Rating: 
Summary: Stop, You're Killing Me!
Review: It's not often one finds a literate actor-personality so willing to share not only opinions but be open about the process that leads one into filmmaking. But, it's so surprise that Bruce Campbell should fit into that category. In his website updates and in person, he comes across as a down-to-earth, intelligent guy who seems more comfortable as a poker buddy than a high-falootin' actor. His book, If Chins Could Kill: Confessions of a B-Movie Actor, reinforces that image.Campbell starts at the beginning, with his parents, and goes through formative (and hilarious) experiences in his schooldays, including meeting Sam Raimi and other filmmaking contemporaries. The stories about making Super-8 films during and after high school are great, as was the process by which the team ended up making The Evil Dead (not a bad guide for people looking to break into the 'Biz, either). Campbell talks about his experiences in other films and TV shows like Brisco County, all the way up until his recent involvement in Xena and Jack of All Trades. Campbell's tour-de-force is as funny as it is informative, and his tongue-in-cheek style resonates and makes for a very easy read. Even those not familiar with Campbell and his work, or movies in general, will find enough to keep them interested; fans will definitely want to give this book a once - or twice - over.
Rating:
Summary: It's a good thing chins can't kill
Review: I ordered this book a few weeks ago, received it on a Thursday.
I work third shift, but I was very tired that night. Reason? I
couldn't stop reading. If Chins Could Kill is quite possibly the
best autobiography I've read since Mick Foley's 'Have A Nice Day!',
and in truth, there's a lot of parallels. Mick and Bruce
are both long-time cult faves who are enjoying relatively recent
surges of popularity with new audiences, and they are both
gifted natural storytellers. Both came from more or less 'normal'
households, and both hoed a long row before success
finally knocked on their doors. Bruce is a very funny guy, and
his wit and overall skewed way of looking at things comes through
with flying colors on the printed page. His 'behind-the-scenes'
stories about the Evil Dead films are hilarious, as are his
recollections of his misadventures in Hollywood. If you're a
Bruce Campbell fan, you owe it to yourself to buy this book. If
you're not a Bruce Campbell fan, become one. You'll thank me.
Rating: 
Summary: Fun read about the life of a second-tier actor
Review: I found this book to be an interesting look at Bruce Campbell's life and how he's been able to carve himself a niche in the entertainment industry. Like the introduction says, it isn't a tell-all story about the glamorous life in Hollywood. But it's definitely a biography about himself and his experiences. I think that it does a very good job describing how hard it is to work in this field, but without being a big sob story, since he doesn't seem regret his decisions or resent the life he's led in any way. Many of the stories are already known to people who've followed him over the last few years, or have been to his website (the "lemon" automobile story comes to mind), but there is still enough new material to make it worth the read. There are also lots and lots of cool pictures. My personal favorite is his "wacky potato chip guy" promo shot. Probably the best part is his description of the days filming "Evil Dead". I also found the story about how close he came to getting the lead of "The Phantom" very interesting, since it's probably very indicative of what a second-rate actor goes through to make it into these top Hollywood productions. Outside of his career, there aren't many details about his personal life (except for his early childhood), but to be fair I get the impression that he spends a huge chunk of his life working. He more or less says that this is probably why his first wife asked for a divorce. I wouldn't say that this is an essential part of your library, so it's probably a little too expensive for many people. I feel a little silly for owning a hardcover edition of this. But if you can get your hands on it, and you're a Campbell fan, then I think you'll really enjoy it!
Rating:
Summary: Greatest "chin wag" ever!
Review: For those who want an inside view of the movie biz or just an amusing read, this book is as smart, entertaining, irresistible and howlingly funny as the author himself.
Bruce tells it like it is and with great photos too!
Read this book and find out why there's an ever-growing
Cult of Bruce.
Rating:
Summary: The Hardest-Working Man in Hollywood?
Review: While Campbell's book will leave non-fans wondering what all the fuss is about, thanks to the in-reference way he deals with his involvement in such television sensations as HERCULES and XENA, it's a treat for those who know and love the man from their acquaintance with his genre film and TV appearances. IF CHINS COULD KILL is written with surprising verve, and is funny enough to cause tear-inducing giggle fits in more than one spot. Campbell's book is a quick, easygoing read, and can easily be devoured in a single sitting, but that's not a negative. The wit and good humor displayed on every page make that sitting worthwhile, and while the reader won't come away from IF CHINS COULD KILL filled with the usual scandal-sheet gossip concerning Campbell's life and relationships, they will have the feeling that they just spent a few hours in the company of a very funny, very friendly guy with a lot of silly stories to tell.
Rating:
Summary: remarkably fresh Hollywood biography
Review: If you are tired of stars painging pretty pictures of their lives or trying to fill you with their own morals and "how-to-be-a-better-person" philosophies, then this is your book. Campbell talks about all his experiences, most of them funny, and will let the reader know that some of them were a pain in the butt. A professional writer he ain't. Yet he tells his story as if you were sitting down in a bar with him talking about growing up and work. Bruce comes across like the kind of guy that you would want to hang around with in the nieghborhood, or have over to watch the Superbowl, or help you fix your car. After reading this book, you will feel like he's one of the guys, but one who has a really cool profession. It is down to earth and refreshing.
Rating:
Summary: "Groovy"
Review: An excellent look at low budget movie making , summer stock and also a glimpse into the tediousness of making A budget pictures . Campbell is an A actor who is happy in B-Movies . You get a real treat with this book which offers a candid and often hilarious account of what it is like to work on low and high budget films . Campbell is a humble host for this tour and his earthiness is amazing in a field that is awash with folks who take themselves way to seriously . A great read . This is light hearted but incisive look at the movie business .
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating and Great Book to one of my actors.
Review: The one and only Bruce Campbell tells his entire life through this compelling and magnificient book about how he started out
as a kid, how he lived through College, and how he survived through all three Evil Dead movies and became a instant Cult Hero. If you like Bruce and Evil Dead movies, i would recommend you to buy this book cause i guarentee you won't wrong out of Sugar Baby!
Rating:
Summary: Finally, a NON-phony actor and a great read!
Review: Campbell fan that I am, I had to read this book, I hoped earnestly that it would not[be bad] like most "1st string actor" biographies. It DOESN'T! In fact, most of the humor and embarrassment is at the writer's expense.
It's hysterical, has lots of heart, and makes me like this guy and his ridiculous movies and TV shows all the more.
Blah, blah, blah...I could go on, but if you like anything about BC and his flicks, read the book, it will not disappoint.
Rating:
Summary: Unbelievable ** great read!
Review: My wife picked this book up for me while she was shopping with my kids. We own a lot to Bruce Campbell, because his cheesy lines were/are used daily in our homestead and make everything in the "Real" world that much more tolerable.
Before reading this book I was considering going into the entertainment business in an office type position (hell no not as an actor). After spending 20 hours of my life without putting this masterpiece down I now know for a fact that I am getting into the business.
Bruce writes just how he talks and is so incredibly vivid that you literally feel like you busted your butt to make his movies too. A great read for all and a MUST read for any Detroiter. My family and friends love you Bruce keep up the good/mediocre work.
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