[***]
You can see the George Lucas film of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and be totally confused about how and why Anakin gave himself over to the dark side. Or you can read the novelisation by Matthew Stover and get it. I had not previously heard of this author, but I think he's done the best job I've yet seen of translating these iconic characters into real people with real feelings and real conflicts (as much as one can think of anything in the Star Wars universe as 'real'). This is yet further evidence that George Lucas can't write.
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Monday, December 26, 2005
On Writing (Stephen King)
[****]
Very fun. This had been recommended by others as required reading for anyone thinking about becoming a writer or curious about how one gets to be a writer. I concur. The first part of the book is a sort of memoir, focusing on what Stephen feels molded him as a writer. The second part is his take on what it means to be a writer and what tools you need in your toolbox to do it.
Very fun. This had been recommended by others as required reading for anyone thinking about becoming a writer or curious about how one gets to be a writer. I concur. The first part of the book is a sort of memoir, focusing on what Stephen feels molded him as a writer. The second part is his take on what it means to be a writer and what tools you need in your toolbox to do it.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Dean & Me (Jerry Lewis)
[****]
I heard Jerry discussing this book on public radio and (being a fan) knew I had to get my hands on it. Wonderful stuff. Of course, you have to take into account who's writing (Jerry and his ghostwriter), but Jerry does seem to have gotten over his split with Dean Martin and shows substantial love and admiration for him as a key member of their team. I was surprised to find out how quickly they got together and worked up the act and how short their partnership was (only ten years). Anyone interested in Martin and Lewis, just Jerry or the pre-Rat Pack Dean should read this book.
I heard Jerry discussing this book on public radio and (being a fan) knew I had to get my hands on it. Wonderful stuff. Of course, you have to take into account who's writing (Jerry and his ghostwriter), but Jerry does seem to have gotten over his split with Dean Martin and shows substantial love and admiration for him as a key member of their team. I was surprised to find out how quickly they got together and worked up the act and how short their partnership was (only ten years). Anyone interested in Martin and Lewis, just Jerry or the pre-Rat Pack Dean should read this book.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Big Trouble (Dave Barry)
[***]
I did finished this rather quickly. Some of the scenes in the movie were word-for-word what was in the book. Some weren't. I think I actually liked the movie a bit more. The way the book laid out the story and characters didn't quite ring true, but it was still enjoyable. Pretty good for a first effort. I've read that his second novel wasn't quite as well received.
I did finished this rather quickly. Some of the scenes in the movie were word-for-word what was in the book. Some weren't. I think I actually liked the movie a bit more. The way the book laid out the story and characters didn't quite ring true, but it was still enjoyable. Pretty good for a first effort. I've read that his second novel wasn't quite as well received.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Blessings In Disguise (Alec Guiness)
[**]
I like Alec Guiness's work. It's nice that he felt he had an interesting life, and he probably did. The problem with this memoir is that he makes it all seem boring. Too many names of obscure (to me) English stage actors, directors and producers. He needed to expand a bit more on who these people were/are and why they are cool.
I like Alec Guiness's work. It's nice that he felt he had an interesting life, and he probably did. The problem with this memoir is that he makes it all seem boring. Too many names of obscure (to me) English stage actors, directors and producers. He needed to expand a bit more on who these people were/are and why they are cool.
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