Movies Books

What fascinates us about Reese Witherspoon? Is it what biographer Lauren Brown claims, that she's private in her dealings with the press and doesn't comport herself like the low rent Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan? I don't know. Is it that she's more quality than her competition and throws herself into roles like a modern-day Kim Stanley? Maybe. Brown's straightforward account of her work on learning the autoharp to play June Carter in I WALK THE LINE impresses the reader, and also I liked the way Mira Nair told Ryan to get Reese pregnant again so she would look more womanly and bosomy when Nair cast Reese as Becky Sharp in the ill-fated VANITY FAIR.

Brown structures her book as though nothing important happened in the world besides the ascent of Reese Witherspoon, and her research involves countless interviews with COSMO GIRL and TEEN PEOPLE, so the book suffers from not enough context perhaps. We learn that Reese's career was at a low ebb after she made ELECTION, she couldn't even get a part as the main character's best friend, and that's what forced her into accepting the part in LEGALLY BLONDE. Brown says that playing 'Elle' in LEGALLY BLONDE made everyone love Reese, but not me. She holds Reese above other actresses for her refusal to play in "teen movies," but what on earth is the sensationally awful CRUEL INTENTIONS if not the teen movie to end all teen movies? Well, it spawned GOSSIP GIRL, I suppose, but Reese, let's not pretend you took the part without realizing it was a teen movie? A novice director, Robert Luketic, sounded off to the press after the completion of LEGALLY BLONDE and said he was astounded at Reese's haughty and unpleasant manner throughout the shooting of the picture. "Movies are supposed to be fun," he complained, and Reese killed that practice stone cold dead. Maybe it's because she's so tiny, she's like a tempest in a teapot. Whatever it is, she's got something that makes all the little stars (Mark Wahlberg, Ryan Philippe, Jake Gyllenhall) go wild about her.

Brown compares her career to that of her no-good brother, the one who used to be her chauffeur and later was charged with sexual battery. In the family, she was "little Miss Type A," and he was "Little Misdemeanor." It is tough on an overachiever to have a brother who isn't as perfect as you are, but she's overcoming her shame and learning that there's more to life than just smelling the roses. Lauren Brown's other biographies are not as good as this one, but maybe that's because Emma Roberts and Lindsay Lohan are too young to make a good book. Whereas did you know that, after 9/11, it was to Reese Witherspoon that the nation turned when we wanted to have a little bit of fun in the wake of the Twin Towers disaster, so she was the first guest host of Saturday Night Live and she slayed us, as the comics say, with her improv bits.

Reading this well-researched bio made me want to watch all the Reese movies I missed, and it gave me a whole new appreciation for her career and character. I recommend it to anyone who's enjoyed her work.

Great book on Reese. Alot of chapters and information. If you're a fan of Reese, this book is highly recommended.

This is a great tool for therapy with individuals, groups, families, or to expand your own thinking when watching videos. I have used this book with clients of all ages and in parenting classes. Almost all my clients gained insight and were able to view their own issues more rationally after watching the suggested films. The Setting The Scene and Scripting For Therapy sections are particularly useful if you do not have a chance to view the film prior to recommending it. I am anxiously awaiting the sequel.

great source for counselors to use with clients......was recommended by a facilator at a conference on personality disorders. i would advise therapists to make use of it for self and clients....

Although intended for therapists, this insightful book about using movies to illuminate our own experiences, motives, and choices is very worthwhile for families. The descriptions of movies like "Field of Dreams," "Breaking Away," and "Dead Poet's Society" provide us with thoughtful and perceptive ways to apply what we see to our own lives. The stories of the patients who were able to understand, identify, and change old patterns after seeing them reflected in the films are exceptionally well presented, and the suggestions for aproaches to using the films are sensitive and illuminating. Any parent will benefit from reading this book to gain a better way of thinking about what we show our children and how we can use what we do show them to improve family understanding and communication.

This book is a great buy for anyone interested in Ridley Scott or in filmmaking in general. His interviews if looked at closely reveal mountains of filmmaking knowledge as it goes through most of his major motion pictures in a series of varying inteviews dating from around 70's to when the book was published. True film buffs might get a good bit of pleasure out of this text as well.

I've been a fan of Ridley Scott's films since I first began to study film as an art form and not just as something to do on a weekend. Your eyes are never bored, he constantly produces great images to take in and transport you to new worlds. The level of immersion he allows an audience to indulge in is amazing, there are not too many other filmmakers who are able to do this.

This interview book starts at his early beginnings at art school and his long and lucrative foray into the commercial world and proceeds chronologically through Matchstick Men. There is some mention of Kingdom of Heaven, but no heavy material, as this book was published around the same time this movie came out.

Although a couple of the articles were somewhat familiar to me, most were first time reads for me, and so the book was very fresh and informative. Some of his lesser known or less popular films like White Squall and 1492:Conquest of Paradise have some very good making-of articles and were the most surprising. Much is discussed about Alien, Blade Runner and Thelma and Louise, which is a given, but this doesn't diminish their interest.

What unfolds is a well drawn picture of a man who didn't start making features until he was nearly 40, whose film career has had its ups and downs over the last nearly three decades, yet who has not tired of making pictures that stretch over vast and small spaces and will hopefully continue to innovate and challenge audiences for years to come. I highly recommend this book for his fans, and for those who have taken even passing interest in his films.

I usually own all the movies directed by my favorite directors. Even their lesser achievements often prove to say a lot about them. And you usually get to understand the man (if not know them) through their filmography.
I must admit that I never thought of Ridley Scott as one of my favorite directors until I read this book. I never actually realized that I actually own all his movies! and the reason for that is because I was not always connecting the themes and constants all along his career. If you take Alien and Thelma&Louise, one could wonder what is the link between the 2 films. I am not saying that we should always try to connect every filmmaker's movie to his previous ones but after reading Ridley's interviews, I really started understanding the man's endeavour. All through the interviews, spreading from 1975 to 2000, he actually never discusses politics or mystical matters. He is a filmmaker with a pragmatic approach to his art. Coming with an art director background, he likes to build his movies. At some point, it is said he likes to create universe. And this is the connection between all of his movies: the sets speak for Ridley. He seems to take acting very seriously as well so he is not just painting on the surface; content does matter equally as the surface but Ridley works in subtle touches. He obviously demonstrates through the years that he leaves nothing to chance.
Highly recommanded.

I saw this play in London a year or so ago, then again at a festival in Toronto. Reading the text brought the entire experience vividly back to me ... I particularly loved the way the text seamlessly blends poetry and humor. And that the 'gay' subject matter is a springboard into something universal and accessible to just about everyone. A brilliant read, and a neat format, like having a little poetry chapbook in my pocket !

Seeing an announcement for an upcoming stage production here in Los Angeles, I decided to read this text. What I read not only moved me, but Hamilton's use of romantic and phantastical landscapes took me on a journey I have never before experienced. Joel, a hard driving, hard drinking publicicty director drives across the US to a voice (a siren?) calling him to the shores of love. Along the way he encounters three very damaged and very strong women. Ma Diva, a condom distibuting mother, Myra, a diner-locked divorcee and Dharma a sad and wounded child of a hippie. The strength love and loss these women pass on to Joel serves as the spine of this incredible poem....play....landscape. Read This Book!

Godfrey Hamilton has created one of the defining works of gay theater with his play "Road Movie." At once uplifting and heartwrenching "Road Movie" is a journey of self-discovery for both the characters and the audience. The plot centers upon the experiences of Jeff, a gay man with AIDS. His search for emotional fulfillment in the face of an uncaring community and fatal disease is extraordinary and realistic.

Filmmaker Pak provides not just the award-winning ROBOT STORIES screenplay, but four other tales which are all infused with considerations about technology. It's not only the futuristic settings which link these plots: it's an exploration of the problems between men and machines, the created and the natural worlds, which creates such a compelling dynamic in these motion pictures. Small black and white shots pepper the account, but it's the screenplays which are the heart of this fine title.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

I hadn't seen the Robot Stories movie, but a friend of mine did and raved about it. I'd read a few of Pak's comics for Marvel, so I picked up the book and was actually blown away by the amount of thought Pak has put into not just that movie but his career of writing in general. He gives insightful introductions to his many scripts, which run the gamut from sarcastic short spoofs about sex to the recreation of the life of a pioneering surgeon, and finally to the sci-fi feature from the title.

This was the first time I've actually read a screenplay, and it is different than reading a novel. But the book gives some helpful tips to make the adjustment easier. After I while I got used to the format to where I could really visualize the actors and actresses talking to each other.

Somehow I think that is one of the points of the book: to make films more accessible and to inspire people to create their own vision. Pak touches upon a lot of issues: from the craft of writing and the challenges of making an independent film to the media images of Asian Americans (David Henry Hwang's foreword is excellent in this regard). So it has something that can appeal to most everybody. But ultimately, I found the collection to be oddly inspiring to the artist hidden in me, and has made me want to see Pak's movies.

Cliff's Notes Review:
+ 4 Awesome, distinct stories
+ Novel central theme "human emotions and robots"
+ Represents the Asian American/Mixed-Race Community without beating you over the head with issues.
+ Charming and Provocative like an independant film/Professional and polished like a high-budget studio film.

My Take:
Robot Stories is awesome. Its is broken up into a series of 4 charming shorties, each related around a theme of "how humans develop emotions when dealing with robots". Each story has a distinct perspective on this central theme. For example, one story is about a couple who wants to adopt a child, but must babysit a "robo-baby" to prove their worth as parents, while another is about a mother trying to re-connect to her sick son through his collection of toy robots. I think the final point that I'd like about Robot Stories and Greg Pak as a director was that he was able to represent the Asian American/Mixed Race characters in normal situations. While this may feel like a minor point, its refreshing. Its nice once in a while to see an Asian American on the big screen who isn't a Lucy Lu Dragon lady, or a Connie Chung newscaster, but as a normal protagonist whom i can identify with.

I read this one almost every night before bed. The kids usually ask for a couple encores. Both my twins liked it from the very first time.

My son loves Rolie Polie Olie (he is 15 months). It is a very wholesome show and the book is great. He loves spot the dog and the colors are very vibrant. We love this book and anything that has to do with Rolie.

My 23 month old daughter loves Rolie Polie Olie. It is by far her favorite TV character. This is her second Rolie Polie Olie book and she loves it! The book "Rolie Polie Olie" that we purchased for her last fall was her and is still her favorite book. Now she has a second favorite book in "Be My Pal!" We have another baby on the way and this book talks about how Olie and his little sister Zowie figure out how to be siblings and best pals. I highly recomend this book. I just wish that Disney would release more Rolie Polie Olie Merchandise. The selection is limited at this point.

It's a refreshing change to see a tough, hard-bitten detective roaming Hawaii. Florida's had more than its share, and Baron Birtcher has finally brought a great one to polynesia. Great action scenes, and a surprise ending. This one is worth the money.

I read this in one sitting, and it really moves. I read a little bit of everything, but keep coming back to mysteries. This one is a standout.

Baron Birtcher proves with Ruby Tuesday, his second Mike Travis novel, that Roadhouse Blues, his first, was no fluke. We now have a Great New Series Writer amongst us. In this newest adventure, Mike Travis, Ex-L.A. homicide detective, sails his yacht from Southern California to Kona Hawaii, only to find trouble awaits. As was the case with his first novel, this book is very fast paced, with more twists and turns than you'll find on the Saddle road between Kona and Hilo. Having moved from Southern California to Kona himself, Baron not only takes us on a wild ride of emotions, but also adds the natural beauty of the Big Island. As is the case with most excellent reads, the end, although unexpected, comes way too soon. I'm already looking forward to the next Mike Travis novel,and another trip to the Big Island of Hawaii.
I suggest, that as is the case with most series, if possible they should be read in order.

Scooby-Doo and the gang are excited about a beach party at Sandy Cove. But rumors of a pirate's hidden treasure have the locals acting fishy. When the pirate's ghost shows up to claim his treasure, the whole town is spooked. Ahoy! It's up to Scooby and friends to catch the greedy ghost!

In this Scooby-Doo Adventure, Scoob and the gang find themselves at Sandy Cove, an ocean resort where Daphne's Aunt Maggie and Uncle Murray live. The gang has come to help Daphne's family with Frye Fest, a local celebration in honor of the pirate Captain Horace P. Frye, to help raise money for the town. A big city developer is in the area and is buying up all sorts of land. Then the Ghost of Captain Frye raises from the sea and threatens to wreck Frye Fest. Something smells fishy, but if Scoob and the gang want to save Sandy Cove, they have to work fast and unmask the ghost. Good story.

The book is a great book to read. It is about a moster that wants the hotel and tries to scare the people off the island...

My two year old daughter loves this book. The pictures are colorful and she likes that and the text is easy for her to follow.

Very young readers will delight in this lavishly illustrated book about Ariel and her friend, Flounder, in a game of hide and seek with a baby seal. The fun concludes with Ariel's rescue of her little friend who had been hiding in a clam shell and got stuck!

Simple sentences and recognizable words for early readers add to the enjoyment of the story. Artwork worthy of the name Disney bring this charming little book to life!

Add Sealed With A Kiss to the gift list for your youngest Disney fans.

This 29-page, lavishly illustrated book features Ariel--the beloved Mermaid from the Disney movie The Little Mermaid. Flounder makes an appearance in Sealed with a Kiss, as does Scuttle the bird.

Sealed with a Kiss is a Step 2 Step Into Reading book. Step 2 books target kids Preschool-Grade 1, focusing on basic vocabulary, short sentences, and simple stories. Step 2 books are for those children that are now reading with help, so if a child recognizes familiar words on sight and can sound out new words with help, then Step 2 would be just right for them.

Ever since we went to Disneyworld in August 2006, my son has been smitten with Ariel. Now that the Platinum edition DVD of the Little Mermaid is out, he's even MORE so!

When I saw Sealed with a Kiss, I knew my son would love it. The illustrations are awash with vibrant color--it's the most colorful book he owns, I think! The print is rather large, which is great, and because the sentences are rather short, the frustration level for reading is kept at a minimum.

If you're looking for an engaging story that helps children read, Sealed with a Kiss is an *excellent* choice. Beautiful illustrations, eye-popping color, simple sentences, and familiar characters make this book a winner!

I bought this book on a whim; I had expensive postage to pay on some other items here and decided to get my moneys worth. This book is clearly written for a younger audience and yet the actual story was both enjoyable and engaging for me, an older turtles fan, but then I'd expect that from Steve Murphy. He really does know the characters very well and it shows!

I highly recommend this and hope that one day the older TMNT fans are catered for, novel wise, however this is a good start!
Shadows over Chinatown (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)

Ok, since HK got the first review...I get the 2nd!

I actually bought the book for my TMNT collection, and found myself enjoying it! I'm in my 30s, sure it's a kid's level book but it was written well, story made good sense, and I think TMNT fans will enjoy it.
There's a few pages of color artwork as well. The style is original, not a copy of any other style or a hashing of screencaptures, which is impossible cause this isn't a novelisation of an episode. It's an original story.
And yes, its is a little more mature than you'd xpect, like HK says.

Enjoy!

Shadows Over Chinatown may have been written for kids, but the subject matter is a bit more mature than I would have expected (references to alcohol, implied swearing, death). However, I don't think it's too grown up for the 9-12yrs age group, with a little parental discretion.

The book is, overall, really well-written. I discovered a couple of awkward type-os, but I guess that's to be expected in any book. The sentence structure and choice of words is intelligent enough that older children won't feel silly reading it, giving the book that much more range in its readership.

Even adult TMNT fans will get a kick out of this one, and I should know. At 21 years of age, I still found this book very entertaining, and quite hard to put down.

Overall: It rocks!