All I Need to Know About Filmmaking I Learned from the Toxic Avenger: The Shocking True Story of Troma Studios

Rating:
Summary: Kaufman is funny and insightful; he knows indy film.
Review: Lloyd Kaufman's book is a great example of what happens when you give a pen to someone not only funny, but extremely intelligent. His book not only tells you how to make an independent film, but also gives you enthusiasm to make one. He truly is an inspiration to every young independent filmmaker because he knows the trials and tribulations of an industry that is not only tough, but doesn't want him around. He loves film, so if you truly love film, pick up this book. It is not only a how to, but a why do it. Sincerely, Seth Sweeney

Rating:
Summary: This book is one of the greatest books of all time!!!
Review: I picked up this book because I make films and I love Troma. I expected a very entertaining time (hey, it's Troma), but this book was exceptional. One of the best books I've ever read. Above all, it's completely hilarious. If you've ever been entertained by a Troma movie, or just laughed at Troma because of their movies, you'll LOVE this book. Even if you're not a Troma fan or a filmmaker, this is still a book you can enjoy immensly. LLOYD KAUFMAN ROCKS!!!

Rating:
Summary: Lloyd Kaufman's book is as hilarious as his movies!
Review: I'm a long-time Troma fan, but I can honestly say that anyone with a good sense of humor will enjoy this book. It works under the front of being a "how-to" book, which it succeeds at being to some extent, but it really focuses on the life of Lloyd Kaufman. From his humble beginning at Yale trying to cram as many breasts as possible into one film, to 20 years later and still trying to cram in as many breasts as possible, Lloyd has had a hilarious and fun life. He might make some of the sickest movies available, but Lloyd has a ton of honor and dedication to his craft. Anyone who likes good sarcasm and wit will love this book, as will any aspiring film makers that need a little inspiration. If anything Lloyd proves that anyone can succeed if they try hard enough. Buy his book - you won't be disappointed! A must-have for Troma fans, not to mention anyone else who wants a good story and a good laugh.

Rating:
Summary: A perfect balance of outrageousness and grouned intelligence
Review: After getting word right from Troma's slobbering mouth, I search for and purchased this book without hesitation. It's one of the best reads I've ever had. Having seen most of the films in the Troma library, I knew what I was getting into. At least I thought I did. The book is laced with cleaver quips from the equally twisted minds of both Kaufman and Gunn. Exchanges like: "What if it's a kid's movie? Like about dancing raccoons or something?" Lloyd responds: "Throw in a gun. If raccoons can dance they can g******n well pack heat." Now, how did someone who started working on productions like "Rocky" and "Saturday Night Fever" co-unleash Troma unto us? Lloyd Kaufman acutally has a human side to him. The side that believes in making a movie as best as it can be(within in the budget, of course); not sacrificing a project to commerciality; and standing behind what he believes in no matter how much flack it gets. Even if you don't like Troma, have never heard of Troma or don't eat meat, there's enough insight and humor to keep most anyone interested. The book presents a view from both sides of filmmaking: Hollywood and independent. It's admittedly not a "how to" guide on how to succeed or make independent films, but the ride through each chapter will leave you begging for more. And besides, it's fun to see Lloyd give Hollywood "the finger."

Rating:
Summary: Funny, inspiring, and truly tromatic (who's your daddy?)
Review: This is one of the funniest books I've read in a long time. Far more amusing than Howard Stern's drivel, more insightful than "Men are from Mars Women are From Venus" and more heart warming than "Midget Freak Sex Show" (And that's saying a lot).

Rating:
Summary: Incredible
Review: I picked up this book, just expecting to find some recipes for special effects, but I found so much more. The humor, situations, and tips make this book worth more than the amount i paid for it, and to think it was almost not published.

Rating:
Summary: A how to/autobiography of the Troma studios, very good.
Review: This book was great. Light hearted and very funny just like the Troma movies. A must have for ANY cinephile. The gritty details of how to make films and the autobiography, of sorts, about Troma and Lloyd's life.

Rating:
Summary: This book is a great introduction to independent filmmaking.
Review: Lloyd Kaufman's description of his foray into the world of Troma movie making is certainly one of the funniest, and most brutaly honest depictions of independent filmmaking. He holds nothing back as he describes his rise from miserable student films, to absolutely wretched exploitation masterpieces. From working in underbelly of Hollywood on "Rocky" and "Saturday Night Fever" to becoming the king of Tromaville, it's a very funny and informative read.

Rating:
Summary: Maybe not the best, but definitely the funniest!!!
Review: I ordered this book without knowing what to expect. I quickly discovered that reading this book in public was a dangerous thing. More then once as I read it on the subway I would crack up laughing and have the person next to me wonder if I was about to go insane and slaughter everyone on board or maybe something worse. Troma wins again by putting out a book that any filmmaker should read. Especially the ones in Hollywood!

Rating:
Summary: I like this book so much I litterally purchased 3 copies!
Review: This book is, in a word, Tromatic. All I Need To Know About Filmmaking I learned from The Toxic Avenger is both an indespensible rescource and holy book for the true Troma fan, as well as being a wonderful introduction for non-Tromites into the wonderful, hairy world that is Tromaville. But that's not all. All I Need To Know About Filmmaking I learned from The Toxic Avenger gives both instruction and hope to enterprising independant filmmakers. Instruction in the form of such pearls of wisdom as "Make sure there are enough toilets" and "The MPAA sucks" and hope in that once you realise Troma Studios can make movies and be reasonably successful at it, there's no reason why you or your sock puppet Merv can't be. In truth, All I Need To Know About Filmmaking I learned from The Toxic Avenger, is an extremely funny, well written tome filled with wry humor, studio anecdotes, graphic discriptions of vomiting green toxic ooze (complete with directions to do so yourself) and great photographs. It is also very thick, and perfect for use in fixing uneven chair legs or stacked with phonebooks as a step stool. After reading this book, you too will be shouting "Long Live Troma!"