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

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Summary: ONE OF THE GREATEST BOOKS EVER
Review: Out of all the books I have read by famous and important authors, this still might top them all as my favorite book of all time. Kaufman's way of mixing irreverance, humor, sometimes flat out lies, and bits of truth, make this an amazingly personal and entertaining book. I am a huge troma fan, but even if you have no clue what a "troma" is this is still a great book. Kaufman's insights and tips on film making are extremely useful, so much so that I am going to use the "toxic meltdown" and lots of toilet paper on a movie I myself am making. After reading this book, I really hope Penguin will pay him lots of money to write another one, because I would certainly not hesitate to buy it.

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Summary: Best explanation for a great studio goes to: Lloyd Kaufman!
Review: This book is great. There is no other way to put it. Its funny sickening and informative at the same time. Lloyd's way of blending old movies, new movies, jokes, lies, speech that wasn't meant to be put down and information on Troma studios and the grueling pain it is to make films is genius. The book sidesteps. A LOT. He even points it out. Most of the chapters start out with a Penguin Putnam exec. and Lloyd talking about what he can't put in the book. This is everything Lloyd has put in it. But, despite everything he isn't suppposed to do, he manages to make the book, with each chapter become great and informative.

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Summary: A must read for fans of film & independent thought
Review: As a Troma fan this book was a delight to read. It gives fans an inside look at the making of Troma classics like the Toxic Avenger and Tromeo & Juliet. I found this book to be much more than a how to guide on film-making though. It also inspired me as an entrepreneur. It tells the story of how Mr. Kaufman stayed true to his artistic vision, bucking the trends of Hollywood, and created a successful entertainment company. If you want a story that shows you can succeed by pursuing your vision, without "selling out," this is the book for you.

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Summary: Pure Toxic Genius
Review: "Back in the day," when I was about thirteen-years-old, I considered myself a movie buff because I had seen every movie in the local megaplex from Scream to She's All That. As the most seasoned movie fan on earth, I took it upon myself to do a little read on film. This book changed my whole world around. Not only is the lough-out-loud humor spot on, but the book does everything it sets out to do from giving you insight and history on Troma to teaching you the tricks of the trade of a true independent filmmaker. While "indie" films continue to become more watered down and mainstream, Troma is only getting smarter, funnier, and sicker, while remaining true to its roots. Certain publishers are looking into the prospect of offering Lloyd another book deal, and reviews like this on amazon from readers can really help push the deal in his favor so, please, if you have any thoughts please post them. This is a book not to be missed by anyone who loves independent film, loves Troma, or is looking for a good hearty laugh.

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Summary: Uncle Lloydie does it again
Review: If you know about Troma, then I don't really need to explain. But since most of the free world is deprived of anything orignal and independent, I will expand on one of the best books ever written. It can appeal to every sense known to man, from comedy to humor to helpful how-to's. Lloyd Kaufman is the closest person I know to being a genius and his book reflects this. It oozes with witty writing and makes the reader enjoy the art of reading itself. I know that I may be partial to Mr. Kaufman upon having the opportunity to meet him, but meeting him only confirmed what the book itself is proof of: That wonderful things do still exist. Lloyd Kaufman is truly an inspiration and anyone who thinks they like Troma or horror or reading needs to look into this book....it will confirm all of your loves and adds a new level of passion to them.

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Summary: I now know how to make a fake exploding head
Review: I'm not much of a book reader. Comics and cereal boxes are about as far as I go. But when I started this book I thought would help me learn how to make a low budget movie, I couldent stop.It taught me stuff while adding in cool stories about the history of troma. If you like bad movies or just wanna learn how to create realistic exploding heads outta mellons, you gotta check this book out.

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Summary: Funny Facts about Troma
Review: AS I bought the book I thought I would learn a bit about filmmaking, but instead it was also filled up with funny facts and stories from Troma. The debate with the editor about the book is great. There are also some technical terms and procedures about how to make a movie. They were quiet interesting. The humor is maybe not suitable for all readers but if you like Tromamovies...

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Summary: ...
Review: Okay, I'll admit it. If you bought this book because you wanted to learn the secret of making an ultra-low budget movie, you messed up. There are lots of useful tidbits strewn about this book. However, you'll forget those because you'll be too busy laughing! I honestly cannot count the number of times I laughed out loud while reading this book. My friends were so SICK of hearing about Lloyd Kaufman that they read the book just so they knew what I was talking about! This book is wonderful. But as I said, anyone looking for the quick answer to making a fortune in independant films should look elsewhere. Lloyd Kaufman has a vision, and that can't be taught in a book. Although, the recipe for fake green vomit on page three did get me banned from a movie theater....

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Summary: my review
Review: I thought this book was really good. I am not a filmaker, nor do I have dreams of becoming one. If I were though this book would be a great resource. It has many explanations for how scenes in movies are shot and great ideas for inexpensive special effects. The book is filled with great troma history,stories, and Loyd's personal anicdotes. So even if your just a fan of troma movies you will enjoy reading it. Lloyd Kaufman stayed at the hotel I work at while traveling to promote it. He gave gave me a copy and asked if i would write a review on this site, I said "great,should have it done in a week or so". That was seven months ago, sorry Lloyd.

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Summary: Lloyd Kaufman--the TRUE independent filmmaker
Review: Lloyd Kaufman's book is a true inspiration to anyone who is still interested in independent film in the true sense of the term: as an anti-establishment, iconoclastic means of expressing a sensibility too edgy and provocative for the major studios to deal with. The book is a terrific combination of useful practical information, anecdotes, and theories, and should serve as an inspiration to filmmakers of all types. Like Troma's best films, the book makes you want to run out and make a movie---and it gives you the information you need to do it.