Movies Books

Quinlan has a unique way of portraying a movie start: a few enlightining words about his/her looks and performing capacities. And that goes for his "film stars" book as well as his "film directors" (where he has more room to go into details).
When I went to Britain last week, i looked for a new edition of his "film stars", as the last one I got (and the last one known here in Portugal) was from 5 years ago, the 2000 edition; unfortunately I was told that no new edition had been released.
The "film stars" is a complete and excellent work, though one can always come up with some name that is not included (the one that comes always to my mind is the talented late american actor J.T. Walsh)

David Quinlan has an uncanny knack for describing actors and actresses in four or five perfectly chosen words, or less. If you love movies, you need this book.

I watched the Oscars with this next to me, and it made them so much more fun! Look up fun, strange and important facts about your favorite stars and see some of the quirkiest, yet best descriptions of the actors you'll ever read!. The author describes everyone by their physical attributes - but it's like reading the cartoon page. This one is guaranteed to make you laugh!

If you want to know every movie that your favorite actor has made, this is the book for you!!! It is well organized, incredibly detailed and up to date!!! Keep a copy next to your TV!!!

This book has been an invaluable resource for quenching my film knowledge thirst since I got my hands on my father's 1st edition copy around '82 or so. Due to publisher's restraints, author Quinlan gradually, and unfortunately, weeded out entries for lesser known, or no longer relevant, stars over the years. But fret no more! This edition appears to include every entry he's ever created.
Whether you're looking for the complete filmography of the world's most well-known actors (Eastwood), the birthdate of you're favorite cult star (Marie Windsor anyone?), or the names of those long lost Lon Chaney titles, you'll find yourself immersed in this bible of film history.
Quinlan's research is thorough (and I do mean thorough! Before IMDB came around, I'd never seen anything like it), well-spoken, and virtually flawless in its accuracy. This edition is fairly up-to-date (through 2001 I think) & packs many surprises about the status of actors actors you might have already assumed dead, retired or out-of-work. Superb!

I bought the first edition 2 years ago and then the second edition to keep up with new changes because this book is a very good and complete introductory course on making real world video (i.e. starting from choosing DV camcorders to final production and delivery to the world depending on your budget).

It starts from current DV technology (like CCD and DV formats) and then introduces various DV camcorder types depending whether you are normal consumer or pro-sumer or professional users. (It even shows you the approximate price range for various camcorder class.)

It then introduces how scripts planning should be like for making different scenes of video (newscast or documentary or movie). It teaches different techniques of shooting pictures/video by cameras/comcorders (angles, views, lighting and audio control). I likes the book giving you various examples of lighting equipments and audio equipments required for making good video.

For movie pre-production process, it tells what kind of production crews and things you will need and do for different stages (including cost ranges). For movie post-production process, it shows how to edit all movie and audio footages into final movies and how to fix video/audio problems. It also describes what types of movie editing systems (computers, hardware equipments and software video applications) available in the market depending on high-end, mid-range, or low-end production and budgets. It also describes how the final process of movie copies are generated and delivered to the world.

I like the book because it gives me pretty good ideas how DV movies are made with real equipments that are availalbe in the current market. This book is highly recommended especially for serious beginning DV/movie producers.

This book should be required reading for anyone making a digital movie with more ambition than experience. This book will be worth its cost in just the first project by eliminating many of the learning mistakes we all make. I wish someone would have sat down with me and given me this advice when I started and yet, even with many projects behind me, this book offers me new ideas. Reading the book and the watching the DVD are like having real work experience - both in production and post-production. In one memorable section of the DVD, Pete Shaner sits down with you and gives you lots of advice on how to shoot and things to consider in shooting and editing.

Highly recommended reading...for the home hobbyist...the USC film student...the software geek... or AV professional.

The authors approach the Digital Video Universe in a real world, common sense and entertaining prose...allowing the reader to apply their level of interest, budget, technical background, project objectives and pace to a surprisingly current and comprehensively deep offering of digital video material.

The supportive DVD is awesome!

This book took me into a whole new World. I sure could have used it before I bought my used BetaCam! Now I can work quicker, cleaner, look like a pro and save $$$. The furture of film making is here. Thanks guys!

As the prices of digital data capture and storage have dropped, new avenues of artistic creation have opened up. One of these areas is in the realm of digital video, where it is possible to make movies using simple and relatively inexpensive digital equipment. However, the fact that the equipment is now cheap does not make it any easier to make movies that people would want to watch. There is an enormous amount of subtle technique involved in making a movie, and until I read this book, I had absolutely no idea how complex a simple shot can be. This is a book that will show you how to make a digitally recorded movie, and should be the first thing you read if that is your aspiration.
It all starts with planning, from the initial idea, on to budgeting, clearing all legal hurdles, organizing and shooting the scenes, editing and cleaning the stored scenes, and ending with publicizing and distributing the finished product. All are so complex, that you do not make a movie, you survive its' creation. The fact that the movie can now be stored on digital devices only significantly affects one of these steps.
Written primarily for those who are interested in making DV projects for entertainment, this is one of the most interesting books I have ever read. The number of detail hurdles that need to be cleared to make a movie are astounding, and kudos to the authors for explaining all of those hurdles in great detail.

although under ground red dwarf groups put season 8 at the low end of the list the book is a hit since it is memorobila
some have come to like red dwarf because of season 8 others come to love season 8 because of this book
it is well worth the pounds or dollers you will pay

This gorgeous Red Dwarf companion may seem a bit pricey, but no smeghead should be without it. It contains LOTS of extra material from the smash hit series 8, and is full of beautiful cast and CGI pictures. Best of all, each script is introduced by the king of smeg himself- Doug Naylor! Some of the behind the scenes stories are utterly hilarious(anyone who's read 'Rubber Mask' will know what I'm talking about!). Mr Naylor also shares with us smeggies the troubles Red Dwarf went through in the three years between series 6 and 7. This man has my undying respect and gratitude- and Red Dwarf will never die!

This book is THE Red Dwarf to buy. You may have seen several novels, quizbooks and other largish coffee table-type books concerning Red Dwarf at your local bookshop, but there is no other one quite so good as this: particularly for a fan who doesn't want to get bogged down in endless books.

The content is first rate. Each script contains many sections which were (unfortunately) obliterated from the final shows and almost every scene is accompanied by a full colour photo - there are literally hundreds of them. The comments and anecdotes by Doug only serve to improve an already damn fine book, and allow it to be classed not only as a scriptbook, but also as a series companion and a 'behind the scenes' book, too.

Every fan should have a copy - get one now!

Excellent coffee table-style book with some great pictures from series VIII and interesting behind-the-scenes stories from Doug Naylor. A great gift for the Red Dwarf-deprived U.S. fan!

This is a large size hardcover book mostly consisting of the scripts to the 8 episodes in series 8. The scripts include original lines that were dropped from the show, many wonderful photos, and best of all, some introduction by Doug Naylor. If you are a fan of the show, this will probably make milk come out of your nose (if you happen to be drinking any.) If you are not a fan of the show and someone just reads a passage to you, you will probably still laugh out loud. Naylor explains why Red Dwarf 8 was almost never made, why Kochanski was introduced. (There WAS a reason! ) It is well worth the money, just for the beginning. A must own for fans, even if they aren't collectors, simply for the beginning.

Well-written and great fun. You can read it from start to finish, or jump around. I started by reading about movies I'd seen (to see if the author agreed with my opinion of them, and she did), then moved on to the ones I wanted to see.
You don't have to be "dating" to enjoy this book -- you can just like romantic movies. Definitely a "keeper." This also makes a great gift.

Reel Romance is a very helpful reference book that is also great fun to read. It provides reviews, behind-the-scenes information, and romantic suggestions from the movies to try at home. It gave me lots of new ideas for movies to buy or rent and watch with my wife in our home theater. It's wonderful for lovers of all ages!

Reel Romance is a fabulous book with lots of great information on new and old movies. I was thrilled to find many of my favorites, while discovering countless others that I haven't had the opportunity to see yet - and now want to. Thanks to Ms. Halpern's friendly and well-written guidance, I can make future selections based on special criteria for different occasions. This book really makes you think more about the movies you have already seen or plan to watch in the future by providing entertaining trivia and interesting summaries. So grab the book, pour yourself a glass of wine or cup of hot chocolate, and settle back for a "reel" enjoyable read.

Charlene Davis, co-author of "Make BIG Profits on eBay" and "How to Start a Senior Service Business" (both published by Entrepreneur Media, 2005). Also contributing author for "God Answers Moms Prayers" (Harvest House, 2005).

Leslie Halpern's Reel Romance is the most enjoyable "reference" book I've ever read. As a movie buff who loves romances, I was delighted to see some of my favorites listed here. In addition, I'm so pleased to finally have criteria on which to base movie rentals, since my husband and I often stand in the middle of the video store, each holding a different type of film. Now we can discuss the pros and cons based on the film's appeal to both women and men. Reel Romance is a "must have" reference book for all movie lovers.

Want some reel stimulation? Read this book!
Not only is there a thorough analysis and categorization of each Romantic movie, the movie star trivia and 'Do Try This at Home' leave the reader with some challenging mental exercises. This is not a boring reiteration of what you already know. After finishing each chapter, you'll find yourself looking at each movie in a different way.

Be sure to mark the movies you wish to see for future stimulation. Each rendition has a set of tools to help your decision. Whether your significant other needs a little prompting and encouragement or you just want to relax to a happy ending, the descriptions help pick the perfect movie. Use the 'Make-Out Meter' to pick a movie that gets your partner in the mood. Decide which movie might be better with the 'Just for Her' and 'Just for Him' blurbs. For him it's a car chase, fight scene or for her it's a sentimental kiss, steamy shower scene.

Even after finished reading through the book, I'm saving it as a reference for which movie to get from Blockbusters. As I watch each selection with my S.O. cuddled up on the couch, by the fire, drinking my favorite beverage, I look for moments of opportunity to steal a kiss or two. This is what makes it ALL WORTH WHILE! So sit back and enjoy the book and the movie!

What a great, great book! As soon as it arrived, I quickly glanced through it and knew I would want to savor it for later. It's really difficult to put down. It's *very* easy to use; extremely well organized. The movies are grouped into headings from "Angels (and Other Messengers) in Our Midst" to "Have Yourself a Supernatural Christmas." I especially liked reading the author's reviews of movies I'd seen such as Edward Scissorhands, Mulan, Powder and my favorite, Resurrection. This book takes the guesswork out of what movie to see tonight!

Reel Spirit recognizes spirituality and clarifies why so many movies appeal to so many of us the way they do. The insights are meaningful, and the writing is as engaging as an on-going dialog, conveying the delightful experience of going to the movies with a connoisseur who happens to be your best friend.

Have you ever read one of those parenting magazines that says you should watch movies with your kids and then talk about what you've seen? If you're like me, you may be perfectly willing to do this, but don't know what to say. Reel Spirit provides some great conversation starters so that you and your family or friends can make moviegoing a shared experience. And if all those titles at the video store overwhelm you, use the book to identify good movies ahead of time!

I so enjoy finding spiritual elements in films, and this book helps immensely in alerting one to points in many films that one might miss. I question the spiritual value in some of the films discussed, but that's all to the good. I use this guide weekly chaeck;ing out the movies on TV, as well as, like other reviewers, taking it with me to the video store or library where I often check out videos.

I believe that this book will do loads in enhancing your enjoyment of many films, and may change your mind about some which you consdidered valueless until spiritual elements are brought out.

Reel Spirit is a terrific guide to film! Buy it quickly and pop a copy into the car--you'll want to have with you every time you visit the video store! A must have for anyone who enjoys films that lift both heart and spirit.

THIS BOOK IS THE BEST EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I ORDERED IT.
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT IT IS I LIKE TO READ ABOUT ANAKIN SKYWALKER/DARTH VADER! I CAN NEVER STOP LOOKING AT IT! AUTHOR WINDHAM IS THE BEST BECAUSE THIS BOOK HE WROTE IS SO POPULAR!

They did it! Lucas actually allowed The Star Wars Holiday Special to be mentioned! That is the greatest variety show ever to be conceived!! And.. that's not saying much. But I love the holiday special, it rocks, and, oh, by the way, we here at x-play give it a five... out of five!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Greatings, to everyone!
What can i say! I am a big fun of STAR WARS and i was looking to buy anything that ivnoles IT.Luckily the book was very intresting about the world of star wars in everything.I learn about the characters,wipons,etc.That's why i bought another book:The movie storybook. So,that are you waiting for!BUY IT NOW!!!!!!

This brilliant glossy "Revenge of the Sith Scrapbook" is a fascinating sneak preview of the most anticipated movie of 2005. It's full of stunning teaser photos, colorful graphics and many titilating factoids & antidotes about Episode III, plus several Classic Trilogy insertions. This book was available at Toys 'R Us on April 1st 2005 and DOES CONTAIN SPOILERS - The planet section offers a brief, concise breakdown of Mustafar, Utapau and Kashyyyk (Chewbacca's homeworld), and there is also personal information about actors Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen, Christopher Lee, etc.

Instead of purchasing this book for $8, why don't you go to starwars.com, click on the link at the bottom of the page for the RotS souvenir guide and then...buy it?

It's a worthy cash exercise (the souvenir guide), if you're a fan of this movie. Granted that you do not know if you are already, but if no mental deficiencies, then you will be.

Anyways, (back to) the scrapbook is alright, but it's nothing the die-hard or even casual adult fan won't know; it is great for a child, especially if a parent wants to forego the more graphic side of the movie. In fact, if you have more than 15 posts on a SW board, then you may have been able to make this book yourself (minus the photos, which aren't all that unique).

Although the book gave me a similar feeling that the storybook did (another RotS product you could go without), it is not arranged chronologically: so if you want an outline of the movie, you should remember that this is a scrapbook.

Want the nice spice? Get the Visual dictionary.
Want more coverage and interviews? Get the souvenir guide.
Want to just get through the story quickly on paper format? Get the comic book.

Want a better way to spend $8? Get the Anakin on Mustafar action figure when it comes out. You'll be glad that you did.

Thank you for republishing the book I remember from my childhood (back in the Jurassic)! I read it out loud to my sons (12 1/2 and 8 1/2) and they love it!

this book is a true life story of Robin Hood and his sweetheart Marian in England. the author had investigated a true life story and not a legend.and how Handsome robin hood met the charming fair maid marian met??? This biography in precise and accurate in every history happened in England for both of them. This book of Robin Hood and Maid Marian seems to be a heaven corresponded that these two birds shall meet when the ripe and right time comes.

Gramercy! This is one of the best books I have read in quite some time. From the first page, the slightly archaic English prose lends an air of authenticity to the book (or at least makes it feel a little more old-fashioned). Nathless, I never had any difficulty keeping up with Robin's many adventures--and there are many of them in this book! For the most part, each short chapter contains an isolated episode, making this a great book to read anytime, anywhere. Occasionally, a lenghty episode may be split among two or three chapters. The Robin Hood of this book is a wonderfully believable character--well skilled at archery, but less so at some other activities. In sooth, while he seems to have good intentions, he can come off a bit arrogant at times.

From Robin's bold meeting with Little John on a narrow foot bridge to his humorous first encounter with Friar Tuck from the opposite bank of a stream, we learn how many members of Robin's Merry Men came to join the band. We see how Robin's men fall in and out of favor with authority, and we watch his growing interest in the lovely Maid Marian. Packed full with knights, castles, bows and arrows, daring rescues, odds bodikins, and a host of unforgettable characters clad in Lincoln Green, this book provides a much needed escape from the hectic world of today to the English countryside of eight centuries ago. Highly recommended!

McSpadden stays true to the Robin Hood legend and in my opinion this is the best portrayel of Robin Hood I have read and I recently read five other book about Robin Hood and find this one the best. If you are looking to buy Robin Hood then get this one you wont regret it, trust me on this one. I like how Robin Hood is the best archer in Sherwood bet is not as good in other forms of combat so it makes him seem more human, but not ordinary like many other book about him.

This is a delightful version of the classic Robin Hood. I especially love the illustrations by Greg Hildebrandt, and the timelessness of this leather bound edition. We see Robin hood as handsome and brave. The romance between him and Maid Marian is bitter-sweet. The book is divided in chapters, yet can be enjoyed by children and adults alike without being boring. I personally keep it on my bookshelf, away from little hands.

Hi it's me again, the 46 year old Rocky and Bullwinkle fan.

I recently received this book, and quite honestly found it utterly a great fun book to read.

Its a quiet night in Frostbite Falls, everyone's at home watching their favourite shows on television. All of a sudden the screens go blank! What's happened? A strike at the local studio? A powercut? No such luck!!

It seems that your friendly neighbourhood bad guy, Boris, is at it again!! Acting under orders from Mr Big, his boss, he is making 6 foot high metal munching mice!! Mr Big is on the moon, and is making misery there. He has tricked the moon men, Cloyd and Gidney (yes its nice to see you back fellas) into bringing the mice to the USA.

Time to call (no, not Rentokil) but Rocky and Bullwinkle to foil their plans, with the help of Cloyd and Gidney.

Once again, great fun and a great read. Kids will really love this. Oh, if only they were back on British tv. Maybe they could give the job of Head of the BBC to Mr Big, he could set his mice on those annoying television licence detector vans.

Hi its me again, the 46 year old Rocky and Bullwinkle fan.

I've just recently received this book, and quite frankly it was enormous fun!!!

It's a quiet evening in Frostbite Falls, everyone is at home watching their favourite tv programmes when the screens go blank!!! What's happened? A power cut? A strike at the local television station? No!! It seems that there's an epidemic of aerials being chewed off by someone or something?

Your local neighbour from Hell, Mr Boris Badenov has been up to his tricks, and has made some giant mice that eat the aerials!!! Actually, he's under orders from his boss, Mr Big, who made a crash landing on the moon, (as if he was already off this planet) who wants to take over America.

Heavens to Betsy Ross, what do we do next? Call Rentokil? No, you enlist the help of your local heroes, Rocky and Bullwinkle, who with some extra terrestial help from their moon men friends, Cloyd and Gidney, set about foiling Boris' plan.

A great read and great fun.

Adios and keep a close eye on your televisions.

Hi yes its me, the 46 year old Rocky and Bullwinkle fan!!!

I have just received this book and once again it is really good fun.

It is a quiet evening in Frostbite Falls, everyone is home in front of their televisions when suddenly the screens go blank!!!

Why, what's happened? A strike at the local TV station? A powercut? No. An infestation of giant metal munching mice!!! Time to call in your very own resident "mousecatchers" no, not RENTOKIL, but Messrs Rocky and Bullwinkle. With a little extra terrestial help from Cloyd and Gidney, (yes its nice to see you back, fellas,) they set out to discover the mystery behind the mice.

You can guess who is behind it!! Yes, your neighbour from hell, Boris!!! Honestly, hasn't he heard of going to the pet shop to feed the mice? It seems that Mr Big, his boss, is out to take over the USA yet again.

So he tricks Cloyd and Gidney into bringing the metal monsters to our planet. Boris and Natasha swing into villainy and cause mayhem, but they reckon without the moose and squirrel who, with the help of Cloyd and Gidney and their SCROOCHING gun, they once again restore viewing to Frostbite Falls.

Come to think of it, maybe we should give the job of Head of BBC to Mr Big, he can then get rid of all those annoying Television Licence Detector Vans with them.

All in all, a good read and a good laugh for young and old alike.

Yep, rush to your local bookstore and buy this!!!

bye for now, and guard your TV sets!!!

Hi yes its me, the 46 year old Rocky and Bullwinkle fan!!!

I have just received this book and once again it is really good fun.

It is a quiet evening in Frostbite Falls, everyone is home in front of their televisions when suddenly the screens go blank!!!

Why, what's happened? A strike at the local TV station? A powercut? No. An infestation of giant metal munching mice!!! Time to call in your very own resident "mousecatchers" no, not RENTOKIL, but Messrs Rocky and Bullwinkle. With a little extra terrestial help from Cloyd and Gidney, (yes its nice to see you back, fellas,) they set out to discover the mystery behind the mice.

You can guess who is behind it!! Yes, your neighbour from hell, Boris!!! Honestly, hasn't he heard of going to the pet shop to feed the mice? It seems that Mr Big, his boss, is out to take over the USA yet again.

So he tricks Cloyd and Gidney into bringing the metal monsters to our planet. Boris and Natasha swing into villainy and cause mayhem, but they reckon without the moose and squirrel who, with the help of Cloyd and Gidney and their SCROOCHING gun, they once again restore viewing to Frostbite Falls.

Come to think of it, maybe we should give the job of Head of BBC to Mr Big, he can then get rid of all those annoying Television Licence Detector Vans with them.

All in all, a good read and a good laugh for young and old alike.

Yep, rush to your local bookstore and buy this!!!

bye for now, and guard your TV sets!!!

Hi its me again, the 46 year old Rocky and Bullwinkle fan.

I've just recently received this book, and quite frankly it was enormous fun!!!

It's a quiet evening in Frostbite Falls, everyone is at home watching their favourite tv programmes when the screens go blank!!! What's happened? A power cut? A strike at the local television station? No!! It seems that there's an epidemic of aerials being chewed off by someone or something?

Your local neighbour from Hell, Mr Boris Badenov has been up to his tricks, and has made some giant mice that eat the aerials!!! Actually, he's under orders from his boss, Mr Big, who made a crash landing on the moon, (as if he was already off this planet) who wants to take over America.

Heavens to Betsy Ross, what do we do next? Call Rentokil? No, you enlist the help of your local heroes, Rocky and Bullwinkle, who with some extra terrestial help from their moon men friends, Cloyd and Gidney, set about foiling Boris' plan.

A great read and great fun.

Adios and keep a close eye on your televisions.

It is rare in children's literature that readers find male figures that attempt to mentor a boy.

After Walt's mother abandons him with his two eccentric uncles, they attempt to raise him and influence him through their outrageous stories. While they are unique rolemodels, they are honest ones. As I read this, I genuinely couldn't think of anything comparable. I highly recommend it for young male readers who are in search for adventure and a little influence ~ but beware of jealousy! Who wouldn't want the adventurous Hub and Garth as uncles? The ending is a as wonderful as the adventure to get there...

Secondhand Lions was a great book; it always kept me interested and wanting to find out what was going to happen next.
In the story there is a boy named Walter. One summer his mother leaves him with his two great-uncles Hub & Garth. Throughout the story his uncles did some strange things, one of my favorites was when Garth bought an assortment of seeds and they turned out to be all corn. The corn is a symbol of freedom for one of the characters, but you will have to read the book to find out who it is.

Second Hand Lions is the best. It is very good. I cried. I do not useally cry during movies, but this movie is the best. I really recomend seeing it. it iz gr8

Probably the best sheer entertainment of a touching nature this year.

I loved this book and I'm 58. Touching, funny, adventurous,and without giving away the ending it was a very surprising satisfying end. I am now anxiously waiting to buy the video. It was nice to know the stars in the movie to picture them in the reading of the book. Thorougly enjoyed!

Holy .. this man is brilliant and twisted .. and, well .. brilliant and twisted! I can't wait to read the novelization but from what I know first hand from his work in the past, I will be sure to leave the lights on when I do.

If Dan Madigan were not a writer, he would be the next BTK!

Horribly intriguing.

Dan has a keen ability to bring you right into the action, as sick as it may be.

We're waiting for your next one Dan.

A lot of books find their way onto my desk. Many of them get "re-gifted", and when I saw a movie tie-in novel for a film starring pro-wrestler Kane, I was pretty sure I knew where this was going to wind up. Caught in a last minute grab for something to read on a flight from LA to NY, I wound up with this in my carry on, and to my pleasant surprise I was wrong in my initial assessment.
This book is good.
It is better than good.
I haven't been this excited to discover a new writer since I read Jack Ketchum's Girl Next Door. Dan Madigan may be a new name to horror fiction readers, but he's obviously been digesting this stuff for years, as he has turned out a compelling page turner that challenges the conventions of the typical slasher. If the set pieces in the novel are to be any indication of those in the film, I'll be seeing it on opening day. I see that the author is also credited with the screenplay, and that makes me very happy.
This novel has made the very short list of movie tie-in novels which transcend their purpose -that of merely fulfilling the media frenzy associated with selling tickets. But not only has it transcended, it has excelled.

SEE NO EVIL is superb horror and far more than a novelization. The writing is muscular and visual. The characters are intruiging, authentic and 3-dimensional. The story is fascinating, and the plot moves swiftly. There are many bone-chilling moments. Dan Madigan reminds me of a young Steven King. I look forward to his next tome of terror.

Dan Madigan's first horror novel reads like the work of a seasoned pro. "See No Evil" is a breath of fresh air in a genre of fiction that has become too tired (like Stephen King) or too feminized/glamorized (like the execrable Ann Rice). Madigan's writing takes horror into new territory: a landscape of brutal terror, fright, and a place where the word hope is completely unknown.

His writing style is lyrical, his sentences resounding with the ethereal quality of Edgar Allan Poe's dark poetry. If anything, Madigan's style is reminiscent of the films of Dario Argento: both are full of brutal gore, but the way the violence is executed is operatic. Nothing is held back when it comes to the violence. Compared to the flesh tearing, eye gouging, vulva ripping action you have in "See No Evil," King's works seem as tame and non-threatening as the fluff on Oprah's Book of the Month club.

Most brilliant is Madigan's perfect realization of the so-called monster of the text, Jacob Goodnight. Much of the novel is told through Goodnight's perspective, and through his eyes, the reader comes to understand and appreciate the violence in his nature. It is rare that a book can achieve the impossible, and make the apparent villain transformed into the only pure character in the text, while the alleged "good guys" are revealed to be morally bankrupt and heinous individuals who deserve to die.

Society, itself, is ultimately the monster in "See No Evil": set in modern-day California, we see the results of a society where political correctness and moral relativism have taken over. Every criminal in the text is treated with kid-gloves by the prison system, and pampered by social workers who feel their crimes are only the result of a "bad childhood," and, therefore, excused. Police officers, on the other hand, are treated like dirt in this modern day Sodom and Gomorrah. Jacob Goodnight is, paradoxically, the only character who has a clear set of values.

While it is being marketed as the novelized version of the film of the same name, it should not be treated as such. Dan Madigan himself wrote the screenplay, and has said at conventions to promote the film that he had an earlier version of the novel written BEFORE submitting the screenplay. So this should not be dismissed as a crass adaptation of an already-existing film, the way trashy novels have been made out of "Star Wars" films or other films, just to swindle people out of their money. In fact, the book is reputed to have far more gore and violence than the film.

"See No Evil" is a triumph of true horror. If you are squeamish, then do not read this book. If you are looking for pretty boy vampires, Jacob Goodnight would have had them for dinner. This is not for wimps or the faint hearted. Madigan's writing is reminiscent of HP Lovecraft and Bret Easton Ellis's "American Psycho," while at the same time being completely original in its approach. Get this book while you can: it will be a limited edition, and its value will skyrocket once Madigan's next book comes out.