Now Showing: Unforgettable Moments From the Movies
by Joe Garner
This gorgeously laid out hardcover comes with a DVD, hosted by Dustin Hoffman, so that the readers can watch the unforgettable film moments while reading about them—pretty cool, huh? It’s always a crapshoot when you buy a book about “the greatest” films or actors, because you might not agree with the author’s personal favorites. Joe Garner has an obvious preference for modern movies, and more particularly “guy movies,” so for male movie buffs out there, this one will probably be a favorite.
In the book (and corresponding DVD) Garner showcases 25 movies, mostly male-oriented legends, like The Godfather, Jaws, National Lampoon’s Animal House, Wall Street, Alien, The Exorcist, and Dirty Harry. I’m not trying to be sexist, and I’m sure many girls out there like those movies; however, for me personally, I sat through Dirty Harry solely for the eye candy.
The book itself is really beautifully designed. The pages are varied with interesting borders, and several large, high quality stills are included for each highlighted film. Background, synopsis, backstage stories, and ultimate reception of each film are included in the written portions between the photographs. And perhaps my favorite part: After each movie, Garner includes a one-page buffer, sort of like a “If you liked this. . .” section that provides other film suggestions for his readers. On the sides of these pages is a film strip, each cell with a still from each movie discussed, and a few sentences are written in case the reader has never heard of the film. For example, after Casablanca, he lists iconic Humphrey Bogart movies; after Thelma and Louise, he lists buddy movies.
Another great thing about the layout of this book that saves an argument between the reader and the author is the ranking of the 25 unforgettable movie moments. Garner features the movies chronologically by release year. If you think Cast Away is the greatest movie ever, you won’t take offense that it’s in the back of the book, since it was released in 2000. I recommend this book, especially for male moviegoers, but for ladies, too. After all, the pretty page designs shouldn’t go unappreciated!
In the book (and corresponding DVD) Garner showcases 25 movies, mostly male-oriented legends, like The Godfather, Jaws, National Lampoon’s Animal House, Wall Street, Alien, The Exorcist, and Dirty Harry. I’m not trying to be sexist, and I’m sure many girls out there like those movies; however, for me personally, I sat through Dirty Harry solely for the eye candy.
The book itself is really beautifully designed. The pages are varied with interesting borders, and several large, high quality stills are included for each highlighted film. Background, synopsis, backstage stories, and ultimate reception of each film are included in the written portions between the photographs. And perhaps my favorite part: After each movie, Garner includes a one-page buffer, sort of like a “If you liked this. . .” section that provides other film suggestions for his readers. On the sides of these pages is a film strip, each cell with a still from each movie discussed, and a few sentences are written in case the reader has never heard of the film. For example, after Casablanca, he lists iconic Humphrey Bogart movies; after Thelma and Louise, he lists buddy movies.
Another great thing about the layout of this book that saves an argument between the reader and the author is the ranking of the 25 unforgettable movie moments. Garner features the movies chronologically by release year. If you think Cast Away is the greatest movie ever, you won’t take offense that it’s in the back of the book, since it was released in 2000. I recommend this book, especially for male moviegoers, but for ladies, too. After all, the pretty page designs shouldn’t go unappreciated!