Rating: 
Summary: If Chins Could Kill
Review: This is easily one of the most entertaining books I have ever read.... Being an avid Bruce Campbell fan over the years, it was great to read a book that was just as entertaining and funny as the man himself. I highly recommend buying this book, as you will not be disappointed one bit. Thanks Bruce, this book is fantastic!
Rating:
Summary: Oldschool Bruce
Review: Bruce really had somthing going for him while acting in Evil Dead...his chin. This semi-autobiography is testament to the fact that struggling at somthing you really want to do with your life will someday payoff with a lot of hard work, dedication and a high tolerance for burning hot latex. YOUCH! I recomend this book not simply for the fact that it is a fun read but moreso the fact that Bruce is the man.
Rating:
Summary: He is just such a goof!
Review: Bruce Campell, if you know who he is then youll know he's not your everyday struggling actor, for instance he may dive headfirst down a flight of stairs because his buddy wants to catch it on film! Im a big fan of Mr. Campbells and when I finally got this book I couldnt stop reading it. It is very comical and very vivid. Its not about some actors rise to the top of the mountain but an actor who stuggled to even eat for a long, long time. The book covers his life until now which is good, it explains many blows to the head as a young child which may explain some things but most importantly for me it included great detail on how to make no budget films! From fake blood recipies to Sam Raimi's ingenious ways for replacing expensive camera equipment with saw horses and broom handles! There are even diagrams and drawings of these contraptions to help you understand. But back to Bruces experiences, its great to hear how he worked as a taxi driver or security guard even after some rather successful films. There are also dozens of black and white photos thrown throughout the book to keep you visually interested aswell. The book is a sinch to read with short punctual chapters and witty remarks. Bruce doesnt hesitate to make fun of himself when remembering his encounters with women etc. and I think the informal feeling to the book is something you dont see in many books of this sort, Bruce is friendly to the reader and will no doubt make you chuckle at his odd ball antics at least a few times. What more can I say? He's a goof! But you gotta love him.
Rating:
Summary: A fun read
Review: Campbell's odd sense of humor, which has endeared him to so many film and television fans, permeates this book and lifts it far above the usual "star" autobiographies. Basically, as the cover promises, he tells the story of how he became a solidly established actor, if not a movie star: a ton of hard work and a couple of lucky breaks. With his breezy style, he makes the world of before and behind the camera quite accessible to the average person: the work, the bizarreness, the lack of glamour, and the occasional chance to meet, as he puts it, "P-p-paul N-n-newman" and other luminaries.The lavish illustrations are also a hoot, including the one of his more successful lifelong friend: "Sam Raimi, Bane of My Existence."
Rating: 
Summary: A chin with alot of wit
Review: What a great read. I laughed constantly and kept pestering friends by holding sections of the book under their noses so they could laugh too. It is a hilarious, dry look at the workings of a money driven business powered on the backs of creative "genius". I have since passed it on to several friends and they have enjoyed it as much as I have.
Rating:
Summary: A Hilarious and Well Written Autobiography
Review: With "If Chins Could Kill: Confessions of a B-Movie Actor," Bruce Campbell proves that his standard wit and charm, two of the qualities that make him such a delicious addition to any film or television project, translate just as well onto the printed page. The book gives a thorough look at Campbell's life, where he waxes nostalgic about everything from his early childhood and family life to his recent experience on the sets of "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" and "Xena: Warrior Princess." The detailed examinations of his work on the film "Evil Dead" will be a great pleasure to read for any Deadite, and the photographs that appear throughout the book offer a candid look at Campbell and friends, a nicely added touch that isn't seen in all autobiographies. Campbell's funny and irreverent look at life could make anyone laugh out loud, even those unfamiliar with his work, but this is certainly a must have for any fan.
Rating:
Summary: This had to have a 5 rate, or my boyfriend would dump me!
Review: This book comes out and right away my crazy (but nonetheless very lovable) boyfriend goes on the internet and orders it (I guess he actually preordered it) because he is one of those hyped-out Bruce Campbell fans. He loved the Evil Dead series and actually treated me to those timeless classics within the first three evenings of our relationship. I wasn`t surprised that he just could not put the book down, I mean, what did I expect with that background being in the picture? But one of the few times he put it down I took it up for myself (yes, there are those few lonely moments when you get interested in your movie-crazed-boyfriend`s books) and I was really surprised about it being such a good read. I especially loved the inserted fan emails and letters, I have to admit I started out going through the book just reading those, but then I got hooked on other lines and was again surprised by the easy reading. I`m still not finished, because I go on and off reading the book, but I think it is a really good sign if a book gets someone hooked even if that someone isn`t a fan (I do not like chainsaws slicing through human bodyparts! :-) ) and is not really that interested in the movie business. So I guess this is a very favorable review. Go out and buy it!
Rating:
Summary: A witty approach to the unglamorous life behind the scenes
Review: I should of known the book would be amusing, but exceeded even my expectations. I found myself laughing out loud at the mishaps happening for the Evil Dead movies (suceeding in gaining odd looks from those around me). I definently reccomend this book for anyone who loves the art of dry humor as Bruce Campbell tells the tale of his life so far.
Rating:
Summary: Has honesty and integrity. But most of all funny as hell.
Review: The laughing started even before page one. The forward for this book is one of the funniest things I have read in my life. This is a must-read for all BC fans. All of the behind-the-scene shenanigans he describes are halarious. "Chins" has the kind of honesty behind it's words that you really wish every writer would have. It allows the reader to not only share in the success of a "Hollywood Star" but also the despair of not getting work or credit in their field. Bruce Campbell is one of the few people in this world who was not born to greatness, but made it through sheer determination. Hats off to the Bruce! Long live the KING!
Rating:
Summary: For B-Movie Lovers (Like Me)
Review: I first became aware of Bruce Campbell after seeing him in the Hercules and Xena television series. His portrayal of Autolycus is relaxed and engaging--a campy performance for a campy pair of shows. Then I began to realize that I'd seen him in a number of other shows: Lois & Clark, The X-Files, and Army of Darkness to name a few. I became a fan. When I saw this book sitting on the shelf, I couldn't resist taking a look at it. I'm glad I did. I enjoy reading stories of the movie and TV business. In particular, I like autobiographies by people involved in the business. Obviously, you rarely get the whole truth (when do you?--even with the best biographers) but there's something about getting stories from the source that can be a lot of fun. Until now, I'd mostly read autobiographies by more "high-brow" actors (Brando, Hepburn, O'Toole) but I have a great fondness for B-movies. I grew up watching the old science fiction B-movies in particular and I loved them. It is nice to see someone involved in the process who isn't embarrassed by it and loves the kitsch he's in. And this book is fun, too. It's a quick read--definitely worth the little bit of time it takes to get through it. There's plenty of pictures and funny stories. I also found his stories about how a group of boys from the Midwest raised their own money to make movies very interesting. If you have a soft spot for B-movies like I do, I suggest you give this book a chance.
|
