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Rating: 
Summary: Retread reviews
Review: A collection of weak reviews from some pretentious, second-rate local film critic. I made the mistake of buying this book a few months ago. Since then I've found some that are so much better, including:
* The Great Movies by ROGER EBERT
* 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die by Steven Jay Schneider
* The 100 Best Films to Rent You've Never Heard Of by David Meyer
* Never Coming To A Theater Near You: A Celebration of a certain kind of movie by Kenneth Turan
Rating: 
Summary: Better than the Bluffers Guides
Review: Even if you think you know a lot about movies this book has things you didn't know. It's better than the "Bluffers Guides". You can fake it with your know it all friends and even enjoy old movies more and figure out where the new ones get half their plots. I ejoyed the hell out of it.
Rating: 
Summary: Thin
Review: I found this book missing the mark. The choice of films is fine, but the writing is glib and the insights just manage to bump against the surface. Worse, the reviews often don't explain what makes these films essential. There is often not much more than a plot synopsis and one or two lines regarding the film's strengths. The student or fan of film would be better served with "The A List" edited by Jay Carr, which is the National Society of Film Critics' 100 essential films. Compare reviews in the two books of the same film, and I am convinced you will see what I mean. This book is not terrible, and Joe Leydon knows his stuff, but the book seems tossed off and hurried. Pass. --Mykal Banta
Rating:
Summary: Well Written
Review: I read this book and was awe struck at all the things in movies I didn't know. I found this book to be extremely well written and informative. I would highly recommend this book for people who love movies or just want to learn about movies. As I said before, this book was wonderful and I'm not just saying that because I'm his niece. Good job Uncle Joe.
Kathleen Dominique
Rating:
Summary: strongly recommended
Review: This book sets out clear objectives and fulfills them nicely. I would strongly recommend Mr. Leydon's book, especially as supplemental reading for any introductory-level film class. The author employs a colloquial style as he develops an overview of the manner in which certain cinematic works have influenced many others. While the title might be considered less than succinct, the prose style appears to be quite attractive to students.
Rating:
Summary: A New Required Classic!
Review: This is a very significant contribution to the world of film appreciation. As important as the AFI 100 Best Films list, Joe Leydon's experienced and professional insight is highly recomended for any film-buffs library. He provides in-depth and unique insight into some of the greatest films of our time. He is more than qualified, with many long years of experience writing for Variety and some of the top newspapers and film publications in the world. High recommended for anyone with more than a casual interest in great films. His approach and compilation is unique and thought-provoking. A must read for all film buffs.
Rating:
Summary: Required reading!
Review: This is a wonderful book, rich with insight and humor. Anyone who savors Joe Leydon's cogent film reviews will enjoy his delightful essays on must-see movies.
Rating: 
Summary: The movie book you MUST read!
Review: This is the movie book you MUST read, if you are a film buff, filmmaker, screenwriter or movie-goer. Even if you just like movie theatre popcorn, read this book. Joe Leydon really knows his movies, from the great silent films to today's latest blockbuster (and everything in between), from such diverse film classics as "City Lights" to "Reservoir Dogs", "Annie Hall" and "Duck Soup" to "Shane" to "Die Hard", "Rashomon", "Blue Velvet" and "Lawrence of Arabia". He engages the reader in a passionate, clever, insightful, conversational manner that makes you feel as if you were sitting down with him for a chat and a latté after watching a great movie together. After reading this book straight through in one delightful evening, I plan to go out and rent or buy videos and DVDs of many of the films he mentions in this book, just to watch them again with a new-found eye for these touchstones of cinematic history and to further enhance my education in the details of what makes a good movie great. Now I can't wait to read Joe Leydon's "Guide to Essential Movies You Must See", volume two! Elizabeth English
Founder & Executive Director
Moondance International Film Festival
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