Mimi O'Connor

A cleverly put together little book designed to introduce teens to fifty of the most influential films of the past. I agree with most of the selections, which range from 1938's Bringing Up Baby to 1991's The Silence of the Lambs. Each film is broken down into four short sections; "What It's About", "Why All the Fuss?", "The Stuff People Still Talk About", and "Quotables". Also included are short lists of Most Iconic Characters, Top Movie Couples, and Legendary Oscar Moments. The book is very show more introductory in its scope and doesn't take an in-depth look at any of these films. There is little to nothing here for experienced movie buffs.

Overall, the book does an excellent job of introducing fifty famous films to teens who have otherwise not been exposed to them - although they're not all "classics", they do represent most of the iconic characters and scenes of the 20th century. I could see this being read by teens who don't otherwise spend much time reading. While I'm certainly not the target audience for this little book, I did enjoy it and look forward to sharing it.

One warning however, this book makes no apologies for "spoiling" the ending of every one of the films featured. Perhaps they should have offered a warning to those who don't like to know how a movie ends before seeing it! show less

This book was so much fun to read. In addition to being an avid reader, I'm a total movie addict. I've seen all but 6 of the 50 movies discussed in the book. Each movie has a short chapter which gives a summary of the plot, memorable quotes and then explains what the "fuss" is about with that particular film. It also includes a list of the lead actors, directors and a few other movies they've done.

The final bit in each chapter is a page covering what people still talk about in regards to show more that movie. For example, Rebel Without a Cause is still famous for James Dean's red leather jacket and people will always remember the shower scene in Psycho. There are also a few additional sections with fun trivia bits, like "Legendary Oscar Moments" and "Top Movie Couples."

The book is a great way to learn a bit more about the movie industry in a fun way. If you're already a movie buff or you're just wishing you could pick up on a few more references your friends make, this is a good place to start. And after you've read it you'll definitely want to update your Netflix queue.

This book was an Advanced Reader Copy courtesy of Zest Books. show less

Reel Culture is a simple book, a quick read, and it would appeal to any teenage movie buff out there. In fact, it might appeal to most teens who want to get the upper-hand on their peers by knowing about all those obscure references from Simpsons or Family Guy.

Mimi O'Connor, author of The Dictionary of Corporate Bullshit presents here 50 "classic" films (from 1938's Bringing Up Baby to 1991's Silence of the Lambs), giving a synopsis of the plot, as well as why the film was meaningful, show more especially through today's lens of cinema, providing memorable quotes, memorable scenes, as well as bits of trivia that make the moviemaking process sound even more interesting.

While I knew quite a bit about the trivia and the films in question, I still found things I didn't know, and even garnered an interest to keep my eyes peeled for several films I hadn't yet gotten around to seeing.

My only complaint stems from the fact that I am not the book's primary demographic: The book was clearly written for teens. O'Connor captures the lingo spoken by the kids these days, and does so in a way that might make anyone too much older feel a bit alienated. Other than that, this book is a great read for those interested in the films of the yesteryear. show less

Obviously aimed at a younger audience of perhaps early teens, Reel Culture is a fun outline of famed motion pictures. This is by far not an educational tool for cinematic history, but rather a random highlight of the author's chosen movies spanning over fifty years. Mimi O'Connor's Reel Culture is more like a brief CliffsNotes skimming the surface of Pop Culture in American film.

It is delightful to see such films included such as The Godfather, Sunset Boulevard, It's A Wonderful Life, show more Citizen Kane, Some Like It Hot, Jaws, as well as three with Natalie Wood.

I wonder at the specific timeline chosen to outline for this book: 1938-1991. Before I question the missing 1990's through present day, over two decades-worth of monumental films, personally I am more alarmed at the missing silent era of movies as well as the progenitors of sound from 1929 on. With a copyright date of 2009, may I continue the wonder in awe over the absence of The Deer Hunter, Young Frankenstein, The Godfather: Part II, Gladiator, 300, Up, The Lord of the Rings and so forth?

THE WORST part of this book...is not only the greatest downfall, but a massive WARNING to the audience...which is the SPOILERS. Total and complete in all their splendour. If you have not experienced any of these films included in Reel Culture, then be FOREWARNED. The ending, no matter how dull or shockingly twisted, is laid out for all to see. I am absolutely appalled of its inclusion, but all the more so from the lack of no preliminary CAUTION.

Again, this is not an introductory course to the aspiring cinephile due to the lack of notoriously prolific films from the eras stated as well as those absent. Reel Culture put me more in the mindset of a board game with fun trivia, fast facts and moreover, celebrated quotes. show less