Movies Books

This is a great book! For a fantastic guide on to how to make videos to bring about change in your community check out Video Activist Handbook, also available on Amazon. Here are a couple of reviews:'This book is about media that doesn't just cover activism, it is activism, a crucial part of the process of reclaiming public space and communities.' -Naomi Klein, author "No Logo", 'The Video Activist Handbook' does exactly what it says on the label. Buy it. Read it. Act on it. Your world will never be the same again." - Charles Secrett, Director, Friends of the Earth. For a full copy of this review click here "Cover-to-cover with the kind of advice that budding video vigilantes should heed: everything from basic kit to broadcast....Thomas Harding has laid out his information in such an accessible, linear way that his book could almost function as a blueprint for any form of activism." -Extract from foreword by Anita Roddick (Body Shop). For a full copy of extract click here "You must read this book if you are in any way involved in campaigning" Robby Kellman Greenpeace "A masterpiece of empowerment. Accessible, friendly, and well-informed. No environmental or social justice campaign group should be without this book... Buy this book. It's inspiring" - Peace News.

This book listed all the budget plans and how to spend your precious money. It contains stradegys on how to get grants, loans and even studio space. I wrote this review in 2001 so the book is alittle outdated but trust me It helped me alot. It goes through the basics of what you need in a camcorder, the production and all the equitment you need! I thought this book was great!!!BUY IT!!!

Roth's complete expertise in video is matched by his outstanding writing. If you want to shoot a video like Stephen Spielberg, but spend money like you were using a Kodak Brownie, this is the book for you. I recently saw a short movie directed by Roth, and I know that sometimes those who can do it also teach. Thank God he is willing to share his expertise.

This book is far from complete---but who cares? Any book that does Luis Bunuel justice is welcome in my library.

Where are the films? Criterion did a fine job, but there are sooo many more that need to be released!

I've got a lot of books dedicated to Don Luis...but none is as beautiful as this one! Anyone familiar with Bu?uel's career will not find anything new written in this book. What you will find is page after page of gorgeous stills from his films as well as many delightful behind-the-scenes shots.

Absolutely indispensible!

This is a stunning picture book filled with stills, behind-the-scenes shots, and other rarities, lovingly collected and put together by the good folks at Taschen. The book is up to the typical Taschen level with thick, glossy pages and stunning photographs. Interestingly enough, I found lots of pictures from films I couldn't identify. There were actually relatively few pictures from the major pictures such as Diary of a Chambermaid, Belle du Jour, That Obscure Object of Desire, or even Un Chien Andalou. There's lots of coverage of his Mexican films as well as some of his lesser-known works. In that respect, the book is incredibly valuable. While I wait for US distributors to get around to releasing Buneul's entire filmography, I can at least experience these other films through the stills.

As usual with these Taschen books, the text is secondary and fairly light. If you want to read about Bunuel buy "My Last Sigh" or "An Unspeakable Betrayal". Get this title for its images alone. It's well worth the price for any Bunuel fan.

James Mottram's "Making of Memento" is an interesting and intriguing look into the making of the modern day classic Memento. Offered up are excerpts from conversations with director/screen writer Christopher Nolan and actors Guy Pearce, Carrie Anne-Moss, and Joe Pantoliano, while offering a few different interpertations on the film itself. Mottram's style is crisp and clear and he never seems to go too far from his source material while offering up some interesting little known facts (the fact that Brad Pitt strongly considered and wanted to do the role of Lenny came as a shock and I have more respect for him now than I ever did before) that keep the reader interested for most of the time. Also included is the original short story by Jonathan Nolan (brother to Christopher) that inspired the film. All in all, consider this an essential companion piece if your a fan of the film or are trying to tie up some loose ends.

Mottram's book offers a fascinating account of how Memento came into being, the trials its creators went through to get it distributed, and offers several interpretations of the film's meaning. It's also filled with interesting vignettes from movie set. The book roughly parallels the movie in that its chapters work backwards toward the source material, Nolan's brother's shortstory Memento Mori. However, its primary focus is on the construction of the movie itself, and how the disparate elements (acting, direction, writing, sound, music) came together to form the first truly great film of the 21st century. Mottram's writing style is clean, focused, and never overwraught. He doesn't make the mistake of overintellectualizing or overinterpreting the the film. This is a must have for Memento fans and offers keen insight as to how independent movies are made.

Want to delve deeper into mystery that is Memento? Then look no further as James Mottram does an excellent job of steering us back through the labyrinth of the film (with it's myriad of possible meanings) and it's production. Christopher Nolan is interviewed (along with key cast members and crew) to help shed further light on this fascinating film. With 11 pages of pictures, 3 pages of drawings (concerning Leonard's tattoos), and even Jonathan Nolan's short story (Memento Mori), Mottram seems to have covered all the bases. He wrote it down so that you (and Leonard) wouldn't have to.

This book is
a) an excellent movie reference book which will provide you with half a lifetime's worth of movie viewing suggestions in the various manly genres
b) a hilarious satire of the macho mentality
c) one of the top ten funniest books I've ever read. If I had the money, I'd buy up every copy I could lay my hands on and simply GIVE them away to fellow manly film buffs at my local video store. It's a crime that it's out of print.

For those who prefer big, fuzzy-bunny, feel-good movies, or "chick flicks," look elsewhere. This guide represents the epitome of the Real Man genres: westerns, gangster, action/adventure, tough renegade cop, sci-fi, splatter movies, and beyond. Contributors, David Everitt and Harold Schechter, deserve a Pulitzer for this unique collection of "Virile Videos" and "Two-Fisted Cinema" reviews.

As the cover guarantees, there are "NO tears,"NO Smooching," and "NO Weddings!" Best of all, the authors deliver side-slapping, tongue-in-cheek self-satire that one rarely finds in any critical collection.

This volume's "Manly Movie Hall of Fame" (including the likes of Lee Marvin, Ben Johnson -- NO! NOT the poet! --, the Duke -- naturally! --, and Steven Segal)is worth the price alone. Included also are hilarious "comparison charts," explaining the difference between guy movies and chick movies...as if we didn't know, and consistently excellent film criticism laced with comic irony and priceless throwaway lines.

Incidentally, women of good taste, do not be put off by the title! Similar to me, you've hated films, such as *The Piano*, *How To Make an American Quilt*, and *Message In a Bottle*, while our female colleagues have gone unanimously gaga over them. So let me remind you: this book is NOT just for guys; it is for anyone who would rather gargle with broken glass than sit through another insipid Julia Roberts tearjerker.

The Manly Movie Guide hit me like a fist full o' knuckle-punches. Today's "film experts" and "popular culture commentators" don't know Jacob Pschidtt when it comes to your important manly movies of manliness featuring he-men with abundant manlitude. But Everitt and Schechter know what movies matter most to the I-write-my-name-in-the-snow-standing-up crowd. MMG takes no prisoners. MMG shoots to kill, and kill hard. And like it. MMG dares to talk about the kind of movies today's on the go men of action and derring-do want to sit on a couch and watch. (And, yes, teacup, that is how you spell "derring-do"; you gotta problem with that?) When it comes to talking about "controversial" topics, other movie books shy away and whimper in the corner, crying for their mommies and wetting their puny little pantaloons . They make me wanna puke guts. But MMG takes on all the tough issue and vital movie categories. For example,in MMG you got your sections on: Movies That Celebrate The Wanton Destruction Of Endangered Species, Cops With Big Guns, Two Cops With Big Guns, Prison Movies That Afford Their Heroes The Opportunity To Show They Can Take It Like A Man. And there are pantloads of others. Of course there are also your sundry cross-referencings amongst, betwixt and between your varied topical references which have already been heretofore aforementioned. Now, personally speakin', this here Man-strosity's movies of choice are horror and science fiction. MMG is the only book around which has Who Bear A Surprising Resemblance to Really Hot Babes, and, Horror Films That Celebrate The Vital Contribution Women Have Made to Society As Devil-Worshipping Sluts, Homicidal Hookers, and The Helpless Victims of Insanely Sadistic Psycho-Killers. Plus, MMG is the only book you'll find which gives an erudite and nuanced treatment (long-overdue) of an important movie like Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers. Plus after reading MMG I knew sure as shootin' that I could not let another weekend roll by without finding Invasion of the Bee Girls. This is just one of the many valuable lessons this king of the castle learned while reading MMG on the throne. MMG also contains a Night with a Member of the Opposite Sex. This contains suggestions of shall we say, pinkie-finger-pointed-skyward type of movie, with non-stop blabbing about feelings and love and like that) then you propose....... (a red-blooded manly type of movie with copious punching and dying due to profuse bleeding ). For example, she wants a Jodie Foster movie, you propose Taxi Driver. If you're a man, woman or Alien with enough guy-ness to like movies with double shots of ballistic mayhem, bakini-listic babes with bulbous bazookas, and multiple breakings of assorted body parts starring lips, foreheads, and cheeks, then this is the book for you. Go out and buy Manly Movie Guide or I may have to come over to your house and do my Billy Jack "I just go BER-ZERRRRK!!!!!" impression all over your cute lil' manicured lawn, pilgrim. Signed, A Guy-hunkster who can dish it out, take it, and then rewind it on the VCR

A stunning book for any serious Marilyn afficianado - the photos, taken by little known paparazzi photographer Earl Leaf throughout Marilyn's career show so many of her moods, facets, expressions that it sometimes feels like you see her in an entirely new and unexpected light whenever you turn the page. Quite a few of the photographs show her lesser-known sides: her imperiousness, her toughness, her shrewdness, her ability to manipulate - all qualities she tried very hard to hide from her public but which nevertheless make her even more fascinating. Ventura's text gives some interesting insights and a uniquely lyrical point of view of Marilyn and what the images taken by Leaf's lens show of her. From her early starlet days to the years of her decline, we see her slowly eroding emotionally like an apparition fading into the light. Sometimes sad, often food for thought and always beautiful to look at, this is definitely one of the favourites in my collection. There are many images here you most likely have not seen before and will keep revisiting for many years to come.

Marilyn is captured in just about every mood possible in this book. A wonderful book for my MM collection.

The pictures of Marilyn in this book are wonderful..I thought I saw them all until I got this book. I recommend to all Marilyn fans, it is a must.

My one year old has become interested in the Backyardigans and this book with a handle is perfect. She loves the songs on this particular episode so the book is an added plus.

"Mars, Here We Come!" is a Backyardigans book board based on the "Mission to Mars" episode of the show. It's a fun outer space romp as Uniqua, Pablo and Austin blast off into outer space and make contact with friendly aliens. They encounter adventure and danger, but with the help of R.O.V.E.R. and their astronaut skills, they make their way through!

Overall, this is a pretty fun "Backyardigans" book. This book has a handle for easy lifting, an interesting feature. More fun, it comes with twenty glow-in-the-dark stickers. These stickers can be used to illustrate the book, or for whatever you and your kids like.

My 20-month-old liked this book before he ever saw the Backyardigans tv show. It is a nice, fun, simple story that will remind a Backyardigans fan of the "Mission to Mars" episode. It is not exactly the same, however, and Tasha and Tyrone do not appear in this story. Still, nice bold color illustrations, and lots of room for fun improvisation with your child.

In this story Mary -Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen have three wonderful friends. Lauren, Tanya, and Brittany. They are always there for each other but, when one of them gets an idea theres going to be trouble . As Ashley's computer teacher assigns her a project which she turns into a love-link. Peoples hearts are broken and every ones comeing after Ashley, and between this and the two parties they are planning it's chaos. I laughed so hard

LIKE, OMG!!!! THIS BOOK IS SOOOO OFF THE HOOK!!! MY GIRLFRIENDS AND I READ THIS AND CRIED BECAUSE IT WAS SO TOUCHING!! THE WAY MARY KATE AND ASHLEY AND THEIR FRIENDS HANDLE THE PRESSURES OF EVERYDAY LIFE REALLY INSPIRED ME!!! MARY KATE AND AHSLEY ARE MY HEROES FOREVER!!! IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THIS BOOK, YOU REALLY SHOULD. IT IS SOOOOOOOO GOOD!!! MY GIRLFRIENDS AND I CRIED AT THIS BOOK BECAUSE IT WAS SO TOUCHING AND REAL!!!

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What a cool book! Very awesome indeed. The whole thing at the hot teen magazine is really sort of a school newspaper run by a former magazine person, but it's still a cool story about Mary Kate's scheming co-worker. It's fun to watch Mary Kate bust her! And Ashley has started a dating service at the coffee place and comes across a Mystery Man who is looking for THE perfect girl. You'll be surprised at who the man is, and who the girl is! A great read for both people who do and don't like books!

This review applies to all books in the Jedi Quest and Jedi Apprentice series.

Although the target audience is identified as 9-12 years old, I believe the books will have an appeal to any Star Wars fan, young or old. For an adult, the reading is easy but still very interesting. The books have just the right mix of action and character development. I was very entertained and really enjoyed the books. (Maybe too much; several I couldn't put down and found myself reading past midnight!)

Some of the books are in serial format, with the action of the story spread across multiple books. Characters introduced in earlier books often reappear in later installments. This is true not only within a series but from series to series (Jedi Apprentice, Jedi Quest, and Last of the Jedi). It is best to read the books in order, but the author does provide enough background to allow the reader to start anywhere in the series.

For some odd reason, it seems that all the reviews for the various books in this series are posted under all of the books. For the record, this review is for Jedi Quest Volume 4, The Master of Disguise.
First of all, don't be deterred by this book's apparent kiddy exterior. In my opinion, they continue to outdue many of the adult novels by leaps and bounds. This one literally had me sitting on the edge of my seat, unable to put this book down until I came to the conclusion at three in the morning. I identify more with Anakin all the time, as his character continues to develop into the complicated, multi-faceted young man he is by Episode 2. Obi-Wan as well is enjoyable as ever, as are all of the supporting roles.
This book opens on a war ravaged planet where Obi-Wan and Anakin have been sent along with another Jedi team (old favorites Soara and Darra) to find and rescue a missing team of scientists caught in the crossfire. But when one of the two padawans is badly injured, the mission must be cut short, and when it becomes apparent that old enemy Granta Omega could also be involved, things become even more complicated...
All I can say is, this series truly is something special, good for Star Wars fans of any age.

The error may be corrected by the time this is posted, but these comments are on, "Jedi Quest #4, The Master Of Disguise". There appears to be confusion between the pages showing the book together with the description of the third book in this series. Jude Watson has contributed more books to the Star Wars Saga than any other author. This is not due to the scope of her work rather that she has been the sole author for these series that are targeted at younger readers. Although meant for persons decades my junior, I have enjoyed many of her books and I am not the only ancient reader who takes these books to the checkout and is rewarded with incredulous looks by cashiers. I joined the Star Wars Universe when the first film opened and have remained a fan, and chatting with youngsters in bookstores about these books have made the experience all the more enjoyable.

The most recent film, "Episode II", was a success by traditional standards and the envy of virtually every filmmaker. It is now in the IMAX theaters and will probably reach the all time top 10, not accounting for inflation. In terms of its box office performance as a Star Wars film it was anything but impressive, and this has nothing to due with other films that it competed with. Star Wars films do huge numbers because of repeat business, and the fans simply are not responding.

I think at least one reason was readily apparent for the recent film falling over $100 million shy in this ,and even showing more poorly worldwide. Jude Watson corrects the defect in this book, and she is to be commended.

These books are for kids, and PG films also are for kids, the messages they either share through words or images are important, and Star Wars has a huge influence and needs to create its products as though they are aware of this. "Charisma is a trait, not a virtue", explains one teacher in this book, accomplishing a goal via imperfect motivation is a failure, not a success as explained by the same instructor. We often hear, "the ends do not justify the means", as an indictment of questionable conduct. This is an issue with me for the statement is incomplete, and it has become accepted "wisdom" through repetition, not because there is substance to the statement.

The statement should read, is the end justified by any means? The word, "any" changes the entire meaning, and also makes the statement worth considering. Even at this point a person needs to know what end is being sought, and what means are being used to achieve it. When these are known, the discussion can begin, and answers offered.

These books and the three final films are showing Anakin making choices that lead him in to an abyss that will eventually cause the deaths of countless life forms, and finally will kill him. And these are his choices. Anakin is a very gifted young man who lacks the ability to control his feelings regardless of his age. This book does a wonderful job of demonstrating how easy it is to become evil, and it does so better than the most recent film.

Anger is a legitimate emotion; it is not one that generates good decisions. When Lucas made, "Episode II", he let anger take over the film, and several characters, not just Anakin. The decapitations that were routine in the film were all unnecessary, and most were cut from the IMAX version of the film. Mace Windu still executes a human in front of his son by this method, it was not needed, and I believe it cost the film 50 -100 million dollars. Windu executed the character in front of the man's son, I believe it turned people off, and parents kept some kids away.

The greatest Jedi of all, Yoda, was forced in to personal combat in the recent film. He did not instigate it, he did not harm much less kill his opponent. Like many martial arts, and the experts that teach them, they are for defense and not offense, the wise old master is the role model, a protector, never a seeker of vengeance.

There are times violence becomes unavoidable, killing is supposed to be the last possible, and most regrettable, option used by a Jedi, and that should follow in life as well. This book shows how a person can loose himself to violence through bad influences, easy alternatives, and lack of discipline.

This is a good book for young readers and Lucas should read it before he decides on the manner of violence he uses in his next film.

My 2 1/2 yr old son discovered this book in the bookstore yesterday and read it over and over for at least half an hour. He likes that he can identify all the objects himself, and since he knows his numbers from (1-10) he can read it independently. We had to pry him away from this book - and he asked me to goto the bookstore to read it today as well. I think we'll be getting this for Christmas.

This book is first a counting book (from one to ten) with the typical pictures that Dick Bruna is known for: bright basic colours and very recognizable objects for kids. Rather than just counting dots or something, you're counting animals, sailboats, plates, glasses of juice, cars, crayons, and balloons. I use this book to talk about colours, shapes, and sounds. I like the fact that it is a boardbook, nice and stury for handling by toddlers.

We started reading this book to my son when he was just a few weeks old. From the very beginning he was entranced by the simple illustrations and the soothing text. Accompanying each illustration is a brief description. "One Big Ball"; "Two Elephants Over Here"; "Three Glasses of Juice" and so on... It's so simple that when my son would fuss on the changing table, I would just have to start reciting the book from memory and he would calm down... He's now 13 months, and still likes to read this book. The pages are very sturdy with built in tabs, so that the littlest hands can turn them. I highly recommend this book.

This book has a place of honor on my coffee table. If you're like me and have friends who can hold an entire conversation using nothing but movie quotes, you've found the perfect book to brush up on your skills. Very funny and oddly useful.

This is a hilarious book that provides great quotes for every situation. Think about how many times (e.g. at parties) you have wanted to deliver that perfect quote from Major League or Star Wars! I also enjoy just browsing through it and reminiscing about great movies.

This is a hilarious book that provides great quotes for every situation. Think about how many times (e.g. at parties) you have wanted to deliver that perfect quote from Major League or Star Wars! I also enjoy just browsing through it and reminiscing about great movies.