Movies Books

McDonagh assembles a fun collection of succinct, celluloid-savvy chapters covering an impressive range of cinematic subgenres, from silents made in the sound era ("Hush!") to killer Clauses ("Bad Santas"), along with insightful filmmaker sketches (e.g., John Frankenheimer, Abel Ferrara). With a style at once erudite and breezy, McDonagh's book supplies fun for hardcore cinephiles and useful recommendations for casual viewers.

If you love movies, or have friends who love movies- this is one of the most fun, informative, and entertaining books you could own or give as a gift. What a blast.

I love this book and use it as a point of reference all of the time. I read a page or two at random and it sparks an interest in a film that I have never seen or have not seen in a long time. Then I get the DVD and view it with a new set of glasses -- a fresh perspective. Some of the anecdotes have me laughing out loud. If you Love movies (like I do) then you'll love MOVIE LUST.

I have long been a fan of McDonagh's snappily written and imformative column "Flick Chick" and this newest addition to her published work doesn't disappoint.

Book Lust is divided into cleverly titled sections that reflect the intelligence and humor that I've enjoyed in her reviews on the [...] site. The groupings of films are unusual and thought-provoking. My particular favorites are: Back to the Beach, Bad Santas, Everything is Beautiful at the Ballet, On the Road (a wonderful list of road movies I can GUARANTEE you've never seen listed together before), Science Fiction Double Feature, Subway Series, that 70s Picture Show, and the Zombie Stomp. And the occasional personal comments truly spoke to me (like watching King Kong on Thanksgiving-what was up with that?-and I'm dying to know what was the reaction she mentioned to the spider creature in John Carpenter's The Thing when the author first saw the film).

All in all this is a smart, funny and interesting book for anyone who truly enjoys movies. I am looking forward to purchasing More Movie Lust, or perhaps it should be entitled Movie Lust: The Sequel.

Some people who feel they already know a lot about movies may automatically turn up their noses at a book of "Recommended Viewing for Every Mood, Moment, and Reason," but they should do a double take where MOVIE LUST is concerned. This is a very smart, very savvy book, written without pretension or a narrow focus -- and I say that as someone who knows a lot about movies. It covers everyone from Jean Vigo to Ron Jeremy, and always with the same intelligence. Maitland McDonagh's way with words serves to stimulate the appetite to finally track down long postponed classics, to blaze new trails of viewing, and to revisit old favorites. If your DVD collection is even half the size of mine, you probably have trouble deciding what to pull off the shelf for an evening's viewing. If that sounds like a problem you've had before, I recommend spending ten minutes or so browsing through MOVIE LUST before tackling your monolithic wall of viewing options. It's so much fun to peruse, in fact, you might find yourself spending the night reading instead. I give this book 5 stars because I feel it fulfills its purpose admirably.

I own both made for TV movies and all 20 episodes. Darrin McGavin was perfect for the role of Kolchak. I waited every week for a new episode, and was scared every minute as I watched them. The shows/movies not only keep you in suspense, but make you wonder; did it really happen? (If you do not understand that last statement, you never watched the show/movie.) Mr. Dawidziak did a fantastic job of writing this book. Every angle is covered from the movies and shows. The stories behind the shows are very interesting. I have the 25th Anniversary tribute issue. There are interviews with the surviving cast plus photos, biographies, and an episode guide are only part of this compendium. Carl Kolchak is a character that will live forever, read this book and you will want to watch the series. And for those X-filers out there, you need this book: because it is the inspiration for the X-Files.

It is funny; I have always loved the Night Stalker series and did not know this book existed. I flew to Seattle, Washington to tour the underground city I saw on the 2nd Movie, "The Night Strangler" and at the end of the tour in the gift shop was this book, hidden in the corner. They told me they use to make reference to the show during the tour, but for the last decade or so, no one knew what they were talking about. This came up because when they asked why we were on the tour, my friend told them I made him come on the tour because of the Series. (It is true) :-)

I ran across the night stalker on cable a couple of years ago. Despite it's age I found I really loved the show. It has a great mix of humor along with the 'horror'. (the horror is the most dateable bit).

This book gives you great background to the series (and why there is so little of it) and the actors. It also includes a fully detailed episode guide and a critical evaluation of each episode.

For people who enjoy the night stalker or who want to know more about the show or actors/producers you can't go wrong with this excellent guide.

Mark Dawidziak has put a lot of work into this companion, which documents the development and demise of a television series before it's time. I remember all too well those Friday nights from 1974-1975 watching Kolchak: The Night Stalker in my youth. Dawidziak's book does not disappoint. The book is full of documentation and photos, not to mention it's documented confirmation of Kolchak: The Night Stalker television series' influence on Chris Carter's The X-Files. Personally, I still think The Night Stalker was a better series. It's too bad Dawidziak didn't have more episodes to work with, due of course to the show's premature cancellation.

Mark Dawidziak's first attempt at a history and critique of the Kolchak mythos was Night Stalking: A 20th Anniversary Kolchak Companion (Image Publishing, 1991), sparsely distributed and now a collectible. Aided by Kolchak creator Jeff Rice, he then wrote Grave Secrets (Image, 1994), the first Kolchak novel since Rice's novelization of Matheson's Night Strangler teleplay. Rice was pleased with Grave Secrets, but not with Image's dismal distribution. He withdrew literary rights to the character.

Details are in Dawidziak's Night Stalker Companion, a heavily revised and updated version of Night Stalking, and a well-structured chronicle of the rise and fall and afterlife of Carl Kolchak, a hard-boiled reporter who investigates supernatural and extraterrestrial crimes. Dawidziak interviewed all key players, and while he accentuates the positive, he does not eliminate unpleasantries. Kolchak would expect no less from his biographer.

Kolchak first appeared in The Kolchak Papers, an unpublished 1970 horror novel written by newspaper reporter (and actor) Jeff Rice. Rice submitted it to Richard Matheson's agent, who sold TV movie rights to ABC without first signing Rice. Rice had hoped to adapt it himself, but the agent had already secured the teleplay assignment for Matheson. Dawidziak adds, "It's important to note that Rice does not in any way blame Matheson for what he views as shady Hollywood dealings."

Dawidziak's Dan Curtis comes off as a bit of a bully, or at least possessed with a Hollywood ego. When ABC bought the rights to Rice's book, Curtis was executive producing the last season of that network's Dark Shadows. "'I wanted to say good-bye to it so bad I couldn't see straight,' Curtis reflects. 'We got around to the last year and I was completely tapped out ideawise. And we ended up with some dreadful stories during that last year. It was like being in jail.' " Dark Shadows did afford Curtis the opportunity to direct a feature. Dawidziak cites House of Dark Shadows (1970) as Curtis's directorial debut, followed by Night of Dark Shadows (1971).

When Barry Diller asked Curtis to produce The Kolchak Tapes as the TV movie, The Night Stalker, Curtis requested the director's chair. It had already been given to John Llewellyn Moxey (Horror Hotel 1960, aka The City Of The Dead). Curtis didn't interfere with Moxey's authority on set (and it was a happy set), but he'd grumble to McGavin, "Will you look at the setup Moxey has here. What's he doing?" [Curtis contradicts this version of events in his interview on Night Stalker/Night Strangler DVD, claiming that he was offered the director's chair but turned it down, and that he himself sought out Moxey.]

Despite Moxey's setups, The Night Stalker was a ratings success when it premiered in January 1972. So too The Night Strangler, its 1973 sequel. Curtis got to direct. Rice was less fortunate. ABC press kits and trade ads hadn't credited Rice for the first film. Rice lobbied to script the sequel, but was given the runaround by network and studio execs. Instead, he wrote the novelization for Matheson's teleplay. Dawidziak says of Rice's original deal, "No sequels or series could be made without Rice's permission." Apparently, Rice didn't press his advantage.

The Night Strangler ended with bad blood between Curtis and lead actor Darren McGavin. Near the end of the shoot Curtis "was berating the crew something awful." McGavin defended them, then quit. Curtis insisted he stay for closeups, but McGavin replied, "You've got enough film. Make your movie. Goodbye."

If Curtis comes off a bully, Rice sounds paranoid. Rice tried vainly for years to launch a series of Kolchak novels and comic books. He sees two factors blocking him. Publishers "keep trying to acquire the rights for pennies and balk at paying Rice nearly anything at all, doing their best to keep Rice from doing any writing if possible." And Rice fears "that deals are fashioned with the intention of keeping Kolchak locked up and off the market."

Rice has reason to be paranoid. He first learned of ABC and Universal's plans to produce a Kolchak series from the April 24, 1974 issue of Daily Variety. No one informed Rice about a series in the works, even though his contract forbade a series without his permission. Rice tried to coax Universal into buying the rights it was exercising, while simultaneously working on script ideas for the show and a contract for future novelizations. When in August Rice's attorney requested that Universal "settle the rights question," Rice was barred from the lot. His calls were no longer returned. His novelization deal collapsed. Rice finally filed suit in March 1975, shortly before Kolchak was canceled. The suit was settled nine months later. Rice never "made it" in Hollywood, either as scriptwriter or actor (his promised role in the first film had also fallen through). Perhaps he was branded a troublemaker. Today he's a certified paralegal.

While McGavin loved The Night Stalker film, he had no desire to do a series (he had a thriving career in TV movies). McGavin only relented because Universal agreed to let him produce. Once he was on board, Universal turned producing chores over to Paul Playdon (Dan Curtis was uninterested). Determined to keep Universal to its word, McGavin acted as de facto producer. The tug of war between "producers" created turmoil and tension. Playdon quit after two episodes. Replacement producer Cy Chermak failed to ease tensions. Long hours and all night shoots only increased pressures. By February McGavin was begging network and studio to cancel the show. Dismal ratings granted his wish.

Yet Kolchak survived. An inspiration for Dawidziak while he was still an undergrad journalism major, the author is amazed by the many reporters he's met over the years who've expressed similar sentiments. Kolchak also inspired The X-Files, which McGavin dismisses as a humorless ripoff.

Dawidziak confronts other rumors that have plagued fans for decades (such as Curtis's plans for a feature film), making this a juicy and enlightening book. Yes, there's an episode guide. And some errors. Dawidziak says of The Night Stalker's initial 33.2 household rating: "about one out of every three people in the United States was watching Carl Kolchak track Janos Skorzeny." No, because a household rating does not indicate how many individuals per household are viewing. Nor even "about" how many.

The index is inadequate. While many of the names and titles in the text are only mentioned in passing, often as past credits, I'd want them included. The index even excludes some key textual references to Rice.

Pomegranate Press is a fine publisher for The Night Stalker Companion. Founded in 1986 by Dark Shadows actress Kathryn Leigh Scott to self-publish My Scrapbook Memories of Dark Shadows, its success induced her to release additional Dark Shadows books (all beautiful, lavishly illustrated, and informative). Pomegranate's Dark Shadows contacts likely aided Dawidziak. Dan Curtis, composer Bob Cobert, and actress Lara Parker all worked on both Dark Shadows and the Kolchak mythos.

Pomegranate has a curious custom of listing deceased actors in its Dark Shadows books, with date of death. The Night Stalker Companion follows tradition with its own R.I.P. page.

The Night Stalker was almost the forerunner of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, both in subject matter and humorous handling. It ran out of steam after a mere twenty episodes (and its forerunner pair of top-rated T.V. movies), and has ever since been nothing more than a cult favorite, unknown to everyone but its small circle of ardent fans.

Mark Dawidziak has done us all an immeasurable favor by keeping the legacy alive, introducing Carl Kolchak to new generations of viewers who might otherwise never hear his name. His wonderful book contains interviews with the principals responsible for bringing Kolchak to T.V., both before and behind the cameras, and the best available pictures from the series.

For those who are already Kolchak fans, an invaluable resource and a welcome walk down memory lane. For those who are not (yet), a proper introduction to the original supernatural super-sleuth.

The Author of this book should be very proud! I mean I thought I was a fan and then I read this book and I realized so much I didn't know! This book has shown me how I can dedicate and try to make this show more popular by supporting it!! Read it, it's GREAT!

Pro's: It was interesting to read about the actors and their were plenty of interesting photos. I like reading the comments from the actors on certain episodes.

Cons: The episode guide was good, but it was something I could care less about. I wanted to see more behind the scenes facts and this book gave me what I already knew. Also the quiz at the end was impossible. I've been watching the show since it started, and the questions are based on details that are impossible for even me to remember and the only way you'd remember them is if you taped each episode and/or took notes from each episode. I read what the other people said about the book and thought it would be great, instead it was a dissappointment.

Over all: Don't get this book unless you are a NEW fan and don't know anything. Also don't even try the quiz!

I think that this book was really good, probably because I am a po5 fan! It has good information that I didn't ever know about. I recommend it, and any other party of five books!

It has bios of all the stars and guests, recaps of all the episodes of the first three seasons, behind the scenes info./pics, plus tons of other great stuff!

If you love PO5 as much as I do (which beleve me is a alot!) this is the book that you should read. It gives you the inside scoop on the show and the stars and also includes tons of quizzes and an episode guide. So if your smart (which you must be if you decide to watch PO5) read this book now!

Great picture book including everything needed to know about the Pirates of the Caribbean stories. Lots of information included among the pictures, not to mention the pull out poster of the Black Pearl. Great visual and fact guide!

Pirates of the Caribbean Visual Guide is fantastic. It is beautifully illustrated and printed a fine paper. This is a great companion book to Pirates of the Caribbean. DK has always done a fine job with these types of publications. Pirates of the Caribbean and DK is a Treasure Trove. This will make a great Christmas gift.

A must have for any Johnny Depp or Pirate fan. The pictures and text are excellent. I highly recommend this book.

Okay. So, I am an adult woman who bought this book so I could look at photos of Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Jack Davenport as sexy swashbucklers in the privacy of my own home. And,it works. If I can't actually join them in their adventures, I can enjoy looking at them. Plus, the book has lots of fun information and other great photos from the films. If you liked the films and just want to relive them a bit, this is a great book.

This book is a great purchase if you're a POTC fan. Lots of beautiful, detailed, color photographs paired with interesting info about the first two films that you might not find anywhere else. The book is neatly broken down explaining each character independently as well as each of the places the pirates hang out. There is also a very detailed map of the Black Pearl located in the center of the book and not to mention dozens of great photos of Capt. Jack! A great purchase!

I have been taking recommendations from Berardinelli's website for a few years. This book is a compilation of his favorites from about the last 10 years, and are arranged by genre (Action/Adventure, Animated, Comedy, Drama, etc.). An appendix uncovers some 'easter eggs' (want to see Gollum's MTV speech from the DVD?), and another reviews directors' cuts. Berardinelli includes only 'recommended', 'highly recommended', and 'must see' movies.

Berardinelli exudes both open-mindedness and conviction in his reviews. He sees through audience manipulation and recognizes artistic vision. He's not syndicated, and has only his fans to please. I get the distinct feeling that he writes reviews to create a more demanding movie viewing audience. If my feeling is right, I hope he succeeds.

You'll have to visit Berardinelli's website (www.reelviews.net) to experience the other half of his vocabulary: the colorful invective he uses to trash truly bad films. A great example: "I have written this review as a public service to those who stop by my video column. I sacrificed my time so others don't have to. Feel free to ignore this warning..".

James Berardinelli's Reelviews website has been my go-to source for movie reviews since I stumbled upon it a few years back. I admire his candor and insightful analysis of films and the film world. Just like a previous reviewer said, since discovering James I have not wasted money seeing a dud film in the theater).

Best of all, you can always trust James to tell the truth. If the movie is schlock, he lets you know; if the movie is decent, he'll tell you who might be most attracted to seeing the film in theaters (often times by providing a list of similar films like a "if you liked these, try this" recommendation); and if the movie is great, James sounds the horn. And I must admit, while I look forward to seeing four and five star films, I look forward to reading the one and zero star reviews (there's just something deeply gratifying and entertaining about a reviewer ripping some piece of schlock to the tiny bits it deserves...call it my guilty pleasure).

So if you want a "Reel" honest review, James is your man. Pick up the book, check out the website (I recommend spending some time running through "ReelThoughts" for a few great ideas about what is going on in the entertainment industry, what could/should be going on, and so forth), have yourself a ball. I only hope Mr. Berardinelli can find the time to put together a DVD guide as well for those of us - and he knows were out there, growing in number - who prefer the comfort of home to the current theater experience.

You da man, James. Keep it up!

This book provides heavily edited versions of James Berardinelli's website movie reviews. Unfortunately, instead of skimping on plot descriptions, he skimps on analysis, which is his strong suit.

My first exposure to Berardinelli was the first version of this movie guide. And I didn't think much of it. Some time later, I was discussing Berardinelli with a friend, who advised me to check out his complete reviews posted on his website. After reading the complete reviews, with all of the analysis intact, I finally became a believer. But despite all of this, I now own both versions of his movie guide, which I find useful for quick-reference purposes. (Note: If this movie guide contained Berardinelli's complete, unedited movie reviews, I would bump my rating up to four stars.)

Note to ALL film critics: In the future, try to restrict your movie plot summaries to just one or two paragraphs, and then get on to what you were truly put on this planet for, i.e., providing analysis and criticism.

(Note: this review assumes that you are not terribly familiar with James Berardinelli. If you are, skip to the last two paragraphs.)

Growing up in a Dallas suburb, there was nothing much to do but to get a ride over to the local multiplex and catch the latest flicks. Early on in my preteen years, of course, almost anything would catch my interest (save for something like Jane Eyre), but after awhile it became apparent that my time would be better spent going to movies that were actually decent. So, this led me to peel open and dog-ear the "Guide" section of the Dallas Morning News, always skimming the review snippets before deciding to which movie I would beg my mother to take me. However, while this system proved adequate early on, it became apparent that I was still spending time watching alot of terrible movies, movies that had been given such wonderful critical catch phrases as "Two Thumbs (Way) Up!" (which I'm sure must be trademarked or something similar by now) or "Four Stars! One of the best movies of our time!" Which, of course, led me to a gradual disillusionment and the growing belief that all critics were cash-mongerers being paid off to write catchphrases to be used in advertisements.

I still think that about many critics. But eventually, I discovered rottentomatoes.com and it proved to be a good, brute force way of finding quality movies to spend a hard-earned 8 bucks. I came to notice, however, that one reviewer in particular kept standing out for well thought out, well-read (and well-seen) reviews, many of which corresponded to my tastes and interests. It was in this way I came to find James Berardinelli. His name was a bit of a pain to remember at first, but it soon became synonymous to me with pure, intellectual and quality reviews.

Very few critics, I feel, are able to properly enunciate precisely why they feel a movie is good or bad. I've read many a four star review of Pulp Fiction, for example, that was filled with vague assessments and ephemereal praise; namely, that the critic had realized they had just seen something wonderful, but couldn't quite express why. And sometimes this enunciation can be done in overkill; however intelligent a review from the New York Times or the Chicago Tribune may be, sometimes they seem a bit *too* intelligent, a critic trying too hard to maintain an image or trying to be Faulkner when Hemingway would suffice.

It is, however, this precise skill of putting down in words that certain "je ne sais quoi" many of us may feel when watching the latest masterpiece that makes Berardinelli brilliant. It is his irreverant attitude to the worst of movies, and his superbly insightful and analytical approach to even the most untouchably brilliant of movies and his refusal to reduce his thoughts to a catchphrase that makes every read an enjoyable one. I never read reviews in my free time for fun before, but now I pour over Berardinelli pages as if looking over a great literary tome. And in fact, his reviews may be; each review opens a dialogue with the reader, explaining everything what one wants to and needs to know. One has a question, and Berardinelli has anticipated it and answered it. If anything, I wish his reviews were longer.

However, it's simply more than just Berardinelli agreeing with my tastes. In fact, I found I disagree with him on quite a bit of movies, but unlike many other critics, a point of divergence is not an irreconcilable-"oh-he's-just-one-of-the-crazies-who-liked-star-wars-episode-one" moment but rather a way to see an alternative opinion presented intelligently and analytically. If anything, if you're used to just reading reviews from your local newspaper, Berardinelli will elevate your level of discourse with movies and will broaden the way you think about the art of filmmaking.

That being said, why do you need to buy the book when all his reviews are archived for free on his website? If you've a soft-spot for reviews and movies, this is a good addition to your library, beating out the more mainstream works such as "Videohound's Golden Movie Retriever year XXXX" (which I never read for fun). Even then, a collection such as this belongs in the category of art criticism, not movie reviews, and for that reason a hard copy will always be welcomed as a permanent reference for the thoughts and analyses of one of the most important critics of our time. If that's not your thing, having a hard copy of the reviews means that you can always quickly look up a review without having to worry about booting up a computer or remembering how to spell "Berardinelli." If anything else, this makes sure that you vote with your dollar and support a critic who deserves greater exposure.

(I realize the overly-glowing tone of this review, but if you've read Berardinelli, you'd understand.)

I've been an avid reader of James' website for the last year of so. I have come to value his reviews over almost everyone elses. He never fails to expose a bad movie and tell exactly why in an intelligent, and sometimes humorous way. I've often been prompted to see a movie that I otherwise would have probably overlooked. James, if you read this, ignore that jerk who gave your book a one star. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but writing scathing reviews that are based on questionable informatio is unecessary. I look forward to reading more of your reviews and your next book. Take care!

Great, fun book for Road Rules fanatics

I am obsessed with everything on Road Rules and Real World. To me, this was one of the better MTV books. You should read it if you like learning about how the characters really felt during their adventures. It was great!

I started reading this book and i couldn't put it down. The pictures are so funny, and the entrees are juicy and tell you every thing that you never knew about the casts. I think this is a great book.

As an almost-obsessive fan of both the Real World and Road Rules, this was definitely one of the better books. Even if you have watched every episode of the shows, like I have, you should get this book. It tells what really happened with the romances and fights; what cast members really thought of each other, and it even contains lost missions that were unable to make it onto the show. I would recommend this book to anyone who has seen the show. So order it today!

This book had tons of information. It really made you feel like you were there. It gives you how cast members really felt about what the other cast members were doing. It gives you the FULL story, not the part that Bunim/Murray wants you to hear. You actually find out the reason the cast members were arguing, not just the argument. I hate to read, but I finished this book in just two days. Better than Road Rules: Passport Abroad and In the House: Real World Seattle. If you only plan to get one book about The Real World or Road Rules, this is the one!

This is one of my favorite Sabrina books! Sabrina, Salem, and Valerie go back to Ancient Egypt and the cat goddess Bast falls in love with Salem. They take away Sabrina's powers and she must find a mirror to get them back and save Salem. You should read it if you're a Sabrina fan.

I stopped reading the Sabrina series a while ago due to the last 5 or so books not been very good, but then I decided to give it one more chance and began my 25th Sabrina book "scarabian nights". I have to say that I was very impressed, I realy liked this one and was glad to see that Valarie was involved and its not about Sabrina and her family as that has got real old. I would go as far as saying this is one of the best Sabrina books, so read it! If you like it I also recomend "showdown at the mall", "Prizoner of cabin 13" and "sabrian goes to Rome". ENJOY!

After a magical vacation to the Egyptian pyramids, Aunt Vesta brings Sabrina a super souvenir. The ancient charm is suppose to help the teenage witch with her cat chores, but instead it transports Sabrina, Salem and Valerie back in time to ancient Egypt!

Salem is thrilled. After all, the Egyptians really knew how to treat their feline friends-they worshipped them as gods. But when the cat Goddess Bast falls hard for the fast-talking black cat, she puts him under a love spell & locks his traveling companions in the maze of the Great Pyramid. As Sabrina & Valerie wind their way through the life-sized puzzle, they enlist the help of some magical figures-and a handsome young pharoah on hiatus from his sarcophagus. But can they bring Salem to his senses before Bast morphs him into a mummy?

I think Scarabian Nights is a pretty good book. It's basically about Aunt Vesta's gift to Sabrina, an "Ushabti," a little doll kind of thing. Sabrina wishes she could go back in time with her friend Valerie since she's bored. But she really doesn't mean to wish that. But the Ushabti really takes her back in time with Valerie and Salem, her magical talking cat. Queen Bast, the ruler there, likes Salem, and says she wants to marry him. But then Sabrina finds out the chilling secret: She sees cats turned to stone on the walls of Queen Bast's kingdom. Queen Bast had turned all the cats she was about to marry into stone! What can she do to protect Salem and get out of Queen Bast's kingdom with Valerie and back home!? I'm not going to give away the ending, but I can tell you a series of adventures happen when Sabrina tries to save Salem and get them all back home!

This book sort of drags on in the middle of the book, but except for that, this book is so interesting I couldn't put it down!

After a magical vacation to the Egyptian pyramids, Aunt Vesta brings Sabrina a super souvenir. The ancient charm is suppose to help the teenage witch with her cat chores, but instead it transports Sabrina, Salem and Valerie back in time to ancient Egypt!

Salem is thrilled. After all, the Egyptians really knew how to treat their feline friends-they worshipped them as gods. But when the cat Goddess Bast falls hard for the fast-talking black cat, she puts him under a love spell & locks his traveling companions in the maze of the Great Pyramid. As Sabrina & Valerie wind their way through the life-sized puzzle, they enlist the help of some magical figures-and a handsome young pharoah on hiatus from his sarcophagus. But can they bring Salem to his senses before Bast morphs him into a mummy?

I highly recommend Seagalogy for all movie buffs and anybody looking for a good laugh.
Fans of Steven Seagal will love Seagalogy because of the depth of information about his movies, commercials, music and products.
Even those of us who don't like Steven Seagal will still enjoy reading Seagalogy, because Vern mockingly and sincerely writes reviews about every movie Steven Seagal has made, comments on the absurdity of his movies and unusual characteristics.

I was hoping for the Seagal equivalent of the hillarious Wrestlecrap books. Those books show their love for the material but also aren't afraid to rip it apart for laughs. This book seems more like a 400 page high school thesis paper about reoccuring themes that appear in Steven Seagal movies. Interesting stuff like his mob claims and lawsuits, as well as his problems with production on movies like Mercenary for Justice are hardly even touched on.

Instead of describing the hillarious flubs in his DTV movies, the reader is treated to an overly long sypnosis of the film, and then a rundown of the themes which connect them to other Seagal films.

As a fellow Seagal fan I can appreciate Vern's love of the material, but overall it came off as way to dry for such a ridiculous concept for a book.

This book is laugh out loud funny. I was unable to put it down once I picked it up. There is a wealth of information here but its never hard work to digest as Vern doesn't take it too seriously. Best 10 dollars I have spent in a long time. Hopefully Seagal continues making many more movies so Vern can do a part 2 of Seagalogy.

This could be a ground-breaking book.

Usually in a book with a subject like this the reader would expect one of two things - either predominantly fawning and uncritical adulation peppered with the occasional swipe at safe targets ala the tomes of Telos that cover the recent seasons of the returned Dr Who - or wholesale emasculation of the works considered and their dissection for comedic purposes, the sort of thing the Medved brothers made their name doing.

Vern does neither, and instead finds an intriguing way of reflecting on a genre that actually, surprisingly, may have much to reveal both about the way cinema and celebrity function in the modern age. Writers to come could learn much from this manner of study, one that is respectful of the film-makers' intentions and the audiences responses - or non-responses - to these and we might learn a few things along the way. It helps that Vern can also write extremely well, has an eye for a decent joke or two and an understanding of the modern age that allows him to draw conclusions that surprise, delight and inform.

What do we learn from this book ?

Well, that there is more to Seagal than just another dumb action movie star. Vern makes a pitch in his opening for ascribing auteur status to the man, an assertion that initially strikes one as either tongue-in-cheek to the point of incomprehension, taking the mickey out of the reader or misplaced adulation. Yet in his quiet, analytical way Vern demonstrates that he has a point - like many an auteur Seagal has themes and memes that carry through from one film to the next, and where they haven't been present has gone to some lengths as writer, director or actor to introduce them. Moreover Seagal appears to have come to the screen already fully formed, no working his way up for him but immediately launched in a vehicle for his talents - Nico -Above the Law - that's suggests that someone, somewhere, must have felt the man had something to say worth hearing. Subsequent success suggests that in the late 80s and early 90s, people wanted to hear it.

We are used to the idea of the action heroes as ubermenschen - arrogant, opinionated, always in, and politically on, the right. Seagal, Vern shows, is that rare thing - a left-wing action star. Repeated themes he finds in the films are the corruption and incompetence of intelligence agencies, the dangers of turning a blind eye to the environment, violence as a tool that when utilized should be deployed quickly, efficiently and without undue flash or adulation and never as a solution in and of itself, and a quiet asceticism that makes his hero something of a Renaissance man. This latter is a particularly strange thought, but Vern shows us the evidence, presents his own conclusions and also allows that we have the intelligence to draw our own. Seagal deliberately set out to impart his philosophies to his audiences - and that is what auteurs do, surely ?

This is no dry, academic tome however. It is also very funny, warm, enlightening and entertaining. It's a book to carry onto the plane - for who knows what the in-flight movie may be ? - or to read in the bath or you'll annoy close friends and relatives by reading the best bits aloud. It is that good.

So come to mock by all means - but stay to learn and enjoy. And since that's the essence of Steven Seagal's own philosophy of cinema, from what I gather here, this is a book that does the man proud.

Damn, damn, damn - Vern wrote my book!! I am your basic NPR junkie, with a video collection heavy on German, French and Japanese classics, and never miss Masterpiece Theatre. Guests are always amazed when they come across my complete set of Seagal films - but I adore these films! They are entertaining, often very funny, and have a unique point of view. I had long planned that my retirement project would be to write THIS BOOK!! Fortunately, it is very well written, and gives great insight without ignoring the smirk factor. Well done, but I still am resentful!

This book was the second book I got. I thought it was a very good book. I read in like 3 days. I liked the part when Ruthie was trying to act like a guy by doing those gross guy things!! I read over and over again until I got a new 7th Heaven Book. I love to watch the show. I watch it every night when I can or when I'm not doing anything else..... I really hope that you 7th Heaven fans will read this book if you already didn't. If you do I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!!

i thought this was a good book i mean it was very interesting (for me anyway) this is the only book i will read unless i have to like in school but that is the ONLY book i will read out of school, but i can't read them all as fast as you can make them can you make them. can you make some for the older age levels please because those would probebly be just as good.

I have read alot of 7th Heaven books, and Secrets was my 2ed favorit. I would recomend this book to kids 5-10 no younger because they will start to keep secrets.

Mary and her basketball team get there season cut shore because there grades drop. So Mayr and her team trash the schools gym and the get arressted will the camdens clear her name? read to find out! I would reccomend this book to anybody ages birth to death it has a great moral.

BOOK REVIEW

In this book Lucy one of the sisters. Is on her high school student court team.
Her sister Mary is in her signor year of high school and on the varsity basketball team. The girl's grades dropped so they can't play anymore. So they go out to eat and think about trashing the school gym. Then they sneak in and start to T.P everything and then they graffiti every thing and than they get caught by the police and the school principal and they get in a lot of trouble.

I do recommend this book if they like the T.V show 7th heaven an like to read. I would recommend this book because it is interesting and funny. It was a page turner because at the end of a page it did not tell enough information so it was a cliff hanger . So I kept on reading the book. I did enjoy this genre because I love this T.V show and this was about a show I had never seen. There were surprises in the story like when Mary and her friends got caught and when they decided to trash the school gym and when Simon got suspended for a whole week.

I have never seen a collection of Shirley photographs and memorabilia as extensive as this one.

The pages are chock full of photos I've never seen before, and I've been a devoted fan since the 50's! If you adore Shirley, this book is something you must have. I absolutely love it.

This book couldn't be better! The pictures of Shirley Temple are absolutely gorgeous and they are all throughout the book in both color and black and white from the time she was a baby until her later teen years. If you want pictures of the best child star ever, this is the book to have.

An EXCELLENT book about Shirley Temple full of FANTASTIC photos and history of the greatest child star! Kudos to Rita for a fantastic job!

This book is a must for anyone who is a Shirley Temple fan. Those not familiar with her work might find it interesting as well. Rita Dubas has done a wonderful job here. The layout is beautiful, showcasing many photos of Shirley (some of which I'd never seen before!) along with oodles of photos of Shirley Temple memorabilia from all over the world.

It's a fascinating glimpse into the world of yesteryear, when a sweet little girl was the most popular star in Hollywood.

Representing all the children of the world, Shirley Temple gave us the Silver Screen View of the Divine Child, the closest thing to Heaven. She spoke for us who became aware of her as children, felt our child like feelings and made us feel that no matter the circumstance, Love would conquer all. And we loved her for it. How could anything be wrong when you looked at that Angelic face, with her sparkling eyes and precious dimples. How can you not smile at all those bouncing joyous curls.

She was not just a face on the screen but our friend, our secret playmate. Besides that Shirley grew into a beautiful woman, skipping anything wild or rebellious, always full of grace. She opened her heart to the welfare and humanity of all peoples. Her whole entire life has been about enriching this wonderful world we live in. The ideal child became the ideal role model. However rare that is, her light still shines through, warming every heart, young or old, benefiting every new generation.

This book honors Shirley like no other. Adorable photo after photo, exquisitely designed and written. Rita Dubas treats us with her vast knowledge and love of this tiny star. Rita shares rare collections of past memorabilia, not usually seen in the typical collector books. She displays them, so that your eyes dance over them and you feel lost in a wonderland, not unsimular to the way Shirley makes you feel when watching her movies. All your troubles dissapear for the moments paging though this book . . . . . this tribute. Bravo Rita! Bravo Shirley!

Connie Marshall, Artist