers

By
Charles A. Smith

The art of auctioneering has been brought to DVD via Susan Sfarra's documentary The Callers, and it is interesting to find out there is another way to find treasures and great values at auctions, something most of us don't really think about. Those of you who do yard sales, and go to garage sales and flea markets  might have never considered going to a auction, but you might want to rethink your position.

Everything is auctioned from livestock to buildings and there is serious money to be saved and made. People have made this a business, but the major player here is actually the auctioneer, who is a work of art in human form. In The Callers, you will find out how they become auctioneers and what it takes to become one. It is fascinating to see the amount of things and ways people call upon these craftsmen and women to help them sell -- things they no longer want or need. Said to be the fairest method of doing trade, the auction game is big business. Some of the things people get rid of at auctions are really of great value. These days, some things just aren't made like they use to be, so antiques are worthy of purchase because of the craftsmanship that has gone into them. And the Auctioneer really serves a very useful purpose organizing the auction and all the items to be sold, doing it all in a profession and fast paced way. This documentary made me think about checking for auctions in my area for some of the things I need and just to see what I might find. Great DVD. Happy hunting!!