Movies Books

As someone who has followed Ken Hanke's work since the days he was writing on subjects ranging from George Arliss and Orson Welles to Tod Slaughter and the Beatles movies for FILMS IN REVIEW, I highly recommend this little guide to horror movie series, which contains some of the writer's best work. The approach is an interesting one, since he makes the case that films like the early 1930s Lionel Atwill starring vehicles constitute a series, and the execution is exceptional. No series--or even marginal series--is left untouched. The section on the Frankenstein movies for Universal is the best quick guide/analysis of that series I've ever seen, and it's a pure delight to see obscure oddities like the Warner Oland Fu Manchu pictures discussed in some depth. If I've any complaint--other than the publisher's inglorious presentation--it's simply that Hanke is clearly more at home with films of the 1930s, 40s, 70s, and 80s than he is with those of the 50s and 60s, which are given shorter--though interesting--shrift. But the rest of the material more than makes up for this.

Though obviously beset by production problems (the book is ill-served by its publisher), the idea behind this book is certainly interesting--to assess horror films by the series that contains them. As the author rightly points out, most horror films are indeed a part of a series of films, whether in continuing characters or in intent, and looking at them in this light brings new insight to bear on them. Fortunately, the author is more than up to the task, especially when dealing with some of the more esoteric or loosely defined series--the Tod Slaughter films or the movies that Bela Lugosi made for Monogram Pictures in the 1940s. His examination of more familiar territory, such as the Universal Frankenstein series, is also exemplary, even though there is a sense that some of the material has been shortened for space considerations. The opinions are invariably insightful, even when one doesn't agree with them, and are so entertainingly written that even those with which one isn't accord have much to recommend them. The only flaw with this book really--unless the reader just can't handle alternate views on films--is the mechanical reproduction. What I would like to see is this book to be updated and picked up by some savvy company for publication as a trade paperback. It might then get the audience it deserves far more than its relative obscurity has allowed.

"Cry Buggie" is a touching "Miss Spider" book release focusing on the character Squirt. Based on a television story, when Dragon sees Wiggle crying, he tells Squirt that Wiggle is a "cry buggie" and big bugs never cry. Later, Squirt sprains his ankle right before a big soccerberry tournament. Squirt is very sad, but remembers what Dragon said, holds his feelings in, and doesn't cry.

Eventually, Squirt learns the truth about crying. Crying is natural, and like rain in nature, something beautiful can come afterwards.

This book teaches an important lesson about about respecting other people's feelings. Many kids have trouble understanding how others feel, and this book gently helps them to empathize. It also explains that tears can be okay, and even useful at times.

This series is really nice. The illustration style is very interesting and unique--bright colors, endearing characters, engaging stories-- you can't go wrong. Both the books and the neat DVDs in the "Miss Spider" series are always based around positive values. The characters are not perfect-- they make mistakes, etc. But in the end they learn important lessons about family, friendship, and how we should treat others.

Interestingly, Miss Spider was herself an adopted "buggie" (you may enjoy the Miss Spider original book). As an adult her own family includes adopted buggies, too. Most children who live with their biological parents will not think twice about this aspect of the series, but kids who have been adopted may appreciate the subtle way in which Miss Spider stories show that adoption is a wonderful way to make or expand your family-- and that what defines a family is love.

Good book. I like watching the curious george videos with my son more than reading the books with him.

I purchased this book for my 3 year old daughter, who is a big fan of the PBS show. The book is a shortened version of one of the show episodes. I find the story a lot more readable than other Level 1 readers-- it is well written, and not overly repetitive. It is also the right length for her attention span. The pages are durable and very colorful. I recommend this book and the others in the series for young fans of the show.

I gave this book to my 8 yr old as a B-day gift and although she has not read it yet (She got about 20 other books and it'll take a while to get to all of them.) I have to admit that I did read it and I loved it. I liked Curious George as a child and I was so excited to see that he was making a come back. I could hardly wait to introduce my curious little lady to him. She has enjoyed the other Curious George books and I know she will like this one too. We can't wait till the movie comes out on DVD.

The publisher's description of the level this book is deceiving; it is described as a baby-preschool level book. Perhaps the story would appeal to that level (would have to read short passages to hold their attention), but the literacy level to read this book is around 7-11 years I would say. My son who is 10 and has always adored Curious George, read this book and considered it a little below his grade level of reading. It made the book a quick but enjoyable read for him. The title given as well as the spine of the book even indicates that it is a 'Junior Novel'. There is a small section of colorful photos from the movie but the pages of the book are primarily text with a few black and white sketches. My son thoroughly enjoyed this new 'George' adventure and hopes for more (can't wait to see the movie!). It was a real page turner for him.

I loved the movie, and I loved the book. The book built on the movie, adding parts and info on scenes and the characters, explaining technical info, and more. It went more into the movie, adding on what happened at Mount Baker in the 1970's (Mentioned in movie, but not explained), and going into other Cascade Volcanoes (Rainier, St. Helens, Baker, Crater Lake). Anyone who loves disaster stories, volcanoes, or Washington State should read this book.

I loved this book. The Movie was Great but the book was even better. Get this book.

I have never read this book before, but I saw the movie at midnight while flipping through channels looking for good movies. When I started watching the movie from the beginning, I thought it was a fun movie that friends go out and play, but when the movie started getting worse, I got confused. First, I had no idea why they called it The Deadly Friend, but when I finished watching the movie, I understood why. Although part of the movie is super disgusting, but I love it a lot, because it's very touching, sad, romantic, and else. The most melancholy part is the ending, when Sam started remembering her life as the real Samantha and the friendship with Paul, the police shot her when she was running up to him. While she was surrounded by police everywhere, you see her vision started getting more vivid and real, but it's so sad that the police didn't know who she really is and why she killed her father and the old woman who shot Bee Bee. Just hearing her whispering Paul's name the first time in a long time, you feel like if you want something good to happen, just like if she could survive and become the real Samantha. Therefore, I recommand you to read this book or watch the movie. If you ever like these kind of stories, then you should see the movie Artificial Intelligence made in 2001, too.

This book is about a lonely boy named Paul Conway who moves to the small town of Welling with his mother due to a divorce and a horrible accident. He is a scientific genius who built his own robot named "Bee Bee". He falls in love with his next door neighbor named Samantha Pringle. Her father is a raging alcoholic who shatters Paul's life by destroying Bee Bee and killing Sam. Paul takes the robot computer and implants it into her brain bringing her back to life, well sort of. She turns into a revengful monster totaly unlike Sam who murders her father and several others. It seems as if no one, not even he, can destroy this monster which he has created. In short, good book. Pick it up!

Linoleum?! Why would anyone send a celebrity a letter written on linoleum? This is but one of the many unique writing surfaces on which Johnny Carsaon received fan mail. During his nearly 30-year reign as the "Tonight Show" host, Johnny Carson's devoted viewers sent him an array of tokens of appreciation, from stuffed rodents dressed as Carnak, to spray painted cow dung... and that's only the beginning!

"Dear Johnny" is a behind-the scenes look at some of the most hilarious, bizarre, scary, confusing, heart-rending, heart-wamring, and inspired fan mail and gifts received by Johnny Carson while hosting the "Tonight Show."
--- from book's back cover.

This book is awesome! I can't believe the things people send to celebrities! It's nuts! An entertaining read for any Johnny fan! Highly recommended!

The author does an outstanding job at offer the details of survival in the north. I lived in Trenton for many years and know some of the people mentioned. It is embarassing as a Canadian to see how ill equiped we are and what we make our troops do with so little to work with.

The rescue part in the book was a bit abrupt and final...perhaps he could have offered more insight to the final rescue moments.

A thrilling story how just real life can write it. Realistic to the bone with these magic moments which you cannot explain. They just happen and everybody has its own idea what it was for. This book enriches your world of symbols and you learn about the (protection-?) function of phantasy in extreme situations. The book is full of very personal ways to death and back to life. Lots of details make it to more than a "light at the end of the tunnel story". All this is framed by the technical world of the search and rescue schemes with its todays heros: The people of the rescue squads. These storyline let the reader rest after the emotional parts of personal (the main characters) hardship. Both storylines together build up the enormous suspense of this book. To the author: Good, very sensitive recherche realisticly narrated. Perfect for this story.+++ Thanks to all the people who added their for sure not very pleasant memories to make this book possible +++

In 1974, teenager Sharon Webster witnessed the horrifying death of Gavin Burns at the hands of the Blair Witch. Refusing the face the truth, she reported that Gavin had been killed by a bear, and from that day on, she has lived in denial. Twenty-six years later, Sharon has a sixteen-year-old daughter of her own, Kayla, and a fifteen-year-old niece named Erin. When Kayla begins to have nightmares about the events her mother witnessed, she is determined to find out the truth her mother has been hiding. So Kayla and Erin, along with Kayla's boyfriend, Jon, hike to the woods Kayla saw in her dreams. But the three teens are making a big mistake. Because although Gavin is dead, the evil that destroyed him lives on. And now it's after Kayla, Erin, and Jon. This was a terrifying addition to the Blair Witch Files series.

In the summer of 1974, sixteen-year-old Sharon Webster is sent away to camp at Deep Creek Lake in Western Maryland. Here she meets Gavin Burns, a boy who wears a "Plague" T-shirt in honour of his favourite band, and is obsessed with the occult, tarot cards and everything to do with the Blair Witch. Gavin is infatuated with Sharon and sets about trying to prove the Witch's existence to impress her. The plot goes tragically wrong and results in Sharon witnessing the horrifying death of Gavin in the swamps near to Deep Creek Lake.

Now forty two years old, and with a sixteen year old daughter of her own, Sharon has done her best to forget that the events at Deep Creek Lake ever happened. But for her daughter, Kayla, it isn't so easy. Her mother has never spoken of the events that went on, yet Kayla finds herself dreaming of a boy in a "Plague" T-shirt holding a Tarot Card to symbolise death. He tells her his name is Gavin and begs for help as she watches him drown in the swamp. Kayla is frightened by these dreams but her mother refuses to tell her what happened. Together with her cousin Erin and boyfriend Jon, Kayla resolves to seek the truth about the secret her mother is keeping from her. As in the Blair Witch Project movie itself, the three venture into the forest, armed with a video camera and determined to find answers. But is history about to repeat itself, and who will be the next victim of the Blair Witch?

This is the scariest book in the Blair Witch Files so far. The action is fast-paced and will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. This book was more about being scary than having an interesting or complicated plot. I really recommend "The Death Card" and the remaining books in this series to all teen readers and horror fans.

I haven't finished this book yet, but so far I would have to say that it is very well written. Although, I've watched the entire seasons 1-3 of the desperate housewives series. The good thing about this book is the details that were left out of the series. Which definitely makes the story line a lot more entertaining, it also reveals different sides to the characters.

The sex lives of five naughty wives! Funnier than the TV series - and even more hot and clever! Giji, SueAnn, Ariella, Connie and Wynette are fun from beginning to end. I'm really hoping for a sequel - and soon!!!