Schlock Value

January 10, 2005
Chicago Sun-Times
columnist Roeper goes for the trifecta in this paean to Hollywood schlock, as short, opinionated essays; addictive lists; and a trashy-but-utterly-compelling subject combine to make an entertaining look at one aspect of the movies. Roeper's lists cover everything from inflated concession stand prices (a theater in suburban Chicago sells bottled water for $3.99) to "Bizarre Moments in the History of the Golden Globes" (in 1957, Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack hijacked the stage to speed things up) to "Things That Can Be Done to Improve the Academy Awards." ("Memo to all nominees: Prepare a friggin' speech!") to "Wobbly Accents" (Brad Pitt as an Austrian explorer in Seven Years in Tibet
). Some lists expand into essays, and vice versa (e.g., an Oscars overview prompts a list of "Most Disappointing Careers after Winning the Academy Award"). Opening with an insightful contrast of Chris Rock as a stand-up comic ("just might be the funniest person on the planet") with his movies ("they sucked"), Roeper moves on to such topics as actors' political comments, cast members replaced during filming, overhyped stars, one-hit wonders, pet projects, film clichés and anachronisms. Roeper's relaxed writing style, informal and witty, makes for an easy yet engaging read.

February 1, 2005
Most movie fans know Roeper (10 Sure Signs a Movie Character Is Doomed & Other Surprising Movie Lists) as cohost of the syndicated Ebert and Roeper at the Movies and columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times. His latest book is a collection of short, humorous essays on Hollywood at its worst. Roeper's breezy style makes for quick reading, but it's fun just to open the book at random and check out some of his lists, such as "Bizarre Moments in the History of the Golden Globes" and overhyped "stars" of the last few years (e.g., Chris O'Donnell). While this will not be a book of lasting importance, most public and academic libraries will want a copy just for the trivia (such as the contents of the 2003 Academy Awards goodie baskets). An enjoyable companion volume to Roger Ebert's Questions for the Movie Answer Man and similar titles.-Anthony J. Adam, Prairie View A&M Univ. Lib., TX

Copyright 2005 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2005
Adult/High School -This lighthearted collection of essays exposes the downside of being a professional movie critic. Roeper doesn't hide his disdain for mediocre actors and, worse, mediocre directors, and he blasts people who don't live up to their publicity. Some of the essays are quite educational. Determining true box-office champs based on inflation could be an interesting classroom exercise, as could the mean-spirited but amusing chapter about critics' blurbs. (Yes, there are -critics - who like everything, and if you see their name in an ad, you should run far away from the movie, because they never get blurbed if anyone else is available.) The author also explains how his pull quote for "The Matrix: Revolutions" was taken out of context, an interesting lesson in -critiquing the criticism. - However, a chapter on the big movies of 2004, "The Passion of the Christ" and "Fahrenheit 9/11", seems dated. In fact, the book's loose construction, while making it readable, also makes it feel slightly rough and unfinished -more like a journal or a blog than a tightly finished piece of literature. Still, for those who love films, Roeper's book dishes the dirt, but lovingly." -Jamie Watson, Harford County Public Library, MD"

Copyright 2005 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.