This volume consists of two to three page reviews of over 200 Hollywood movies, ranging in date from the 1930's through the 90's. Many of the reviews were originally written for the "Bad Movies We Love" column for Movieline magazine. Individual reviews include backstory information, information on how stars' personal lives and personalities affected respective films in addition to story highlights. Commentary tends to be cynical, yet VERY humorous. Reviews concisely sum up a film's general merits and demerits with emphasis on the latter. The reviewers also re-evalaute certain Hollywood "classics" and ask the reader to rethink what a makes a classic, "classic". Big stars,big budgets and big stories don't always spell success.

I can't say enough good things about this book. It has kept me in stitches since the day I bought it in 1993. Whenever I need a good laugh, I open it randomly and start reading. Never fails- I am screaming with laughter within minutes. I think you really have to love movies to appreciate the authors' humor. Behind every caustic comment there is genuine love and appreciation for the cliches, tired conventions, star egos demonstrated in the films reviewed. In the 16 years since I've owned the book I've viewed and revisited many of the films- knowing the back stories and history covered in this volume have made me enjoy these films even more. I dare anyone to watch "By Love Possessed" or "Imitation of Life" (to name only two) after reading this book, and not come away with a greater appreciation and understanding of the film.
Sure the commentary is snarky, and in todays bloggy world, snark is the standard, but there is genuine insight beyond the snark.

Highly rceommended. ( )

I don't. ( )