5 comments about Apocalypse Movies: End of the World Cinema.

1. That is about it. This book contains more movie names and pictures than you would get in 10 of them there movie magazines.
   
   However the writing is more of a rattling with a few names dropped now and then to try to keep it coherent. There are a few tidbits of history and biography with no real backup information and the author is strongly opinionated.
   
   If you already know the movie then you can find this interesting as memorabilia and the pictures are fun for reminiscing. However, if you have not already seen the movie, at best this book will give you some titles to look-up. There the author has no time or inclination to really explain much as the next sentence must be reserved for another movie or two.
   
   There is a small three-page bibliography that does not contain any ISBN numbers.
   
   There is an extensive index to help handle the volume of titles. I looked-up "Them!" and got several references that were half sentences talking about something else and said like in the movie "Them!."
   
   Again the black and white stills from the movies are worth while.



2. When I first picked up this book I was expecting a cursory explanation of movies such as "Five" or "On the Beach," each film accompanied by a long-winded explication of the movie's social relevance and dull political analysis. To say I was pleasantly surprised upon reading this book is, to say the least, putting it mildly.

   Newman covers the phenomenon of end-of-the-world films with a zest and a writing style rarely seen in works such as this. He deftly traces the genesis of the movies back to their ancestors in literature, even citing Mary Shelley's "The Last Man," her second science-fiction novel. (It was written in 1826 and is about a plague that destroys mankind.) It takes a thorough knowledge of the subject-matter to be able to speak of Mary Shelley in the same breath as Roger Corman. And it takes a thoroughly facile writing style to keep us interested until the back cover. Fortunately, Newman possesses both.

   And did I mention Roger Corman? Yes I did, and this is what makes the book such a delight. Newman covers all end-of-the-world movies, noting correctly that the world does not necessarily have to end; the threat is enough. Whether it's "The Thing From Another World," or the ants of "Them," or even the paper-mache crabs of Corman's "Attack of the Crab Monsters," each film gets its due in Newman's pages.

   So for those who wiled away a Saturday afternoon watching Godzilla save Tokyo from yet another guy in a monster suit, remember: you weren't just watching a Grade-Z movie, you were watching an apocalypse movie.




3. To appreciate this book you must have enjoyed watching either giant insects (of any sort) or a zombie-like person stumbling after someone with a delicious brain. If either of these concepts sound like a bad idea for cinema, this book may not be for you. Kim Newman's Apocalypse Movies (End of the World Cinema) is a joy to read as he takes the reader through a rogue's gallery of weird charaters while charting the science fiction and horror movies that have signaled mankind's doom since cinema began. The book is well researched, nicely written and much fun. These joyous films will be presented to the reader in a new and larger context that will only deepen their delightfully guilty pleasure. A wonderful book.



4. Kim Newman's Apocalypse Movies (End of the World Cinema) is actually broader than the title implies as it covers all forms of threats to humanity over the decades in cinema. It is a fascinating, well-researched account that lets the author roam freely and entertainly over the horror and science fiction cinematic landscape. This book will have the reader running to the video store in order to spend many hours sitting in the dark watching (or more likely) re-watching much schlock (glorious, glorious shlock) with a new perspective and an ability to put these tarnished gems in their broader context. A wonderful read for film buffs or those who would like to become one.



5. A misleading title. Most of the movies listed here are NOT "apocalypse" films. There is also very little analysis. A pretty book with little substance. Poor.

4 comments about The Story of the Nutcracker Ballet (Pictureback(R)).

1. I was in first grade in the late 80's and we were doing a unit on the nutcracker. We went to go see the play and did a lot of music, art and english activities related to it. I was enjoying it so much that my mom bought me a copy of this book, same cover and all. I really loved the illustrations in it, from the christmas decorations to the land of sweets to all the snow. I've misplaced my copy but if I ever do find it it's a keeper!



2. Although many versions of the ballet call the girl Clara, she is called Marie Stahlbaum in the original E.T.A. Hoffmann story and in some versions of the ballet. This retelling is lovely. The name "Marie" is not incorrect; it just refers back to an earlier version of the story.



3. In reference to the next review, Marie and Clara are not the same character. Marie is the little girl, and Clara is her doll.



4. This book is beautifully illustrated and the story is an abreviated version of the origional which is nice for young children. My only complaint is that the character "Clara" is called "Marie" which is very confusing to children (and adults).

5 comments about As Told by the Other Woman.

1. As Told By The Other Woman was one of the best works of fiction I have read in a long time. I could not put it down. Janaya Black is a gifted writer. She paints a vivid picture of the characters and setting. It is a must read. I just ordered The Breaking Point. I can't wait to read the first installment of the Prison Chronicles.



2. "As Told By The Other Woman" was a fast paced novel by Janaya Black. It was a novel about a writer dedicated to telling the stories of women in prision. This story deals with a coming of age young woman and the betrayl of her first love. A well told and well written book indeed. It catches you from the very begining and holds you until the end.
   
   Thank you Janya!



3. Vanessa Jackson, a reporter for a Women's Lib magazine, has taken on a new segment that is gaining popularity among readers. She offers incarcerated females the opportunity to have their voice heard concerning crimes they are locked up for. Her latest assignment is Timberlyn Crawford's case.
   
   Timberlyn has received a life sentence after being convicted of a crime of passion involving her married co-worker and his spouse. She shares her side of the story, starting with her troubled childhood, her dangerous obsessive behavior and having to grow up too fast as a runaway teen. To compound her issues, she falls in love with a man who has kept his marriage a secret. Driven by rage and jealousy, while also dealing with unresolved mental issues, she makes some choices that produce deadly consequences.
   
   AS TOLD BY THE OTHER WOMAN, the second novel from the Prison Chronicles series, is a quick and easy read. Black does such an excellent job with character development the reader can easily sympathize with Timberlyn's character. Although there were minimal grammatical errors, content editing could have eliminated several inconsistencies in the plot. Overall, it was a pleasurable reading experience.
   
   Reviewed by Paula Henderson
   of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers



4. In this tale Vanessa Jackson works for Lib magazine and her job is to give women in prison a voice. She comes across a lady name Timberlynn that is in prison for being that other woman. She tell Vanessa her story of being the other woman of where and when it all started and how she landed up in prison.
   This story of Timberlynn was fiction but this is something that does really do happen in real life. The story was a moving experience for me because it was brought out in details after details.
   
   Reviewer
   Big Time Publishing Magazine



5. Once again, Janya takes us on an exciting journey through the eyes of Vanessa Jackson. Although Ms. Jackson recieved many accolades for her interview featuring Marion Hayes,the women incarcerated for killing her husband, she was devisitated by her death due to suicide. Pursuing her mission with sharing the stories of incarcerated women with the city of Detroit, Vanessa selects Timberlynn as her second assignment. Timberlynn, barely the legal age of drinking is serving time for killing the wife of her former lover. Although Timberlynn is not looking for pity, her goal with the help of Vanessa to have her version of the story shared with the public.
   Janaya once again proves that she was born to write. Out of five stars, I'm giving her sophomore novel a four. In the nearer future I'd love to see her talk to a young group girls with low self esteem about the consequences of selecting the wrong types of mates.
   Adra Young
   Author of: The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues

5 comments about Double Indemnity: The Complete Screenplay.

1. I have watched the movie a number of times and had fun reading the script. The subtext is a riot. I think most thinkers will "get" it.



2. Billy Wilder may not have been born in America, but he knew America inside and out, from the vernacular of the ordinary folks to the sleezy ambitions and passions of the middle class. He captured all of that in his brilliant screenplay for DOUBLE INDEMNITY, turning the novel into a masterpiece of what has come to be known as Film Noir. He always stressed structure when he talked about his scripts and this is perfectly structured, tightly coiled like a spring, with the suspense building moment by moment -- along with the decaying relationships. Brilliant.



3. For those who already purchased the Library of America edition of "Raymond Chandler : Later Novels and Other Writings" (which contains the screenplay of "Double Indemnity"), here are two reasons why you should buy THIS edition of the "Double Indemnity" screenplay:

   1. Unlike most other screenplays published in book form, this edition of "Double Indemnity" appears to be a facsimile of the original screenplay; It's not just a book, but a relic of classic film.

   2. This edition also has the alternate/deleted "Gas Chamber" ending which the Library of America edition is lacking.

   If it were not for the above two qualities, I would recommend any Chandler fan to purchase the Library of America edition of Chandler's work that contains the "Double Indemnity" screenplay instead of this one. Here's why:

   In this edition, Chandler's name does NOT appear on the cover; only Bill Wilder is credited on the cover. However, Chandler's name DOES appear on the title page and first page of the screenplay (the Amazon scans of the book illustrate this curiosity). Why the exclusion of Chandler from the cover?!
   Answer: This book was published while Billy Wilder was still alive and he was able to steal the limelight from Raymond Chandler one last time. Well done, Mr. Wilder.

   As for the screenplay itself, I've read a lot of screenplays of movies that I have liked and "Double Indemnity" reads better than most. The voice-over dialogue for Neff (written by Chandler) is the best part of the screenplay and is worth having in print. Whether you're a fan of classic Film Noir or an aspiring screenwriter, this is a must-have for your bookshelf. As for Chandler fans, it's only a matter of which edition.

   For more information on Raymond Chandler's involvement in "Double Indemnity", I recommend the book "Creatures of Darkness: Raymond Chandler, Detective Fiction, and Film Noir". After reading, you will see why I and other readers are so incensed by the exclusion of Chandler's credit from the cover.




4. Nearly everyone who is likely to view this page knows and loves the movie, and would most likely prefer watching it to reading it. This leaves devoted fans of Wilder and Chandler to consider it, as well as perhaps students of the form.

   The screenplay itself is an unquestioned masterpiece, and has not even the movie's very very few faults (poor acting by secondary characters, etc.). So I will limit my comments to my assertion that this edition GREATLY underestimates the contributions of Chandler, going so far as to paint him as a pasty fussbudget ignorant of the craft of writing. Not true, bud, not by a long shot.

   Wilder and Chandler got along like cats and dogs. That's no secret. Yet while Chandler had his faults, Wilder seemed to live to antagonize him, and quite uncharitably described him in some comments reprinted here. Saying how the married Chandler envied Wilder for "having all the pretty girls at Paramount" is one example of how cheap and childish the director's opinion of his co-writer was, as stated in this edition, quoting Wilder's bio. Either Wilder or Meyers had some crude bias against Chandler, if the introduction of this tome is to be believed at all. Because it's not even an accurate presentation of what Wilder really felt, as quoted in Chandler's own hit-and-miss bio written by Tom Hiney.

   Anyway, much of the *structure* of the screenplay- the flashbacks, the additional scenes, the ebb and flow- is Wilder's tremendous savvy. But the things film historians seem to treasure above all else in this movie are the rapid-fire, crudely poetic, vernacular dialogue, as well as the feeling of cynical decay wrapped around the doomed couple's whole misbegotten endeavor like a shroud. And for those, I propose, Chandler must be given the majority of the credit. His novels are too sad and complex and perfect, providing ample evidence that he could not have been the doofus this book portrays.

   There's my speech. Take it for what it's worth. The book is a good buy for serious students. But Chandler fans will be ticked off.




5. Double Indemnity is one of Billy Wilders best films. The screenplay is taut and extremely well written. You cannot miss this opportunity to read the master at the top of his game. Among the many highlights is the supermarket scene between the two conspirators. An absolute must read

4 comments about An Actor's Business: How to Market Yourself as an Actor No Matter Where You Live.

1. This book has a lot of information about several regional theatre communities, which I found really useful since I've only ever experienced one of them. I wish there had been some information on a couple other areas, but of course only so much information can be put into one book. Mr. Reilly also focuses on the television and film industry and even gives some information on writing for screen. "An Actor's Business" is also a very motivational book, with lots of preparational tools as far as marketing goes, but of course it's only helpful as far as you actually go out and do the activities he suggests. If you need a book that will provide you with the motivation to get up and go at 'em -- read this one!



2. An Actor's Business: How To Market Yourself As An Actor No Matter Where You Live by actor, director, writer, and acting instructor Andrew Reilly presents need-to-know information for aspiring actors, including drama school basics, how to find an agent, the value of unions, getting roles in community theater, acting on television and in commercials, getting parts in movies, and much more. Reilly's no-nonsense writing style offers simple truth in plain terms, as well as a wealth of contact information and descriptions of acting opportunities in 25 regions throughout America. Highly recommended for any aspiring professional actor.



3. An Actor's Business describes acting opportunities in 20 regions all over the United States, and devotes entire chapters to Hollywood and New York. Detailed resource lists give contact information for hundreds of agents and theaters. This guide to the business of acting is a must-have for every actor, no matter where you live. A must read



4. This book is truly a must for anyone hoping to make it as a WORKING ACTOR. Reilly doesn't give readers the runaround with hopes of their

5 comments about Aloha Magnum: Larry Manetti's Magnum, P.I. Memories.

1. This book is by Larry Manetti - who played "Rick" in the TV show.
   
   Right away it is apparent that Larry is no writer. Don't expect literary genius here.
   
   He provides some insight into the inner workings of the show, how and where it was filmed, and some of the things that happened behind the scenes. At best it's a collection of show trivia, really. I loved the TV show, and found lots of things he wrote about that were fairly interesting. You find out that Tom Selleck is a genuinely really nice guy, and very generous to his friends.
   
   But when I finished the book (and that didn't take long) I really didn't care about it anymore. I gave it to my aunt who is a Tom Selleck fanatic.



2. Anyone who doesn't find Larry Manetti's "Aloha Magnum" entertaining isn't a Magnum P.I. fan, and definitely isn't a Larry Manetti fan, that, or you just don't have a pulse. Larry Manetti is a great entertainer and the stories he shares in his book only reemphasize his great humor and character. His sarcastic and occasionally abrasive humor shine though in the wild tales he tells, which make the tales even more "Manetti-esque," and that much more endearing. Anyone who is critical of Manetti for being arrogant or an egoist in this book or otherwise...forget about not having a pulse, you probably have no soul. Larry Manetti shares a few personal facts about his life that will make your heart go out him. Manetti's been through some difficult times, and more power to him for overcoming them and being the "tough little guy" he is. (albeit, 5'7'' isn't really all that little!) Thanks for sharing some of your experiences Mr. Manetti!



3. I found this book on my shelf recently and re-read it. It's pretty funny and a quick, enjoyable read. I loved Magnum back in the day and still occaisionally watch the reruns on cable. Rick was a great character and Larry Manetti is a great storyteller. The recipes even look good. The episode guide is a nice bonus, since it includes comments and asides on what he remembers about most of the episodes.



4. This is an entertaining but different book...and only for Magnum fans! It gives the reader some funny anecdotes and stories from the life on and off the set. You also get a complete episode guide with some more (or less) interesting private comments by Manetti. He's seems to be a funny guy and that's reflected in how this book is written.
   
   I think Manetti is great as Rick and I appreciate his part of the greatest TV show ever. I'm also grateful for him writing this book that give us fans some more MPI information but I really don't know why Manetti includes some of his best recipes in this book (even if the recipes look really delicious). This book could be better than it is, but it's better than nothing...and for any Magnum fan it's a must!



5. I have this book and if you love Magnum P. I. like I do, you will love it too. It has a complete program guide. The book is just wonderful!! A must for evry Magnum fan!!!! Enjoy!!! I have!!!

2 comments about Postwar Hollywood: 1946-1962.

1. This is a very thorough book about the post war period concerning Hollywood. The reason for the low review is that in-spite of it's depth, it is extremely confusing and overly complex requiring re-read after re-read, which makes it not worth buying unless you need it for a class.



2. This book is a must for anyone interested in American film during a unique period in US History. It is a beautifully researched, well-organized and dynamically conceived volume that can only enhance our total understanding of the films and the world in which they were created.

1 comments about Ballet Secrets for Skaters: How to Hone Your Artistic Competitive Edge.

1. Written by a Russian-trained dancer, teacher, and choreographer, Ballet Secrets for Skaters: How to Hone Your Artistic Competitive Edge is a valuable guide for figure skaters, coaches, dance teachers, and skating enthusiasts of all ages and ability levels. Chapters disseminate basic poise tips of ballet, from how to hold the fingers, wrist, and shoulder to artistic guidelines for the arm and head position, and ballet poses that will add grace and charm to any ice skating routine. Black-and-white photographs clearly demonstrate the positions and, and the text clarifies tips, tricks and techniques for embodying grace. Highly recommended for intermediate to advanced and competitive skaters.

2 comments about Three Plays.

1. This omnibus edition contains the scripts to Ayn Rand's three stage plays: "Night of January 16th" (1933), "Ideal" (1934) and "Think Twice" (1939) (the latter two plays were never produced and are reprinted from "The Early Ayn Rand"). These are some of Rand's earliest works and are uneven in quality, but are still interesting reads, particularly for an Ayn Rand completist.
   
   "Night of January 16th" is a court-room thriller with a twist. Rand wrote two endings to this play, one where the defendant is found guilty, and one where the defendant is found not guilty, and a jury made up of audience members decides which is used. The court case itself centers around Karen Andre, a woman who may have murdered her married lover or who may have merely been trying to stop him from committing suicide, when she was seen fighting with him on a 50th storey balcony. According to the play's introduction, written by Rand, the evidence for and against Andre is meant to be balanced, so that the verdict of the jurors is based on the juror's values rather than any solid evidence. After reading the play, I can't see how anyone could possibly have found Andre guilty and this has nothing to do with my values at all. Andre is clearly meant to embody Rand's philosophy and in my opinion, all of the evidence is stacked in her favour. However, according to Rand, when this play was performed only about 60% of juries voted for Andre's acquittal. Go figure.
   
   "Ideal" is the weakest of the three plays in this edition. When the play commences, it appears that Hollywood goddess Kay Gonda has just murdered a man and is on the run from the law. During the course of the play she visits six of her fans, who superficially share her high (Objectivist) values with her, seeking assistance and instead discovers that each of these people is more than willing to betray these ideals. I am not surprised that this play was never produced. For starters, it has far too many speaking roles in it to make it financially viable (over 23 roles in total), but also, it's repetitive and boring. The same thing essentially happens six times (Kay Gonda visits a fan, finds them to be a disappointment and leaves) and after the second or third time, I just lost interest.
   
   "Think Twice" is described on the back cover as "philosophical murder mystery" and is the best of the three plays. It was written several years after the first two plays and by the time Rand got around to this, her writing had improved considerably. In this play Rand manages to both outline her philosophy (it is this philosophy that is the motive for the crime) and to write a pretty good murder mystery that kept me guessing right up until the end. I am surprised that this play was never produced because it is much better that "Night of January 16th", which actually was produced.
   
   Overall, these are not Rand's greatest work. If you are new to Ayn Rand, I recommend starting with either "The Fountainhead" or "Atlas Shrugged". However, if you have already read all of Rand's other fiction, these play are well worth reading.



2. Any Rand has been overlooked the past few years - she no longer appears on reading lists and I dont think her philosophy is covered in college courses. That is too bad - she is a great writer and her philosophies are worth exploring. I did not know she wrote plays, so I was surprised to find this book. I read the first of three, entitled Night of January 16th. It is a great play with an interesting twist. She wrote it so when it is performed, 12 people from the audience become the jury - their desicion affects the outcome of the play. I think that is a great idea and I wish someone would produce her work. I recommend this to anyone who has read anythig by Rand and is looking for some new material to study. Her writing is, as always, on point and her ablility to make a play needs to be explored more often. I hope more people read it and take a liking to her novels.

5 comments about Nothing is Impossible: Reflections on a New Life.

1. Christopher Reeves will continue to be an inspirtion to all of us, and will influence other genertions with his insight, and courge, of trying to make the public more aware of Spinal Cord Injuries.
   He was indeed, a 'real Superman!'
   God Bless his family for allowing us all to know him better.
   Fran & Dean Johnson



2. I just reread this book, and it brought back how much I admired Mr. Reeve and his bride. I really think this should be required reading to anyone that has had a spinal injury, or an amputation, just to show them that they are NOT the first to feel all these negitive feelings.
   
   A wonderful tribute to the Reeves in general.



3. In this little book, Christopher Reeve principally seeks to show the value of hope. He talks about the surprising progress he made in recovering as a quadriplegic after a terrible accident. (Long after doctors believed recovery was possible, Reeve began to show improved movement.) He also talks at length about the politicization of stem cell research and how that has likely stymied further progress on relieving many human disabilities. Despite his clear feelings on the issue, Reeve is sympathetic to people with deep religious reasons for opposing stem cell research, just not those who do so as political posturing.
   
   Along the way, Reeve talks about his brush with Scientology (a fascinating glimpse of a religion that's been so much in the news), his other religious searchings, his initial thoughts of ending his life after his accident, how he and his family have dealt with his quadriplegia, and his work as an advocate for health research.
   
   This is a quick and enjoyable read. Reeve's insights on the nature and role of hope will be strengthening to people who struggle with any of a range of issues from physical to emotional to spiritual. Reeve himself reads the unabridged audio CD version; I recommend it.



4. I picked up this book at my school's library and started glancing through it. It's possibly one of the most motivational and inspirational books I've seen! Reeve recounts all of his trials and how he learned to function again. Throughout it all, he stayed strong with his wife Dana, who supported him through everything. A must read!



5. Christopher Reeve died almost 3 months ago i am researching him and he fell off the horse and still survived and even though he was real hurt alot he cared of other people he was a good athlete and especially actor.He was a huge survivor.
   In Memoriam,
   Christopher Reeve