The premise of this thread was to discuss whether the Buck twins magic is good, bad, or a little of both. The point is that there is no right or wrong answer. Some people here obviously LOVE to argue just for the sake of arguing, to prove themselves "right" and others "wrong". Its ridiculous to thow these hissy fits and try to argue who's right or wrong about a question where there is no right or wrong answer.
Steerpike doesn't believe the Bucks perform magic. Fine, end of story. Just because he has declared that what the twins do isn't magic doesn't make it so, however. The twins aren't magical only in his own mind and that's just HIS opinion. Which he is entitled to. Others obviously have different opinions and do believe the Buck perform magic. And that is their opinion. There's no point in arguing the definition of what is magic or not, that wasn't the intenion of this thread.
So to get back on topic, my opinion (and that's all it is, just an opinion) is that the Bucks do perform magic. It's just often obscured by flashy flourishes, but its there nonetheless. I also believe that its good magic, just in small doses, so there is some benefit to their unique style which could be successfully implemented into my own material. I wouldn't do a whole set with nothing but Buck stuff. I will throw in a little bit towards the end of a series of routines as "eye candy" just to mix it up a bit and to keep things visually engaging, if I feel the need for it.
I have not read anything in this thread past my last post so I have no idea what's going on. Well if that is Steerpike's opinion, I actually 100% agree with him.
Sure, the spectators WILL have a moment of astonishment. They will. When they see cards change places instantly like they do, there will be a moment of astonishment as with any magic trick. The thing is though, everyone will just be wondering what kind of sleight of hand accomplished what they did. Believe me, I don't claim to have supernatural powers. I'm not that type of person. However, I don't come out right away and say "Ok, check out this sleight of hand." Essentially, that is what the Bucks do. They are very quick and flashy.
Spectators will have a moment of astonishment as with normal magic when viewing Buck magic. However, it will be a different thinking process. Bucks lead them down the "That's crazy sleight of hand! How did they do that?!" road. I lead them down the "That's a crazy trick! How is that even possible?!" road. Believe it or not, some people will think it is real magic. Now that... is a magical moment.
If asked, of course I say everything I do is an illusion and all sleight of hand. However, I don't just go up to someone and say right away that I do sleight of hand or do some crazy XCM. As most magicians say, XCM takes away from the magic. I do magic. I leave them with the magic too. If they ask me if I have supernatural powers, I say no. If not asked though, I do magic. This way, it stays magic. Its not like Buckland where they are wondering how the heck your fingers did that. In magicland, they wonder how it was even possible let along sleight of hand.
Overall... I guess if you consider that moment of astonishment the Bucks give magic, then yes the Bucks do magic. However, I see the Bucks more as awesome showoffs than magicians. I love the Bucks, don't get me wrong. I'm just simply saying things how I see them.
-Doug