Action! the Action Movie A-Z

by Marshall Julius

... Julius has something entertaining to say about every film. A treat for browsers... --KLIATT ... where do you turn for a fair review of an action movie -- complete with all the background info you'd want to know? One place: this new reference. --Movie/Entertainment Book Club More than 250 of today's blockbusters, plus revered classics of past action movies, are rated and reviewed with detailed credit lists, behind-the-scenes information, biographies...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0253210917
• ISBN13: 9780253210913
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: Indiana University Press
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.88 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.0" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Silly, Silly Fun and That's What Counts

If you're like me and you hate reading in-depth, analytical reviews of movies -- especially action movies -- then you'll love this book. Julius pulls no punches, and you can tell that he loves these movies; his wit is what saves the book, I think, and makes it fun. Not all movie guides need to be demure and annoyingly analytical.Julius' reviews of some of the most influential action films -- "Die Hard" and "Lethal Weapon" among them -- simply ooze the enthusiasm that you see comic book geeks like me display when we're met with a new, fantastic action flick. This is a fun, silly book -- it's entertaining, filled with trivia and pictures, and just plain fun to read.

A jet-rocket ride of a guide!

You know you're in for he-man reading from the pic of Robocop on the cover! Marshal Julius doesn't just give a high- testosterone rating to a movie if it's JUST action; he weighs the pros and cons of what makes an action film bad or good. If the plot or performances are off-key, he tells you---like his review of "The Chinese Connection" mentions that whereas Bruce Lee is extraordinary, the movie's production values are sub- standard. I'll admit I disagree with Julius' high rating of "Flash Gordon" (with Sam Jones and Max von Sydow), but he's well on-the-mark with the rest of the reviews. And check out the action- star bios peppered throughout!!!