Reel Culture

December 21, 2009
With this compact, chronological film guide, which rounds up 50 movies of the 20th century, savvy teens can get the gist without necessarily seeing every one. Along with synopses, there's also brief commentary, under such headings as “Why All the Fuss?” and “The Stuff People Still Talk About.” Films include It's a Wonderful Life
(“it's been known to bring even the most hard-core cynics to tears”), The Graduate
(“gave voice to a whole generation of kids who felt lost after graduating college”), and The Silence of the Lambs
(one of many R-rated films included). Despite its cheat-sheet approach, stills and quotes should spark enough interest for readers to want to view the films. Ages 17–up.

May 1, 2010
Gr 9 Up-Most teens recognize the references to "This Is Spinal Tap" in the Guitar Hero video games or know where the phrase "You talkin' to me?" originated, and this is the book for them. Described as a "cinematic cheat sheet," it discusses 50 classic films from 1938 to 1991 that have had major influences on pop culture. The movies are listed in chronological order, and each entry includes a synopsis and cast, lists of other films by the director or stars, famous lines, discussions of why the film is significant, references to it in pop culture, and interesting trivia. Small black-and-white photos are included. This book is enormous fun for movie buffs to page through and talk about, and there will be inevitable disagreements about films that were included or excluded ("What? They have "Harold and Maude" but not "King Kong"?"). This would be a terrific addition for nonfiction leisure reading. Note that because a number of the movies discussed are R-rated, some of the quotations are as well."Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ"

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2010
Grades 7-10 Heres a book with a really strong premise. A few misses in execution, but still, a good idea. Many parents wanting to share a favorite movie with their kids get the response, Why should I care about that? This compact, attractively designed volume explains why. It offers 50 classic movies, gives a synopsis, and features separate sections that ask Why All the Fuss? and The Stuff People Still Talk About. The films include just what youd expect: Casablanca, Citizen Kane, Sunset Boulevard, Breakfast at Tiffanys, Psycho, and pushing forward, Silence of the Lambs and Scarface. One problemthe generally good synopses give away endings (Hello, Rosebud), which, in some cases, defeats the purpose of a viewing (though its not much of a problem with Animal House). Extras include quotes, connections between classic films and stars to those of today, and fun facts (Cary Grant was the first character to use the word gay in its non-happy meaning, while dressed in a ladys bathrobe).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)