Movies Reviews

Lights, Camera, Action!: Making Movies and TV from the Inside Out

Published in Paperback by Maple Tree Press (1998-03-01)

Author: Lisa O'Brien

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Average review score:

Great Book

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-15

My 5 year old son is a model and has begun auditioning for commercials. This book has been great to read together to learn terminology that is used in the business and to understand the entire process and how everything fits together and relates in the business. It's a great book for anyone new to the acting business.

I Love This Book

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2000-03-16

This book tells you how movies are made. It is a great book to read if you are a beginning actor/actress. It is very interesting. I highly recomend this book for kids.

This book is everything you wanted to know about showbiz!

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 1998-10-14

This book has everything you ever wanted to know about auditons, agents, filming and effects. You follow Johnny as he is cast in the movie "The Mists of Time".

Good book for kids

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-14

While this book has a large section geared towards actors and that aspect of the industry, it also has other sections that talk about various aspects of producing a movie including script and sound effects. I was generally pleased to purchase this for my ten yr old to get a grip on what was involved in actually making a movie. It is fun and easy to follow.

Listening to Movies: A Film Lover's Guide to Film Music

Published in Paperback by Schirmer (2000-08-07)

Author: Karlin

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Average review score:

A fun, informative read...

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-02-26

This is not a book teaching how to write a film score. Instead, it shows how film scores are conceived, created, and recorded, and is written for any enthusiast to enjoy. There are chapters covering who does what, how they do it, the machines involved, and case studies of several films with notable scores. In addition to explaining current practice, the book includes historical material about the legendary film music of the old-time studios and their staff composers and orchestras. The appendix section has guides to various composers listing their works, and a list of movies listing their composers. You can even look up Academy Award winners from each year! This is a fun book to sit and browse through.

The overall best source book for film music info

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-28

This is the most thorough layman's book on the art and business of film music that I have read. LISTENING TO MOVIES has a wealth of information on the great and innovative composers for film from the 1930s on, notable films they have done and the styles they have worked within. It also devotes plenty of space to lesser known figures who are usually left out of the discussion.

Fred Karlin, a very successful film composer himself (UP THE DOWN STAIRCASE, WESTWORLD), covers all aspects of the scoring process - how the music is written, recorded and finally "spotted". Film music being a collaborative effort, he gives everyone involved his/her due - not just the composers, but also the arrangers, orchestrators, copyists et al.

Also, music during the Silent Era and many references to major composers of film music outside of the United States. At the back of the book are useful composer/films and film/composer lists.

I have and enjoy other books on this topic. None of them do what LISTENING TO MOVIES does. It's a great reference book.

Again and again...

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2000-09-29

I wrote the above review over 3 years ago, and I think I've re-read this book as many times since then. I *still* can't get enough of it.

Attention: Film-music lovers !

Helpful Votes: 6 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 1997-02-07

This is an absolutely fantastic chronology of film music through the ages... from the silent era to the "John Williams" era to today. This book makes for entertaining and informative reading with quotes from so many in-the-industry sources that your head will spin! It's the most up-to-date reference I've found so far on film-scoring techniques and the problems historically associated with this genre. I'd even recommend it to film-goers with a just a passing interest in music as well

The Little Vampire

Published in Paperback by Aladdin (2000-10-01)

Authors: Angela Sommer-Bodenburg, Nicholas Waller, and Karey Kirkpatrick

List price: $4.99

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Average review score:

Great book

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-30

My daughter fell in love with the movie and she loves books so we just had to get this. Very funny.

The Original Books of the Little Vampire are better

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2001-12-13

I from Germany and i got my first Little Vimpire Book from my Goodmother. I can just say it was one of the books of my life. And i have all the books from the story of the littel vampire. So I also bought that one wich i have to say it is allright but by fare not so good then the original once. Its still worth to buy and read it even when u r over 20 years or older u will love the stories of the littel Vampire

It's great to be a vampire!

Helpful Votes: 16 out of 17 total.
Review Date: 2000-11-01

The Little Vampire by Angela Sommer-Bodenburg and Nicholas Waller is the novelization of the movie of the same name (currently in theaters), which is based on the children's series by Angela Sommer-Bodenburg.

In this version of the story, elements that were not explored at great length in the film are able to be fleshed out more completely, giving the story a more well rounded feel. Also, there are several events which were excluded from the film altogether, including an ending with a shocking twist!

A nice touch also was how well Sommer-Bodenburg handled the changes between the characters as she created them and the way they were molded to fit the confines of the script. The vernacular of the book is a bit different from the film (which is a good thing), but it still suits the storyline very well.

If you or your children enjoyed the movie than this is a perfect extension which is sure to become a family favorite. If you haven't seen the film but are a big fan of Sommer-Bodenburg's series (or even if you just love vampires), then I highly suggest you give both the book and the movie a try. While it is true that the movie is quite different from the original books, the story that is told is still a good one (Sommer-Bodenburg herself says that they have "remained true to the spirit of my story").

Vamp finatic?

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2003-10-24

If so then you will love this movie I did and personaly I think there should be a sequal.

Little Women: The Children's Picture Book

Published in Hardcover by Newmarket Pr (1995-11)

Authors: Louisa May Alcott, Laurie Lawlor, and Robin Swicord

List price: $9.95

Average review score:

THIS IS AN EXCELLENT , AWARD WINNING STORY !!!!!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1998-05-26

THIS IS A TOUCHING AND SENSITIVE PORTRAYAL OF THE LIVES OF FOUR YOUNG GIRLS LIVING WITH THEIR MOTHER WHEN THEIR FATHER GOES TO WAR.IT TAKES PLACE DURING THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR AND IS A HEART WARMING EXPERIENCE. DESPITE ALL THE STUGGLES THE MARCH FAMILY HAS TO BYPASS TO MAKE ENDS MEET,THEY SHOW NOTHING BUT ENDURING COMPASSION FOR ONE ANOTHER AND THIS DISPLAYS AN IDEAL FAMILY. THIS IS AN UNFORGETTABLE STORY THAT COULD NOT HAVE BEEN PUT TOGETHER ANY BETTER.IT IS TRULY INSPIRATIONAL AND WILL STAY WITH ME FOR LIFE. NO MATTER WHAT IS TAKEN FROM ME, MY MEMORY WILL ALWAYS REMAIN AND SO WILL MY HEART.

The best book I've ever read!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1998-02-17

LITTLE WOMEN was absolutely wonderful! I would suggest it to anyone.

Little Women begs to be read!!!!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1997-12-05

Little Women is a long book, throughly describing the March sisters' life during the Civil War. Louisa May Alcott has an excellent way of bringing the girls' real personalities to life, even 130 years later!!!! Little Women is a riveting book that propels the reader back in time to the Victorian era with its anti-woman tendencies. Even at the ripe old age of 11 or 12, this book will never leave you. Take my advice: man or woman, boy or girl, this should be one book you read in your lifetime.

Brilliant!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1997-03-16

Little Women is a book set in the American Civil War telling the lives of four girls, Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy, set on the authors own experiances. THis book is really good because it has wonderful description so you're living the lives with the characters. It is humourous and funny, but it is also a very heartwarming story of the families struggles while the father, Mr March, is away fighting for the freedom of black people. My personal favourite character is Jo, who is the heroing of the story. She makes friends with her next-door neighbour, Theodore Laurence and they have any number of troubles. Jo constantly tries to comtrol her quick temper through the story and I think it is very good reading for anyone with a quick temper, or when anyone wants to relax with a good book. The book is quite predictable but it has a lot of good laughs and the storyline is exceptional. Over-all I think this book is good for anyone to read

The Lord of the Rings 3 book boxset (movie covers)

Published in Paperback by HarperCollins Publishers Ltd (2002-10-07)

Author: J.R.R. Tolkien

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Used price: $20.00

Average review score:

so great

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2004-02-25

so cool...i loved these books and the movie was pretty good too. Totally awsome because it was filled with exticing adventures and cool charecters. IT was a great plot too.

LORD OF THE RINGS

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2003-11-06

This is a very nice set I can tell you. I love the cover art and the design is of good quality I think. A bit of info. is added(in "The Return of the King", I think.)

Needless to say this is a classic story and one of the very best of our time. If you've seen the movies but NOT these films, well...what are you waiting for, the end of middle-earth?

The Lord Of The Rings book set

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2003-02-16

i am not a book fan. but as soon as i seen the movie for this, i wanted to see what the book was like. and being my first book, it was even better than the movie. there wasnt a dull moment in ths book. Tolkien really brought this book to life. and as you are reading it, it almost seems as this really happened at some point in time. though it was somewhat different from the movie, it had a lot more deatail and story into it, which merely but tastefully hints in the moive. but i think this deserved the highest raiting for its clever use of words, vividly described scenes, and characters and plots that could only be found in this book.

Lord Of The Rings Box Set

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2003-02-05

GREAT the best trilogy ever

Lugosi: His Life in Films, on Stage, and in the Hearts of Horror Lovers

Published in Hardcover by McFarland & Company (1997-02)

Author: Gary Don Rhodes

List price: $55.00

Used price: $24.19

Average review score:

Excellent !

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-21

Excellent book. Bela Lugosi is one of my favourite horror artists. He has made many films and thanks to this biography we can understand Mr. Lugosi as well as an artist and human being.The pictures are so good.
Can we imagine Bela Lugosi as Jesuschrist and Dracula at the same time ???

A "Silents Majority" review of "Lugosi"

Helpful Votes: 20 out of 20 total.
Review Date: 1997-10-14

Reference books generally have a reputation of being full of facts, yet dry in prose. While a bio-bibliography may not be traditionally called "entertainment," this ambitious effort successfully breaches the limitations of such reference books. It is a thought-provoking history of the great Béla Lugosi (1882 - 1956). His career was as varied and tragic, both publicly and privately, as John Barrymore's. His legend remains secure, thanks to "Dracula" (Universal, 1931). The life surrounding the legend has been colorfully illuminated thanks to Gary Don Rhodes. His phenomenal research charts Lugosi's long voyage of fame and infamy, revealing details never before printed. His documentation is truly an achievement and a labor of blood, sweat and love.

Lugosi was a lover of style, sports, good living and women. Rhodes provides exhaustive examples of his exploits, both publicized and private. The wealth of photos alone display Lugosi out of his cape as a sociable creature, playful, enthusiastic, an avid reader and a cigar aficionado. A ladies' man, he was married five times. All five marriages are covered in detail - after all, there is curiosity about the love life of a vampire! There is documentation of his stage, screen and even court appearances; critical analysis of his career; and quotes and articles about or by Lugosi. The light side and the dark side are equally exposed. He was a man of strengths and weaknesses - perhaps the most notable and depressing of the latter was his long-term drug addiction. All of these elements are integrated to present a fascinating portrait of a complex artist. Those who are obsessed by the great Hungarian actor will find a sumptuous feast to satisfy their hunger. Even the mildly intrigued will be drawn into this unique individual's world. Lugosi never lost his dignity nor his offbeat sense of humor. His proud Magyar heart kept his spirit intact despite efforts to break it. Rhodes' book unflinchingly sees all and tells all - with intelligence, compassion and devotion.
- Copyright, 1997, Diane MacIntyre, "The Silents Majority" (http://www.mdle.com/ClassicFilms/)

NOT WHAT YOU ARE EXPECTING...EVEN BETTER!

Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-09

"Lugosi: His Life in Films, on Stage, and in the Hearts of Horror Lovers" isn't a biography of the late horror icon. Great biographies on Lugosi have already been done, most notably by Arthur Lennig in "The Immortal Count". Rather, author Gary Don Rhodes takes a different tack. While the book does contain a biography of Lugosi, it only comprises less than forty of the book's 400 plus pages. Rather, Rhodes has tried, and very successfully I might add, to provide lists of everything relating to Lugosi's life and career.

After the bio-section, we get a list of every known Lugosi residence in the United States, complete with address, telephone number, and the years...or often times months...that the actor resided at each spot. One could make quite a trip out of visiting all of Lugosi's former homes in California. We also get a list of all of Lugosi's court appearances for divorces, lawsuits, and bankruptcy petitions. Each goes into incredible detail and allows the reader a rare glimpse into a celebrity's personal life. There is a very detailed account of the lawsuit that Lugosi's son, Bela Jr., brought against Universal Studios when he discovered his fathers likeness being used to sell products such as the old Aurora model kits.

Rhodes next provides a list of every Lugosi film, not only his movies in the U.S., but also those he made in Germany, and his native Hungary before coming to America. Each film includes a list of cast, credits, plot, synopsis, and production notes. While there is obviously a lot more detail included on the films made here, I was quite surprised at the amount of information that Rhodes was able to uncover on Lugosi's foreign credits. It's hard enough sometimes to find out details about silent films made in this country, let alone those made in Germany and Hungary.

Next up we have Lugosi's stage, live, vaudeville, radio, and TV appearances, again with a staggering amount of detail. A selected list of over 500 articles from magazines over the years follows and provides even more details about his career. These articles are culled from magazines like Variety, Famous Monsters of Filmland, FilmFax, and Midnight Marquee.

Still hungry for more? How about a list of Lugosi's most famous quotes, books on the star, articles on merchandising and collecting Lugosi memorabilia, and Lugosi mysteries. Perhaps the most famous mystery surrounding Lugosi is the test film shot for his audition to play the monster in "Frankenstein". Rumors persisted for years that the film existed and it was even advertised for sale but was never produced. Truly one of the Holy Grails in horror history!

"Lugosi: His Life in Films, on Stage, and in the Hearts of Horror Lovers" is a fabulous book because it ISN'T what you thought it would be, i.e. just another biography. Rhodes did a lot of legwork to come up with a treasure chest full of information about a true Hollywood legend.

Reviewed by Tim Janson

King of Horror Masterpiece

Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2001-10-04

In August, 1956, faded horror film star Bela Lugosi died forgotten and penniless in Los Angeles. Five marriages, two bankruptcies, and a slow descent into chemical abuse and career collapse had taken their toll. Considered the ultimate "Dracula" star and actor today, Lugosi had watched his film success peak in the early 1930's. Boris Karloff quickly passed him by as the new King of Hollywood Horror. And poor Bela never recovered from the loss of prestige. Settling for a paltry $3500. to star in "Dracula" for Universal in 1931, Lugosi fumbled through a long line of poor business managers and faulty screen appearances right up until his untimely death. Just one year after his demise, Universal Studios re-packaged their old classic 1930's horror flicks for TV as "Shock Theater". Instantly, teens around the world reveled in the calculated mannerisms of the Hungarian Count. A big new star was born...just after his final curtain. "Lugosi: His Life in Films" reveals every detail. Published in 1996, you won't find this excellent compendium in any store. But you can order it through Amazon. Lovingly written by cinephile Gary Don Rhodes, the book lists every film, event, and appearance of the cinema icon. Bela Lugosi was scheduled to play Dracula in 1944's "House of Frankenstein". He never did. A marvelous photo of him as Jesus Christ(one of many great pics) reveals his true versatility. These rare pictures and historical investigations are all here for the true Lugosi fan. It's astounding that such a comprehensive work is available. Should we be surprised? Maybe not. After all..."There are many things under the sun..."

Magenta Gets Glasses! (Blues Clues #10)

Published in Paperback by Simon Spotlight/Nickelodeon (2002-05-01)

Author: Deborah Reber

List price: $3.50

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Average review score:

This book has helped us.

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-19

This book is great for our 3-year-old who is having a hard time adjusting to glasses. Her love of the Blues Clues characters helped make her more receptive to the message of the book as opposed to other books we have tried. It's also great that Magenta expresses some of the same feelings of discomfort that our daughter has also felt.

Good Book without name calling

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-10

Finally, a book without the negative name-calling i have seen in multiple other books! It just states that Magenta see's blurry, goes for an exam and tells of how she discovers all of the things she couldnt see before like the bird in the tree. It also emphasizes that she can pick out her own pair of frames for her glasses making her seem "cool." I highly recommend it for the preschooler-Kindergartner who is going to get glasses or just did. My 4 year old liked it and his teacher read it to the class.

"I Was Scared They Were The Only Pair"

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-11

"But now I have lots of friends who see like me / My glasses are so cool!"

That's from the television episode. It's not in this book, but that doesn't stop this book from being an excellent adaptation of the television story.

In this book, the readers follow from Magenta's perspective as she goes to get glasses. We get to "hear" Magenta's thoughts basically, as she worries the glasses will be too heavy and then later realizes how much the glasses are helping her. Magenta wanted to see a butterfly and with her new glasses, she finally can.

Anyone who's ever needed to get glasses will be able to identify with what happens in this story.

So sweet and so helpful!

Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2005-09-29

In this book, Magenta gets glasses. This involves a trip to the eye doctor. Of course, Steve and Blue go along for moral support. Magenta gets to tell the doctor which items are bigger, more in focus, and so on. Then she gets to pick out her own frames (purple of course!) and have the glasses fitted.

This book parallels the Blue's Clues TV episode of the same name. In the TV episode, Sherry Stringer (of ER fame - Susan) does the voice for the eye doctor.

Both the episode and the book adequately prepare a child for the experience of getting glasses. My two year old was so excited about this book (she hadn't seen the episode, although she will, via Tivo). It's precious and helpful in a stressful situation. My daughter picked out purple frames, in order to be like Magenta.

Memo from David O. Selznick : The Creation of "Gone with the Wind" and Other Motion Picture Classics, as Revealed in the Producer's Private Letters, Telegrams, Memorandums, and Autobiographical Remarks

Published in Paperback by Modern Library (2000-03-07)

Author: David O. Selznick

List price: $27.00

New price: $16.09
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Average review score:

This is the man

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2001-05-22

Fascinating and illuminating book about the way movie classics were made in the 30's and 40's. This man knew his job and we are lucky that in the making he wrote those long memos. The people they were sent to found them annoying. We movie fans find them fascinating.

Selznick Redux

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2000-04-16

It's a genuine pleasure to see this 1972 volume back in print again. Practically the entire history of classic Hollywood can be seen within the pages of this fascinating series of memos, a veritable stream of behind the scenes trivia and the most impressive book of name-dropping ever seen in print. The cinematic genius of Selznick and Company is told as only it should be told...in the Master's own words.

Insightful look at a bygone era

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2000-03-29

David O. Selznick was behind some the films considered classics from that era. He was known for his memos that he sent to others in the industry and those working for him. The book is a fascinating look at the studio system at the time - and is also a reminder that people at one time actually communicated in writing - no cell phones, no email. This book is a must-read for those interested at all in film lore - and it's a great read!

Engrossing and informative and never dull

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2000-10-26

I was a bit leery of a book of just memoes but ... This is truly an extraordinary book, full of insights into every aspect of film making. The most interesting parts are about scripts and script construction. That was what Selznick had a genius for, and that comes through clearly. Some of his faults come through too. There are a number of memoes about his life and emotions so you get a picture a man not just an executive.

For anyone who likes old movies a must.

Middle Sister (7th Heaven (Sagebrush))

Published in Library Binding by Tandem Library (2000-09)

Author: Amanda Christie

List price: $11.80

Average review score:

7th Heaven

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-17

I reall like this book its not real but it is nice to read it .

Awesome book

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2003-08-23

This is a great book teaching you some great family values. read to find out what happens in the book!

Middle Sister

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2003-06-11

This book is the best! It reaminds me kinda of my self because i have two older sisters and two younger sisters. My mom just had twins 1 boy 1 girl but little Mairead always cries or sleeps. So every 1 here at home always calls me Lucy. And Brothers are not a help. Beleve me with 10 kids in my family i know what it feels like being the middle. And i know why she doesnt like it! Read to find out. I think you'll enjoy the book

VERY GOOD BOOK

Helpful Votes: 7 out of 11 total.
Review Date: 2000-03-18

I think that this book is very good, its not only funny, but it allso kind of tells you in some way that you can always count on your family and friends, it eaven asks you to please help people who nead it, they will always thank you for it.

Midnight Movies

Published in Paperback by Falcon Press Publishing (1994-07)

Author: Hoberman

List price: $14.95

Average review score:

A CULT CLASSIC IN ITSELF!

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-06-07

A lot of these directors have had entire books written about them since this book was published, but the authors manage to make this book so entertaining and fascinating that I've reread it twice-- I usually just read nonfiction once and then use it for reference. If they would put England's The Incredibly Strange Film Show (and the spin-offs Son Of... and For One Week Only)out on DVD, it would rival this book. Until then, this is the most vital source of information on cult movies.

One of my favorite film books

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2001-03-08

Still in print after almost 20 years? You know it has got to be good. This book was an essential part of my film education, turning me on to a dozen great flicks I might never have heard of otherwise.

Fascinating reading!

Helpful Votes: 5 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 1999-08-15

Very good - really eclectic coverage. It has a lot of material on underground films from the late 60s, as well as "Rocky Horror", Alexandro Jodorowsky, and John Waters. Highly recommended.

one of the definitive books on cult films.

Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2003-05-31

This is one of the first serious film books I ever picked up. The picture of ol' Jack Nance from David Lynch's Eraserhead is what caught my eye. After reading the first paragraph of the first chapter, I was hooked.

Written by, arguably, the two best critics around -- J. Hoberman (who writes for the Village Voice) and Jonathan Rosenbaum (who writes for the Chicago Reader) -- this is an excellent look at a bygone era of movie-going. They document the midnight movie circuit that used to exist across the country for films too weird and strange for mainstream consumption. Sadly, most of these theatres are gone now -- swallowed up by the multiplex monster.

These guys clearly did their homework -- their chapters on the early careers of Lynch, Alejandro Jodorowsky, John Waters and George Romero are definitive. Best of all, their writing style is never dry or academic but very readable (it helps that these guys write for weeklies).

This book is a must-have for any fan of cult movies (and esp. the above mentioned directors). I have read it many, many times and it inspired me to be a writer myself. Great stuff.

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