Rating: 
Summary: Couldn't put it down
Review: I picked up this book because of the excellent reviews it's gotten, my interest in the entertainment industry, and my appreciation of Bruce Campbell. I'm not a huge Campbell fan, and I always hated the Evil Dead films, but I do enjoy seeing him in films, and I grew accustomed to his work on Hercules and Xena. By the end of this book (which took 2 days), I found myself enamored with Campbell and renting every Evil Dead film and B Movie he's been in.This novel is more of a tongue-in-cheek biography of Campbell's life than a confessional "tell all" about Hollywood. While Campbell does mention 2 or 3 tidbits about some well known actors in Hollywood, don't expect a "tell-all" book filled with gossip. The second thing this book is not, is a "how-to" guide for beginning actors. Campbell provides some pointers and suggestions for new actors, as well as tips that have helped him, but they are mainly given in context with his experience in the industry. That being said, "If Chins Could Kill" has a lot of appeal for anyone who's currently trying to get into showbiz or has any interest in Hollywood. Campbell's anecdotes kept me entertained for hours and I found my fascination for this industry increasing with each page. The book reminded me of a better written version of William Goldman's "Adventures in the Screen Trade" It will apeal to die hard Campbell fan, as well as budding thespians and anyone who enjoys watching E! Television. I was very surprised with the quality of this book. Campbell is an excellent writer and I found myself admiring his journalistic abilities even more than his acting. The chapters are short and flow very well together. The book starts out rather slow as he describes his childhood, but after the first few chapters he meets up with the Raimis and his adventures in film really begin. I found myself appreciating "The Evil Dead" so much more after hearing Campbell describe what went into the making of this cult film. Campbell also does an exceelent job of porvinding an honest look at the struggles of "B" actors. I've always looked on actors as having great jobs: do something you love and then take home a huge paycheck, a notion which was dispelled for me after hearing him break down what happens to his salary after the check is cut. My only problems with the book, was that Campbell seems to jump from story to story in many of the chapters, and some anecdotes seem out of place. Campbell will be discussing a movie in one paragraph, and then in the very next, will discuss something completely different. This can seem a little unusual with no use of line spacing after paragraphs, but doesn't necessarily detract from the book. Some tales are thrown in this way and only discussed for a few sentences, and seem out of place when looking at the book as a whole. But this also has the apeal of apearing very informal, almost as if Campbell is relating the stories to you in person. Some better quality photgraphs would have been nice, ands more picture of Bruce as well. The book is loaded with pictures but they can appear a bit grainy, and many are irrelevant. This especially seems strange given how beautiful the book jacket is, and the high quality paper used in it. That seems like a wierd thing to say, but this is just one of those books that you just like to feel and flip the pages because it's put together so well. Overall, I found this to be one of the most entertaining biographies I've ever read, and definately the best look at Hollywood I've seen. Even if you have no idea who Bruce Campbell is and no interest in acting, I'd recommend picking up this book to get an honest, entertaining, inside look at the life of a successful B movie actor.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant, absolutely brilliant!
Review: This is the first book I have ever read, cover to cover, since 1989! I have never been an avid reader, and find it hard to pick up a book and begin reading without losing interest and putting it down. This book, however, was different. From the moment I started reading it, I was hooked! Not only is Bruce Campbell my favourite actor, but he's someone who I respect and admire on a personal level.
As he says in his book, "This book is dedicated to the players on the second string, the B people, if you will, and I cheerfully include myself in that lot."
He is not ashamed to be considered a B actor. A lot of movie stars would rather prefer to be A movie actors or not actors at all, instead of admitting to being B actors.
Bruce's book isn't a promotion of his skills, or even an outright ad for himself, it's just his story of how he's been lucky in life.
I recommend reading this book, as it gives so much insight into the background world of the acting and stage and screen life. When we watch all those Oscars, Emmys and Golden Globe awards, the Hollywood lifestyle seems like the ultimate life! But, as Bruce so brilliantly explains, it's not always 100% class. Actors work hard, and are not the pinnacle of the universe.
I finished this book in less than a week. Usually I never read a Newspaper that quick!
Buy this book! It won't dissapoint!
Rating:
Summary: One of my all time favorites
Review: Once I got into this book, I could not put it down. Reading this book is like you and Bruce are sitting down and having one hell of a conversation. He is very self deprecating and does not take himself too seriously. If you are even remotely interested in the film business and how movies really get made, you must buy this book. I hope Bruce writes a follow up a few years from now. I'll definitely buy it.
Rating: 
Summary: Good Ol Bruce!
Review: If Chins Could Kill is not only a really funny and entertaining biography; it is also a very touching, well-thought read. You get a lot from this book, more than one would imagine to get from a so-called b movie actor. Campbell goes through his entire career in this book, from the 8mm shorts he directed and acted in with pal Sam Raimi to the Evil Dead films to his hollywood bs right up to his role as actor/director in the tv series Xena and Hercules. Of course, the best parts of the books are the ones where Campbell talks about his experience at shooting the Evil Dead flicks. Those parts area great as we really get to see how hard it is to make an independant film. If there is one person out there who is full of determination and guts, it's Campbell! The hell he went through to make those film is nearly unbelievable. But Bruce isn't shy to say what's really on his mind; and so this book is filled with good annecdotes and interesting tidbits about the ways of Hollywood (and he loves to tell us how much he hates Tom Arnold, which is always a plus!!!). This is more than a tell-all book. Campbell has written that rare biography that is a lot more than a simple recollection of one's craft. And have I mentioned how hillarious the book is? Campbell is a great guy indeed. Anyone who enjoys films - especially b films for that matter - will love this book.
Rating:
Summary: Bruce reveals the working man behind Ash/Brisco.
Review: Bruce Campbell relates the humor filled story of how he and a bunch of friends turned their hobby into an actual career. Moving from amateur home movies, to summer stock theater, to a low budget horror movie that has become legend in The Horror Geek Circle and then on to a hard won, albeit strictly working class, career in Hollywood, Campbell maintains a down to earth tone that never, ever talks down to his fans, or clients, or smart people. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: THE BOOK THAT CHANGED MY LIFE...
Review: ..wasn't this one. But what a fun read it was! I was amazed when I heard that Bruce Campbell was writing his biography. Frankly, he's not that old, nor famous, nor does he have that remarkable of a story to tell. And yet, the kicker is that Bruce KNOWS all of this...he wrote the book anyways, and it's a great entertaining read. Seeing Evil Dead II in the theatre was one of the most ingrained movie going experiences of my life. It's a thrill to read all of Bruce's exploits surrounding his movie making as well as his TV adventures. Jokes abound! Bruce has a real wit that translates excellently to the page. This comes through especially strong in his childhood adventures and in his work on the TV show "The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr." So if you want to have your life altered, read something else. If you want to smile and have fun for a few hours and read about the life and times of a "REAL" actor...then check out this book. To sum up this title in one word..."GROOVY!"
Rating:
Summary: I laughed, I cried...
Review: Well, I laughed mostly. Still, thinking back to my college days when I did a lot of work in film, I did feel like crying on occasion. I think it was sympathy pains. Bruce Campbell, despite his mighty chin (which is so big and sharp you could probably use it to open a can of beans), had a rough start. Reading about how he and friend Sam Raimi managed somehow to complete "Evil Dead" was empowering to me (I mean, if that actually worked for them, maybe I have hope after all). This book is not a literary masterpiece, nor is it a study in grammarian excellence. This book is a raw and honest portrayal of Hollywood's "B" side. It is magnificent because Bruce Campbell still thinks like a B actor, even though he's a fairly mainstream cult attraction at this point (with a cameo in Spiderman!). The perspective offered in this fun (and easy) read is refreshing and interesting. It really does give a glimpse into the life of an actor in "blue collar hollywood".
Rating:
Summary: Cult Classic Icon
Review: If they handed out an award for Cult Classic movies or television Bruce Campbell would be on the trophy.
This is a great read, you learn alot about Bruce.
What I like most about Bruce Campbell is unlike many other
actors and actress who use the cult arena as a launching pad
to bigger things. Bruce embraces where he is. And what you learn about him that suprised me, Is he differs from many superstars, He fully realizes what a fantastic job and life he has and can chuckle about it. He is a regular guy who just happens to make movies. For fans of Bruce Campbell or Of Cult movies, This is a great read. There are some funny stories about Bruce and Sam growing up in Michigan trying to make movies.
Rating:
Summary: It was great!
Review: I've been a fan of Bruce Campbell's for years, but still wasn't sure how much I would like this book. It turned out that I absolutely loved it! It was so funny! It was also informative to learn about life in Hollywood through Bruce's eyes. He also talks about his life towards becoming a celebrity and his friendship with director, Sam Raimi, etc. He also explains how a lot of the special effects were done in his earlier movies. It's a wonderful read! I would highly recommend it!
Rating:
Summary: "groovy"
Review: this book is awesome i brought it and read it in one week acually twice. well this book is great for all you campbell fans you'll know hes so funny and just bruce. buy it read it and when he comes to your area go get it signed!!!!
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