History & Criticism Books

Leonard Maltin's 2009 Movie Guide (Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide (Signet))

Leonard Maltin

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 19 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Still the quintessential reference book after all these years 5 out of 5 stars.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.

Leonard Maltin has been issuing this yearly movie reference guide for many years. A while back (not sure when exactly), Maltin decided to split up the movies in pre-and after 1960 movies. The pre-1960 movies now have their own book ("Leonard Maltin's Classic Movie Guide").

"Leonard Maltin's 2009 Movie Guide" (a whopping 1,644 pages, this book should be sold "by the pound") brings the alphabetical listing of more than 17,000 movies and captures their essence in a single paragraph. The editions change little from year to year, bringing a batch of new movies. It's not exactly clear where the chronological cut-off point is: "Iron Man" is in here, but not "The Dark Knight". But it matters not.

The beauty of this book is that it remains the essential "hard copy" reference tool for us movie lovers. Yes, the minute this book is issued it becomes out-dated (see the "Dark Knight" reference), and I'm sure there are on-line reference sites that are more up to date, but if you, like me, like to have an actual book, this reference guide is for you. At that level, this book remains the best and essential.

Editorial Review:

The most authoritative book in the field, now with more entries than ever before, updated and revised for 2009.

"Have You Seen . . . ?": A Personal Introduction to 1,000 Films

David Thomson

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

For ALL lovers of film 5 out of 5 stars.
10 of 10 people found this review helpful.

I just received this book and so have only spent a couple of hours with it. The book is very engaging, and stirs interest in seeing films that you might have never ever watched, much less heard of. He is good about telling why he likes or dislikes the films, and in some cases suggests that you don't even watch the whole film, but certain scenes, or portions that are not to be missed.
Overall a great reference.
He has most of the reviews from films from the 30's to the 50's. This is intentional on his part, but does a very nice job of covering many decades of movies and he even has a couple of films from 2008.
There is a chronological index in the back of the book, but strangely enough, the book has no Table of Contents, or alphabetical listing of the reviews. I think that the inclusion of an alphabetical listing, and maybe an additional listing by director would have made things more interesting, and the book easier to use as a reference.

Editorial Review:

Amazon Best of the Month, October 2008: Having already written (and twice revised) the greatest bathroom book of all time, The New Biographical Dictionary of Film, David Thomson has refreshed his encyclopedic and idiosyncratic understanding of movie history to confect another giant slab of candy for anyone who loves movies or just likes to watch a great mind at work. "Have You Seen...?": A Personal Introduction to 1,000 Films is no cobbled collection of old reviews: written fresh from start to finish, Thomson's page-long profiles often ignore plot to focus instead on the people behind the film or the slippery, personal question of what the movie is actually like to watch. And writing about a thousand films pushes him beyond his favorites into more interesting territory: flaws and failures are often his best subjects. You'll want to discover movies you've never heard of before, and rediscover others you thought you knew well. --Tom Nissley

1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die: 5th Anniversary Edition

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 47 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

This special Fifth Anniversary Edition of the acclaimed film reference guide is packed with virtually everything movie lovers need to know about the films they simply must see. Stephen Jay Schneider and his team of writers have brought the book up to date by including the most memorable movies released during the past five years. Among their new additions are The Queen, The Lives of Others, Brokeback Mountain, and several more recent movies that have attracted worldwide attention. Covering more than a century of filmmaking and dating back to silent-era sensations such as Edwin S. Porter’s The Great Train Robbery and Chaplin’s The Gold Rush, this book describes musicals, dramas, screwball comedies, experimental “New Wave” films from 1950s and ’60s Italy and France, major films noir, classic westerns, action and adventure films, and even memorable documentaries. It lists each film’s director and cast, presents a plot summary and production notes, and cites interesting, often little-known facts relating to the film’s cast, storyline, and production. For students of cinema, discerning film buffs, DVD collectors, and readers who enjoy thumbing through and reminiscing over cherished screen moments, 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die is the place to start reading. Filled with 800 movie still shots and actors’ photos.

The Stanley Kubrick Archives

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 40 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

The first book to explore Stanley Kubrick's archives and the most comprehensive study of the filmmaker to date, divided into 2 parts.

Part 1: The films
In 1968, when Stanley Kubrick was asked to comment on the metaphysical significance of 2001: A Space Odyssey, he replied: It s not a message I ever intended to convey in words. 2001 is a nonverbal experience.... I tried to create a visual experience, one that bypasses verbalized pigeonholing and directly penetrates the subconscious with an emotional and philosophic content. The philosophy behind Part 1 borrows from this line of thinking: from the opening sequence of Killer s Kiss to the final frames of Eyes Wide Shut, Kubrick s complete films will be presented chronologically and wordlessly via frame enlargements. A completely nonverbal experience.

Part 2: The Creative Process
Divided into chapters chronologically by film, Part 2 brings to life the creative process of Kubrick s filmmaking by presenting a remarkable collection of material from his archives, including photographs, props, posters, artwork, set designs, sketches, correspondence, documents, screenplays, drafts, notes, and shooting schedules. Accompanying the visual material are essays by noted Kubrick scholars, articles written by and about Kubrick, and a selection of Kubrick s best interviews.

Special features

Part 1 features 800 film stills scanned directly from the original prints and interpositives
Part 2 presents about 800 items from the archives, most of which have never been published before
essays by Kubrick scholars Gene D. Phillips, Michel Ciment, and Rodney Hill
selected articles and essays, including interviews with and essays by Stanley Kubrick
illustrated Kubrick chronology

I'm a Lebowski, You're a Lebowski: Life, The Big Lebowski, and What Have You

Bill Green, Ben Peskoe, Scott Shuffitt, Will Russell

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 24 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

The ultimate fan’s guide to the Coen Brothers’ cult classic, with an introduction by the Dude himself, Jeff Bridges.

To some The Big Lebowski is just a movie, to others it’s THE MOVIE. Over the past several years the movie has developed a massive and passionate cult following, led by the creation of Lebowski Fest, a traveling festival celebrating all things Lebowski. Held in a bowling alley, it features bowling, costume and trivia contests, live music, a screening of the movie, White Russians, and what-have-you. Attendance has grown exponentially and the Fest has been featured in virtually every national media outlet, from NPR to the New York Times. The Associated Press called it “kind of a ‘Star Trek’ convention, but without all the geeks.” SPIN Magazine called it one of the “19 events you can’t miss!” Now, at last, comes the book that the legion of Lebowski fans (aka Achievers) has been waiting for. I’m a Lebowski, You’re a Lebowski is a treasure trove of trivia and commentary, hilarious throughout and illustrated with photos from the film, including dozens taken on the set by Jeff Bridges. It includes interviews with virtually every major and minor cast member including John Goodman, Julianne Moore and John Turturro, as well as the real-life individuals who served as inspiration for the characters such as Jeff Dowd and John Milius. Fellow Achievers Patton Oswalt, Tony Hawk and Powerpuff Girls creator Craig McCracken give their thoughts on the movie and the phenomenon that surrounds it. The book features a handy guide to speaking Achiever, tips on how to Dude-ify your car, office, and living space, Lebowski Fest highlights and so much more.

Leading Couples (Turner Classic Movies)

Chronicle Books

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Leading Couples: A brief glance backward at the great movie teams from Hollywood's golden era 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Leading Couples is the third volume in the series dealing with luminaries of Hollywood's glitzy past. The first two volumes Leading Men and Leading Women were well received. The books are written by Fred Miller working in conjunction with film historians from Turner Classic Movies. TCM is the cable channel which runs uncut films from all eras of film history from silents to recent films.
The Introduction to the book is by TCM host Robert Osborne. He is a famed film critic and has written a huge book on the Oscars.
And now let the show begin...Leading Couples examines in a few pages devoted to each couple such famous pairs as: Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers; Bogie and Bacall; Fay Wrang and King Kong; Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn; John Gilbert and Greta Garbo; Marie Dressler and Wallace Berry; Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney; Clark Gable and Jean Harlow and also Gable and Vivein Leigh; Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler and several more. Note that these are all male and female couples. Famous all male comedy teams such as Laurel and Hardy are not covered.
Each couple is covered in this book by:
a. A short essay on each couple and why they are important in film history and popular culture.
b. Behind the Scenes-short anecdotes and factoids on the couple.
c. Essential Team-Ups-The most important movies made together by the couple during their careers are listed and briefly reviewed.
d. Basic Facts on each of the partners: Date of Birth, Height, Place of Birth, Star Sign and Marriage Partners.
e. Key Quotes from their films.
f. Several glossy black and white photos are included on each couple.
The book also includes a listing of each person profiled posting every movie in which they appeared. John Wayne made more movies than anyone else in the book!
One complaint is the print is too small! Many of the people who will want to read this book are elderly and such small print could be a problem. This is a light and fun read. Nothing profound but informative!

Editorial Review:

William Powell and Myrna Loy. Bogart and Bacall. Tracy and Hepburn. These on-screen (and sometimes off-screen) couples defined romantic chemistry and the art of falling in love. From Turner Classic Movies Leading Couples features the most unforgettable screen pairings of the studio era including actors and actresses with many film courtships and those who made their indelible mark in a single memorable movie. Engaging and thoroughly researched each profile includes trivia behind-the-scenes stories biographical overviews and memorable quotes illustrated by rare stills and poster art.

James Bond Encyclopedia

John Cork, Collin Stutz

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

A COOL BLAST OF BOND 5 out of 5 stars.
9 of 9 people found this review helpful.

If I may wax nostalgic for a moment, I can still recall the very first James Bond movie that I sever saw...actually the first three Bond movies...it was sometime in the late 60's or early 70's and my mom took me and my brothers to the drive-in theater to see a triple feature of Goldfinger, Dr. No, and From Russia with Love...in that order. I know I never made it past the credits of From Russia with Love but man...I loved those first two films! I had never seen anything like Bond before with his cool gadgets and those nasty villains like Odd Job and that began a lifelong passion for James Bond. With Christmas approaching, I cannot think of a better gift for the Bond fan on your list than the James Bond Encyclopedia from DK Books.

I've read a lot of books from DK on popular films and while they are always very well done, they sometimes can be a bit light on material. No so with this book. This book contains over 300 pages filled with information that will test even the most knowledgeable of Bond fans. It is bountifully illustrated with over 2000 photographs and images and traces the Bond history right up to the most recent film, Casino Royale.

As the title suggests it is an encyclopedia but rather than just list its hundreds of entries in alphabetical order it lists them alphabetically by subject. The subjects include: The Bond Style, The Role of Bond, Bond Villains, Bond Women, Supporting Cast, Vehicles, Weapons & Equipment, and the Movies. A comprehensive index finishes things off.

The role of Bond covers the six actors who have portrayed Bond with two pages of biographical information on each actor and a list of the Bond films they starred in. Next up is the section on Bond Villains. This section covers Bond villains from the criminal masterminds Blofeld, Hugo Drax, and Goldfinger; crime lords like Frank Sanchez; muscled thugs Jaws, Odd Job, Mr. Kil, and Tee Hee; and dangerous females May Day, Elekta King, and Bambi & Thumper. The encyclopedia gives the film(s) they appeared in, their current status, characteristics, the actor who portrayed them, and a synopsis of their roles in the films.

No book on Bond would be complete without looking at the dozens of Bond Women played by some of the most beautiful actresses in the world: Terri Hatcher, Ursula Andress, Lana Wood, Eva Green, and Halle Berry. The section on supporting cast members covers all the other major and minor characters in the Bond films from Q to Miss Moneypenny. Each Aston Martin that Bond drove is featured in the section on vehicles along with some of the more extraordinary vehicles like the Bath-O-Sub from Diamonds are Forever and the Dragon Tank from Dr. No. And of course all of Bonds secret weapons and gadgets are detailed in the Weapons section.

The last fifty pages or so of the book covers each bond film in chronological order with a listing of cast and crew credits but rather than provide a synopsis of films you've probably seen numerous times the book instead provides anecdotes on the making of the films with all manner of interesting production notes.

This is a book that is perfect for the die-hard or casual James Bond fan.

Editorial Review:

Created in full collaboration with Eon Productions, producers of the Bond movies, this illustrated celebration of the world's most famous super-spy examines every aspect of 007's world, with information on his history, style, and tastes, along with A-Z guides to his adversaries, allies, gadgets, cars, and, of course, the ever-glamorous Bond girls. AUTHOR BIO: John Cork and Colin Stutz authorities on every aspect of the James Bond story, wrote the acclaimed book on the James Bond phenomenon, James Bond: The Legacy, have produced, written and directed 30 special feature documentaries for MGM's DVD releases of James Bond films, and contributed to The Ultimate James Bond: An Interactive Dossier CD-Rom for MGM Interactive.

The Lost Journal of Indiana Jones

Henry Jones

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

A very cool collectible 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

The premise behind the journal is that it was given to Indy by Henry Jones Sr to record his experiences. What you get is the highlights of Indy's career from early (The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles) to the films and a little in between (continuity from video games). The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull pages are a bit light especially the stuff about Mutt Williams (I'm avoid spoilers, but I find it hard to believe that Indy makes just one comment about him). The pages have illustrations from the movies, including grail diary pages, translations, and little notes from the KGB people that have supposedly found the book.

This is a must for Indy fans.

Editorial Review:

URGENT!

JUST RELEASED:
THE LOST JOURNAL OF INDIANA JONES™

The Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation is pleased to release one of its most prized holdings, the heretofore "lost" journal of Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones, Jr., which was obscured within the KGB's collection for years before passing into the Russian Federation's possession. From Jones's notes on his youthful encounters with the likes of Lawrence of Arabia and Teddy Roosevelt, through his adulthood adventures with the Thuggee Cult, the Nazis, and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, this journal covers nearly fifty years in his life, spanning from 1908 to 1957. Dr. Jones's snapshots, sketches, press clippings, and entries recording his personal thoughts are all revealed in this volume, giving new insight into one of the most enigmatic adventurers of the twentieth century.

The Wizard of Oz: 2009 Wall Calendar

LLC Andrews McMeel Publishing

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Editorial Review:

Seventy years after its premiere in theaters, The Wizard of Oz remains one of the most beloved movie classics of all time. This calendar celebrates the seventieth anniversary of Dorothy's journey Over the Rainbow. It features a high-process cover with glittery Ruby Slippers, foil type and borders, and spot UV accents. The monthly spreads also boast spot UV as well metallic inks and vivid photos befitting the time-honored film.

* The MUNCHKINS received their own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007.

* A Winkie Guard costume sold at auction for $115,000 in April 2007.

James Bond: The Secret World of 007

Alastair Dougall

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Ahh, those secrets 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Spoiler Warning: Enemy Agents Will be Shot on Sight on possession of this `classified' information.

Okay, now that the sponsored section is over, we can get to the meat. James Bond is an incredibly successful franchise. Since 1958, and Flemings' first novel, Casino Royale, Bond has been on book stands, and in theatres. Surprisingly, Fleming also penned Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang too, aimed at a slightly different audience. I wonder if Q and the good professor are related? They both so like gadget.

Opening the pages of this book is like digging into the classified Bond mission dossier. Daniel Craig greets you with a thoughtful glance. "Get to know me if you dare. Trust no one." He seems to say. You turn the page with a hint of wonder, and Pierce Brosnan, explains what lies behind his license to kill. Formerly a commander in the British Navy, Bond is perfect for MI6, and a double nought spy. What is the Bond look anyway? Page 13 is the guide. Fashion is only part of his artillery.
The book explores the full range of love interests, supporting cast members, film adventures, supporting villains, and details from "Quantum of Solace." Loaded with pictures, outstanding 3 d illustrations, and enough information to keep any Bond-ophile satisfied.

Available at your local book store, watch Quantum in the theatres first.

Tim Lasiuta

Editorial Review:

For fans of all things Bond from Sean Connery's debonair debut to Daniel Craig's new take on our classic favorite, the secret files of James Bond have never been more tantalizing. This comprehensive update of this best-selling book features more photos, more information, and the newest film, Quantum of Solace.