10 Sure Signs a Movie Character Is Doomed, and Other Surprising Movie Lists

by Richard Roeper

Film critic Richard Roeper has seen thousands and thousands of films -- and not all of them were pretty. But as a result he's stored up enough movie knowledge to write this hilarious collection of movie lists. Some of the irreverent, offbeat, and inventive lists in this book are: * 5 Things That Happen When a Wrongly Accused Fugitive Walks into a Bar, a Restaurant, or a Convenience Store* Age Difference Between Michael Douglas and His Leading Ladies* 11 Movies that Employed James Brown's "(I Got You) I Feel Good" to Indicate that a Character Feels Good * 5 Reasons Why George Bailey Isn't Such a Wonderful Guy in It's a Wonderful Life* 7 Films in Which Ben Affleck Cries Like a Big Fat Baby* The Gross-Out Hall of Fame* 13 Great Perks of Being a Movie CharacterAnd so many more . . .

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 078688830X
• ISBN13: 9780786888306
• Release Date: February 2003
• Publisher: Hyperion Books
• Length: 300 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 7.7" x 8.0"
• Grade Range: Grade 8 to Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

Great Book to Keep Around

Sure, I have read the other reviews on here where people complain that for such a quick read, $14 is a high price to pay, and if you would just read straight through this book once and put it down, I would agree, $14 is awfully steep, but that isn't the kind of book this is. This is a book you will pick up time and time again. Whether it is his list of movies in the AFI top 100 that didn't belong there, or his list of actress who went nude with no business doing it, it is great to hear someone with something of an authority on what is good in the movie world kicking overrated bunk off of its high pedestal and putting it in its proper place. Who else is going to dog on Jimmy Stewart's character in It's a Wonderful Life or say Helen Mirren really needs to learn to keep her clothes on on camera (she doesn't have the body she used to)? There is some great moments of humor, such as "7 Movies In Which Ben Affleck Cries Like a Big Fat Baby" and also some pleasant surprises, such as naming Life of Brian third best Easter movie ever. It also has the one thing every American wants to read, something that makes them feel like in some way they are better than the celebrities they seen on the big screen, which is provided to us through lists such as "Worst Oscar Acceptance Speeches." This is a great book to pull out and read from time to time. It will always bring a smile to your face.

The man knows movies.

Mr. Roeper did a good job with this book. It was truly humorous and enjoyable. I also learned about what good movies have been made over the years, and also ones to avoid. Sometimes I didn't agree but I feel better equipped to go to the video rental store.

I Like Roeper!

Richard Roeper does not have the high caliber of the late, great Gene Siskel, Roger Ebert's original and foremost partner, but he is still a very entertaining movie reviewer. Of course, he isn't in the category of "highbrow, arty-intellectual film critics" in the likes of Ebert, Siskel, Pauline Kael, and Vincent Canby to name some, but as you read this book, you will smile and laugh as Roeper composes imaginative, witty lists such as "Actresses Who Have Yet to do a Nude Scene" and "The Gross Out Hall of Fame." Personally, as Ebert decided to have his legendary movie review show go on (and the dying Siskel wanted Ebert to continue it, it was reported), he made a good choice picking Roeper as the permanent co-host. Many of us seem pretty comfortable with Roeper, a young man who although has given thumbs up to art films, still has a special place in the heart for fun movies we the audience like to look for a good escape.

Trivial Fun

Not intended as a scholarly or unbiased book, this collection of movie lists range from the hilariously perceptive - "13 great perks of being a movie character" to the wholly opinionated - "The 40 worst movies I've ever seen." The title caught my eye and the humorous writing kept me reading. Some of the lists are, well just lists like "Sequels that have equaled or bettered the original." No explanation or justification - just a list. And some of the lists are just self indulgent - "Attack of the quote whores" which collects those random fluff love quotes that we see in advertisement and puts them on a couple of pages for no good reason at all. Still, Roeper has taken some of that love of movies that propelled him to where he is by showing "5 Reasons George Baily Isn't Such a Wonderful Guy in It's a Wonderful Life," and the mentioned below "7 movies in which Ben Affleck cries like a big fat baby." If you are looking for serious cinematic writing, go look for Pauline Kael. Otherwise this is a great little commute, waste time or bathroom book. I only wish Roeper had put in a table of contents so I could easily find the gems again when I look for them instead of flipping through the book. Just silly. Enjoy!

hilarious and intriguing

.... i found it to be hilarious and intriguing! roeper doesn't just compile lists. he comes up with clever variations on standard movie lists, and makes criticisms about films within the context of those lists. i found out about his book after reading an item in glamour magazine that included one of his lists, '7 movies where ben affleck cries like a big fat baby.' i got the book and thought it was clever and original. thumbs up richard!