Movies Books

Our 3 y.o. daughter is obsessed with the movie 'Cars'. One night on a shopping trip I brought this book home on a whim. Not a single bedtime has gone by since without reading this book. She loves it so much that she wants desperately to learn to read it for herself. She even recognized the word 'McQueen' repeated throughout the book and reads that word on her own now. The book is already well loved and dog eared but standing up to it all.

The pictures in the book are hand-drawn and give a high-level overview of the story. It skips many of the details in the movie but my daughter doesn't seem to care very much about accuracy, detail or that it looks different than what's in the movie.

We've read hundred of books to her but none have sparked her interest quite like this. I don't know if it's timing because she's getting older or the tie-in with the movie. I don't care even if it seems over-commercialized. Whatever keeps her interested in reading is what counts. I'll surely be buying more books in the series.

Arrived ahead of time for Christmas. Purchased as a Christmas present for my grandson. He carried this book around all night. He loved it. thank you Amazon.

both my children and found this book to be a delight and very
fun to read. also the pictures were very colorful.
thanks,

debbie pollitt

My son who is 2 3/4 yo loves this story so much that we recite it at night. I tell parts of it, and he chimes in with what he remembers. The first few times we did it, he remembered parts I didn't remember! Very easy read. I wish there were more books like this! I do caution that it gives away the story.

My four year old really enjoys this book. I wouldn't recommend it older kids though.

"Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind!/Each pray'r accepted, and each wish resign'd... Desires compos'd, affections ever ev'n,/Tears that delight, and sighs that waft to Heav'n." The original Alexander Pope poem suits the movie whose title it inspired, "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," a unique, surreal film about memories, love and sorrow.

"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" deals with timid, conservative Joel, who bumps into ex-girlfriend Clementine at a store -- and finds she doesn't remember him. He finds a notice in his mail that she has had him erased from her memories, and angrily decides to have the same done. But during the procedure, Joel revisits the good times they had together, and finds that he doesn't want to lose his memories with Clementine.

This movie, by Michel Gondry and Charlie Kaufman, was one of the best of 2004, and one that isn't quickly forgotten. The screenplay is an excellent accompaniment; if there is a line or an image that didn't seem to make sense, it might make more sense here. "Eternal Sunshine" fans will also like the scenes that never made it to the final cut, and one scene got shuffled around.

Additionally, there is an interview at the end with Kaufman. In it, he describes his writing background, his collaborations with Gondry, clashes with Ben Affleck's horrific "Paycheck," memory, and that wonderful "Velveteen Rabbit" scene. Although, it could have used more of Kaufman's thoughts on the final product and the actors.

The stumbling blocks? Don't try reading the screenplay BEFORE seeing the movie, or you will be hopelessly lost. The script cuts wildly from the past, the present, inside and outside the characters' heads. It works wonderfully on the screen, but on paper it's hard to visualize just by the words alone. That, and this richly visual film is only represented by some murky black-and-white photos.

"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" is a wonderful script, which spawned a wonderful film. And for fans of that film, this is an excellent accompaniment and resource.

this is a brilliant affecting screenplay..like much of kaufman's work it combines inventivness and originality with the creation of well drawn poignant complex characters trying to make sense of and live as best they can in this world we live in. amidst all the craziness and surreal aspects of his work there's a real humanism that shines through...i once read in an interview charlie did that he consider's himself primarily a book person not a film person..i loved that...the world needs more screenwriters who look at themselves as primarily book people particularly when they can team up with such visual artists as michel gondry or spike jonz..no wonder these collaboratons produce such great films..these artists perfectley complement each other..nonetheless this screenplay stands on it's own as a work of art..

This is a truly beautiful movie. I seriously think it is one of Jim Carey's best films. The cinematography is provocative and intelligent. The acting is flawless. And the plot is a well devised mesh of fantastical conception and blatant realism mixed with subtle humor. It should have one an award. It was certaintly better than Million Dollar Baby.

A Hollywood film script book from Academy Award-nominated screenwriter Charlie Kaufman (whose previous credits include "Being John Malkovich" and "Adaptation"), for the very highly acclaimed film "Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind", this provides the reader with a 165-page shooting script in book form and will prove to be a welcome addition to the growing library of Hollywood film scripts and "must" reading for aspiring film students. Enhanced with a Q&A with Kaufman, black/white movie stills with commentary, and complete cast and crew credits, Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind will also prove of great interest to the legions of Jim Carrey fans who enjoyed his performance as Joel, a young man who wants to have the painful memories of his girlfriend Clementine (played by Kate Winslet) erased from his mind.

This was a movie I didn't expect to like. I hadn't heard that much about it and wasn't all that enthusiastic about seeing another Jim Carey movie. Boy, was I pleasantly surprised.

First of all, this movie is truly original. That's rare these days. It revolves around the premise that you can erase someone from your memories. In this case, the "someone" to be erased is Kate Winslet's character of Clementine. She is wacky and artsy, and plays against Carey's straightlaced character Joel perfectly. I had just seen an interview with Winslet before this movie and was amazed at her accurate American accent. Very well done.

And Carey is brilliant. His toned down, not over the top portrayal of Joel was delightful and wonderful. This is the first time I actually thought of Carey as a very good actor. Both Carey and Winslet deserve an Oscar for this film.

In addition, the film is beautifully shot as well. This could have been a very goofy movie, with a premise that was hard to actually get into and believe, but this film worked perfectly on all accounts: writing, cinematography, acting. I would recommend this film to anyone that wants to see a thoroughly enjoyable, funny, sweet, interesting, wonderful film that is unlike any you've seen before.

From the author of The Difference Now, A New Dish, and At the Coffee Shop. (www.thedifferencenow.com).

What I would like to add to the other reviews is how much I appreciated the short chapters (for us folks who have only brief pockets of time in which to read) and the vivid descriptions that allow us to see and feel the surroundings along with main character Jesse. As a woman, I found it an eye opener, too, because it helped me understand how men think. This is a well-written novel with a plot that keeps its readers riveted. Bravo, Alex!

I enjoyed this story about a cowboy and his girl told as the tale develped and it kept me up way past my bedtime to see how it all turned out. Altogether it was an enjoyable tale and very moving. The loss of a loved one was an undercurrent throughout the book until a new life is born into this world. Good stuff!!

This book is absolutely amazing. Having lost a child, I found that Alex Cord captured the true essence of a parent facing the loss of a child. I laughed and cried at the touching force he gives as a greiving parent, finding the love of his life and bringing a new being into the world to love and cherish, but never trying to let him take Damien Zachary's place, just fill the void. The horse language is true in every sense of the word, to imagine the majestic beauty of the Cutting Horse. Truly a book well worth reading. Thank you, Alex!!

When reading this book you may not realize just how much of Mr. Cord's own life experience influenced the characters. However, by reading this story you'll actually gain insight into his personal life tragedies. In effect, this book is part autobiography and part fiction, truly a labor of love from Mr. Cord.

A Hollywood legend who starred in "Airwolf" (1984-1986), Mr. Cord is perhaps best known for his proficient horsemanship and appearances in high-profile westerns such as "Stagecoach."

As a Radio Talk Show Host I have interviewed 100's of authors. Alex Cords' "A Feather in the Rain" is a MUST READ! To find out about the real Alex Cord, I would recommend that you read this book. Its to bad that there are not more men like him in the world today! If you have ever seen a horse, I say READ THIS BOOK! I would also have to say that, BAR NONE!, also the best Radio interview that I have ever had and, believe me, I have had alot. Without ever meeting Alex in person I consider him a true friend.

Carney's book is scientific writing at its best. The book, despite the level of abstraction, is totally captivating. A lot of connections to sociological theories (pragmatism) are used to penetrate the characters and C:s way of filming (as well as interesting observations about Hitchcock and Orson Welles). Also, this is a book about being human as much as it is about the films of Cassavetes. The book is well structured with one film and analysis per chapter. I'm not a film student but I learned a lot from reading this. Highly recommended!

I doubt that I can say anything about this book that hasn't been said before but this is, by every measure, an outstanding examination of Cassavetes amazing body of work.
I go back to this book every six months or so and have for a number of years. It is a very thorough, reverent, and insightful reference book but it goes well beyond that. Though very full of information, it is personal enough that it has allowed (and encouraged) me to go and evaluate the films myself without the feeling that there is a "law" or an agenda already set with these films.
The greatest beauty of Cassavetes' films is that each one belongs to the individual; meaning that every person who chooses to lend his or her heart to the characters, stories, and subject matter(s) can get something out of it that belongs solely to that person. The films can excite, enrage, entertain, and rattle you in ways that films seldom do.

Cassavetes films make you more than an audience member as they make you more aware than ever that you just might still be human.

Great book and highly reccomended.

I originally got this book and read the whole thing, before i had seen any of cassavetes movies. This is not a recommended route. I have now seen all of his films, except for husbands, and i can't tell you how amazing i think the importance of this book is. I wonder what the ratio is between the people who disagree and agree with it's context, in respect to it's attitude towards american cinema. the book really does rewire your brain. The people who i am friends with, who are also interested in film are dumb founded when ever i casually undermine 2001 or citizen kane in a conversation. More importantly though, this book, like Cassavetes films, extends into life and actually opens you up to knew spiritual territory
you didn't think about. One last point: Does any one notice how suprisingly objective Carney is when he mentions his most hated film makers like Spielberg ? Get this book. It may feel too intellectual, but it really isn't. If you think that then you are reading it too quickly and not thinking about what it's actually saying.

I'm not sure what book the reviewer below this read, but I don't know how many times I'd have to read about films that completely re-imagine the way I (and our popular culture) see the world and my own experience before I'd feel "bored" or anything less than inspired and envigorated. In fact, I read this book very often - not just to gain information, like a dictionary or an encyclopedia, giving me facts and figure data I didn't have before, but as mental calethenics, or something like spiritual openess training. This is a much more meaningful and important activity than thematic comparison and contrsating, no matter how technically interesting that is. As the concepts and points of view on the world process thru my brain as I read them off the page, I gain new abilities to understand and see - and this takes work, and often repetition. So I reccomend anyone who reads this book and hopes to gain insight, not just into Cassavetes and his films, but into their own personal attitudes, to keep themselves OPEN, as Cassavetes explicitly did in every frame of film he exposed, and to always give the artist (or author) the benefit of the doubt before passing judgement based on arbitrary ulterior motives (which, naturally, we all have). This isn't easy (especially to the greatly film cultured), but I dare say you'll enjoy this book, and your life, a lot more.

Almost everything Carney says, you tend to utterly hate him for at first. His most recent article seemed so pessimistic that I spent an hour in my apartment, sitting in front of the TV depressed by it all.

Everything Carney writes tends to be tough at first, because, like Cassavetes, he mentions truths about life that very few people wish to confront. There is no evasion of reality in this book. People can be horrible to each other. We all die in the end. That's life.

Carney doesn't analyse Cassavetes' work in relation to other movies and cultural trends (as most film professors tend to do), but prefers to focus entirely on the performances of the characters on screen. Like Cassavetes, he never really explains the characters' motivations, but instead focuses on how they react to their environments. Everything he writes is about life -- you'll find nothing about tendentious compositions, popular culture, or auteur theory. The only important thing here is Carney's love for the characters and their creator.

One of the greatest books ever written on American film.

If you haven't read this all-time best adventure story, do so. You're in for a treat (it beats the movie versions hands down). During World War II, a plane crashes in the North African desert, and the survivors reconstruct it to fly again. That's enough to tell. Read a longer review after you read the book.
I hope you find the following suggestions useful. All great African adventures:

Also read "Cry Wolf," by Wilbur Smith--another great African story (set in Ethiopia in the 1930s): Cry Wolf

And don't miss "The Sands of Kalahari" (a plane crashes in the Kalahari desert): The Sands of Kalahari

"The Sapphire Sea" (a modern adventure in Zanzibar), by Ben Robinson.
The Sapphire Sea

With yet another movie treatment of this clever and accomplished novel about to explode onto our screens, it's even more to readers' advantage to check out Elleston Trevor's original story.

The 1965 Robert Aldrich version was a worthy effort but nevertheless held back from tackling the undercurrent of menace and sheer adult writing that made the novel such a triumph in the first place. The 2004 Hollywoodization, with Dennis Quaid. G Ribisi and Miranda Otto, barely seems to pay lip-service to the title before galumphing off in good old 'Indiana Jones-meets-Hidalgo' fashion towards lowest common denominated Phantasia-in-the-Sands.

Read quick to avoid disappointment.

This book has a fairly simple overall plot. A plane crashes in the desert, and when dealing with dire conditions the men who survive the crash try to find a way to survive the desert. The writing is gripping, and the personalities of the characters build through the book. The descriptions of the harsh conditions of the desert on the men, leave the reader disturbed, but wanting to read more. Themes that include the power and beauty of nature are intertwined throughout the book. Survival for these men is presented almost as a complicated puzzle which must be solved to avoid deadly consequences. It was a page turner for me- the writing is excellent!

The Flight of the Phoenix by Elleston Trevor is an excellent story that has spawned two very good movies. Pilot Frank "Shut It Down" Towns is sent to shut down an oil rig that has gone dry in the middle of the Libyan desert. On the way home, the plane crashes in a horrific sandstorm, killing two of the passengers. The survivors of the crash must band together to survive. Their original plan is to sit tight and wait for someone to come and rescue them until one of the passengers, a young aircraft designer named Stringer, proposed building a new plane out of the wreckage and flying to safety. What follows is a race against time as the survivors must battle the elements with limited supplies as they try to survive.

Elleston Trevor's novel is a well-told character study of what happens when people are placed in horrific conditions. Much of the novel centers around the fight for authority between Towns, the experienced yet self-doubting pilot, and Stringer, the young, obsessed aircraft designer. By the end of the novel, Trevor has fleshed out all the characters so the reader legitimately cares whether they survive or not. If you enjoy this novel, check out the 1965 classic starring Jimmy Stewart and Richard Attenborough and the exciting 2004 remake starring Dennis Quaid and Giovanni Ribisi. For a well-told story with believable characters and an unexpected twist, check out Elleston Trevor's Flight of the Phoenix!

"Flight of the Phoenix" held my attention, as an adventure novel should. What makes this book stand out is a character who is ignored for the first half of the book, because he's quiet and keeps to himself. In the middle of the book he becomes the most important character. In the penultimate chapter the plot twists around this character in what has to be most unexpected surprise I've ever seen in a novel. The character is a young engineer with Asperger's Syndrome, although the book was written thirty years before Asperger's Syndrome was discovered. Individuals with this form of autism are extremely intelligent but have poor social skills. They're ability to focus on a task can be their greatest strength or their downfall. In "Flight of the Phoenix" this is what saves the men, but then...well, I won't give away the plot! I listened to the audio download, which was very good except you really need to see what a Skytruck looks like, as the characters talk about different parts of the airplane wreckage. A quick Google search will find you photos of this type of aircraft.

This book's a prefect exmaple of how a "making of ..." book should be written. It's choke full of conceptual designs, screen tests, screen shots, comaprison between the comic books and the film's visuals. Plus the script. I find it extremely worth the price. If you are a fan of movies with great visuals and comic book-based movies, this one is a can't miss.

One of the most informative and professionally layed out books about a movie I have ever read. Usually you would have to pay top dollar to buy a book of such high quality. Definately recommend to any film enthusiast or maker!

Simply all you could ask for. Detailed journey through the entire movie with quotes from the director and the author. Excellent quality pictures. Great behind the scenes information and gossip. Can't wait for the sequels!!!

Frank Miller is a comic book god, rejuvenating classic stories like Batman and Daredevil while simultaneously conjuring up well-written and provocative tales of sinister film noir and graphic novel impressionist avant-garde violence. One of the most impressive and original movies I've seen for years, SIN CITY blew me away with its knowingly malicious nature, razor-edge script and frenetic action. To have such revolutionary geniuses like Miller and Quentin Tarintino collaborate on a film like this, it's more than welcome for American audiences looking for a non-traditional event that shakes the rule book, rips out all the pages and burns them. This behind the scenes tome, penned by Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez is filled to the brim with all the essentials that make a great backstage look at the absorbing world of filmmaking. Containing the entire screenplay for Sin City, a widespread behind the scenes photo collection, cast and filmmakers feelings on the film, nicely presented publicity material for the marketing, and so much more. Lavishly presented and with enough info to satisfy the most ardent fan, what more could you want? This is indispensable material for any film fan, and a great value, it makes this even more appealing. If you don't already have this enthralling manuscript, buy it now!

If you know a decent movie when you see one, you'll love this book on the making of Sin City. It explains how the movie was taken from graphic novel to screen. It has quotes from the cast and crew, the screenplay in it's entirity, as well as some awesome pictures. It goes into detail about the wardrobe and cars in the movie, and how they achieved the comic-book style that they were going for. Plus, almost every page has a page from the graphic novel in the background, so if you've never read the original Sin City you pretty much can by buying this book (If your eyesight's good enough, that is).

If you are a Goonies fan, this is a good read. There are slight variations from the movie, which is interesting.

Its a good quick read.

Okay, I know I've ranted about novelizations before and how they are totally artless and only enjoyable on a purely pulp level. But The Goonies is the exception to that rule and actually proves to be rather brilliant. Yes, it's totally not George Orwell's Animal Farm or Huxley's Brave New World so a five-star review in comparison to them would seem kind of ludicrous, but on it's own level, The Goonies is the perfect adventure book.

The main thing that makes this book so much better than typical film novelizations is that it's told from the point of view of Mikey Walsh (Sean Astin's character), so we really get inside his head and his early-teenage perspective on things. Second is the fact that writer James Kahn (no, not that one) wastes no time in getting things going and makes every sentence and every paragraph relevant or interesting.

He also nails every character to a tee. Chris Columbus' crazy assortment of Goonies and their eccentric personalities is one of the many things that make the film so great and Kahn gives them all enough space to fully develop among chase scenes, octopus attacks and booby traps. But the best character of the lot has to be Sloth. He's such a cool guy!

Taken from Chris Columbus' complete script, there are a few scenes in here that were cut from the final film (I don't know if they are included in the DVD extras) but I particularly like the extra scenes were Sloth shows off what a misunderstood genius he is and how good he is at impersonating and acting. He and Chunk are the REAL heros of the film.

The last, but certainly not least, advantage this book has is the deeper insight into the metaphysical connection between Mikey and One-Eyed Willie. It was present, to some effect, at the end of the movie but I always thought it could be taken further and Kahn manages to create an inspiring character out of a dead guy.

If you are a Goony, then you must get this book. It's such a shame that it's out of print because I think a new edition, marketed as a teen-adventure novel would be very popular.

Goonies are forever. Goonies never say die!

Long ago, when I was really hooked on the Goonies, I read this book with great zeal. It really does capture the essence of the movie, and I would have to agree with the other reviewers that it may in fact be better than the movie.

Last time I checked, the book comes before the movie......so the movie would be the one changed, not the book.......correct me if I'm wrong......

I just bought the book on e-bay, and have already read it!!! i highly reccomend this book! as a child i think its better than the movie!!

I have always loved this series. it starts out in our current day and then travels, By means of a well back to the feudal era of Japan. Back in the day of Monsters and Magic with Demons (Good and Bad)According to Inuyasha himself "Don't kid yourself, They're ALL bad".

Not the typical hero here. Inuyasha Grudgingly at first, saves Kagome (the modern Schoolgirl who falls in the well) from a monster after the Jewel of the four souls.
Upon saving her declares he is after the jewel himself. After a mishap with the jewel they go on search together to recover it.
Here begins thier journey.
The calendar has most of the characters here. Inuyasha, Kagome, Shippo, Miroku (the monk)and Sango. these make up Inuyasha's team of experts and friends, for one reason or another all want the same thing. The Jewel.
On the other side is Inuyasha's Brother Lord Seshomoru, Kikyo (The Priestess) and others. A few pages in here Show the possibility that Inuyasha loves Kagome more than he lets on to her.
The all time bad guy Naraku is in this as well, Kagura and others he has created or turned to his uses all after Inuyasha Kagome and the Jewel with hopes of ultimate power.

The colors are amazing in this beautiful calendar, Showing different seasons along with different scenes of the conflict on going in the show.
If you love the amazing show you're going to love this calendar.

I bought this calendar for my 11 year old daughter who is enthralled in anime in general and has a particular fascination of the InuYasha series that she shares with the friends. I largely discounted her interest in anime until I ran across the adult anime series "Hellsing". The vivid colors and fast action gave me an entirely different prospective on this genre of animation.

My daughter was bouncing off the walls with excitement when she received this calendar and I felt that I received more than my monies worth because of the beautiful colors and high quality of the paper and printing. This calendar is an excellent choice of gift for the teenager in your life; and you might want to order a second one for yourself. Order quickly before the year gets to far past.

I love Inuyasha so its really cool to wounder what day it is and look at my calendar.. But I think that they should have just put inuyasha in human form by him self and not the words new moon because if you watch the series you know what it means... Other then that its awesome.

Love it!!! I'm a huge fan of Inuyasha, and I was glad to see that the calendar focused on ALL the characters in the saga.Great pictures!

I bought the 2005 InuYasha calendar last year and couldn't wait for this one. I wasn't disappointed. The pictures are great! This isn't one of those calendars that just recycles images from the series. These pictures are unique. Some look like they are based on the movie versions of the characters, but that's fine with me. Almost all the characters have an appearance here, and human InuYasha marks every new moon for you. If you like InuYasha, and want to look at him every day, then buy this calendar!

This book is really awesome!!!!! Its a great guide for It Girls. I am a teenager and I love old movies and this book was a great guide for me! The book has 100 classic must see movies. The book is divide into sections for example, some are called Pure Romance, Marriage, the look, get the kleenex, getting the guy, royalty, weddings, and musicals to name a few! This is a great book to take w/ you to the video store. All the movies have a little description. I really love this book!! I really hope Meredith Alexander comes out with another book because this is a really good book! It would be awesome if she made a volume 2!

LOVED IT! GOT IT AS A GIFT. BEST BOOK OF IT'S KIND OUT THERE. BOUGHT THREE FOR MY FRIENDS. MEREDITH ALEXANDER IS A GENIUS. I HOPE SHE COMES OUT WITH A GUIDE TO GETTING THE IT MEN OUT THERE.

Make this your winter of content by curling up on the couch with the It Girl's Guide to Video, and then pressing the power button on your VCR. Meredith Alexander has done us all a huge favour by "screening" the movies that define glam. No more need to hesitate over what to rent at the video store. The must-see films are all there in this must-have book. The It Girl's Guide to Video is not only a great resource, it's a great read.

BUT SERIOUSLY, HOW DID WE MANAGE AT THE VIDEO STORE WITHOUT THIS REFERENCE GUIDE? THIS BOOK IS VERY WELL DONE AND THE AUTHOR HAS AN ASTOUNDING KNOWLEDGE OF THE BEST MOVIES OF OUR TIME. IT MAKES THE PURRRRFECT COFFEE TABLE BOOK, THE COVER IS HOT PINK SO WE KNOW THAT IT WILL "WORK" IN ANY IT GIRL'S LIVING ROOM!

A wonderful guide to the classics that every It Girl needs to see. Take the book with you to the video rental store and start at page 1. The book includes great stills from the films, and fun descriptions of each. I love it. Just grab your box of kleenex and popcorn and you're set. Would love to see a second volume!

This book is great for teaching kids about colors. My 2 year old loves it and after only 2 weeks of reading this book at bed time, she is starting to recite the story with me as I read it. Yes, we read this book every night. I wish she would mix it up some, but it is one of her top 3 books right now.

I can rarely find Backyardigans merchandise for my son who just loves these guys! This book is really colorful and he just adores it! I highly recommend it for all Backyardigan fans!

My grandson loves anything backyardigans so I had to buy this book. It's small enough to fit in a diaper bag very colorful and there are enough details in the pictures that you can sit and point things out. Great for when you are stuck waiting someplace.

"Jungle Colors" is a simple but fun board-book featuring your backyard friends, The Backyardigans. In this book, the Backyardigans are on a jungle adventure, much like some of the ones seen on TV. But this jungle adventure is especially colorful. They encounter various colors as they make their journey, from brown to fabulous red rubies.

The colors are bright and cheerful. The illustrations go well with the fairly simply text. A nice book for basic learning about colors or for Backyardigans fans.This is a "Super Chubby" board-book by Simon Spotlight. That means that the front and back covers have a sort of squishy feel to them and the book won't easily slip out of little kids' hands.

Jungle Colors, feauring the Backyardigans, is a fun adventure. The Backyardigans explore the jungle, and the colors brown, purple, blue, white, yellow, green, black, orange, pink, red and gray. The book is well made and sturdy, a fun read for both adult and child.