Better Living Through Bad Movies

Better Living Through Bad Movies

Author: Scott Clevenger

Publisher: iUniverse

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 223

ISBN-13: 059540023X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

We've all heard that, "you learn more from failure than you do from success." Which means that all those hours spent watching crappy movies wasn't a waste of your precious and ever-dwindling life span; it was an education! And Better Living Through Bad Movies can show you how to extract the profound, life-affirming lessons from films like Battlefield Earth, Coyote Ugly, and Indecent Proposal. In over 50 hilarious reviews, the authors show how you can use the worst movies ever made to improve your sex life (it involves cardboard cutouts and clog dancing), Apocalypse-proof your home (using the following materials: John Travolta, Kevin Costner, Sylvester Stallone and more Kevin Costner), and win omnipotence and a Happy Meal by solving Satan's Junior Jumble. You will also discover how to forge a love that will last a lifetime (by dating the moribund), use films like Batman and Robin and Star Wars: The Phantom Menace as grief counseling, and conquer the world using common fruit bats and dry cleaning fluid. And most important of all, you'll learn Hollywood's Ultimate Secret: Why Beaches and Armageddon are actually the exact same movie.


Book Synopsis Better Living Through Bad Movies by : Scott Clevenger

Download or read book Better Living Through Bad Movies written by Scott Clevenger and published by iUniverse. This book was released on 2006 with total page 223 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: We've all heard that, "you learn more from failure than you do from success." Which means that all those hours spent watching crappy movies wasn't a waste of your precious and ever-dwindling life span; it was an education! And Better Living Through Bad Movies can show you how to extract the profound, life-affirming lessons from films like Battlefield Earth, Coyote Ugly, and Indecent Proposal. In over 50 hilarious reviews, the authors show how you can use the worst movies ever made to improve your sex life (it involves cardboard cutouts and clog dancing), Apocalypse-proof your home (using the following materials: John Travolta, Kevin Costner, Sylvester Stallone and more Kevin Costner), and win omnipotence and a Happy Meal by solving Satan's Junior Jumble. You will also discover how to forge a love that will last a lifetime (by dating the moribund), use films like Batman and Robin and Star Wars: The Phantom Menace as grief counseling, and conquer the world using common fruit bats and dry cleaning fluid. And most important of all, you'll learn Hollywood's Ultimate Secret: Why Beaches and Armageddon are actually the exact same movie.


Better Living Through Criticism

Better Living Through Criticism

Author: A. O. Scott

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 2017-02-07

Total Pages: 306

ISBN-13: 0143109979

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The New York Times film critic shows why we need criticism now more than ever Few could explain, let alone seek out, a career in criticism. Yet what A.O. Scott shows in Better Living Through Criticism is that we are, in fact, all critics: because critical thinking informs almost every aspect of artistic creation, of civil action, of interpersonal life. With penetrating insight and warm humor, Scott shows that while individual critics--himself included--can make mistakes and find flaws where they shouldn't, criticism as a discipline is one of the noblest, most creative, and urgent activities of modern existence. Using his own film criticism as a starting point--everything from his infamous dismissal of the international blockbuster The Avengers to his intense affection for Pixar's animated Ratatouille--Scott expands outward, easily guiding readers through the complexities of Rilke and Shelley, the origins of Chuck Berry and the Rolling Stones, the power of Marina Abramovich and 'Ode on a Grecian Urn.' Drawing on the long tradition of criticism from Aristotle to Susan Sontag, Scott shows that real criticism was and always will be the breath of fresh air that allows true creativity to thrive. "The time for criticism is always now," Scott explains, "because the imperative to think clearly, to insist on the necessary balance of reason and passion, never goes away."


Book Synopsis Better Living Through Criticism by : A. O. Scott

Download or read book Better Living Through Criticism written by A. O. Scott and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2017-02-07 with total page 306 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The New York Times film critic shows why we need criticism now more than ever Few could explain, let alone seek out, a career in criticism. Yet what A.O. Scott shows in Better Living Through Criticism is that we are, in fact, all critics: because critical thinking informs almost every aspect of artistic creation, of civil action, of interpersonal life. With penetrating insight and warm humor, Scott shows that while individual critics--himself included--can make mistakes and find flaws where they shouldn't, criticism as a discipline is one of the noblest, most creative, and urgent activities of modern existence. Using his own film criticism as a starting point--everything from his infamous dismissal of the international blockbuster The Avengers to his intense affection for Pixar's animated Ratatouille--Scott expands outward, easily guiding readers through the complexities of Rilke and Shelley, the origins of Chuck Berry and the Rolling Stones, the power of Marina Abramovich and 'Ode on a Grecian Urn.' Drawing on the long tradition of criticism from Aristotle to Susan Sontag, Scott shows that real criticism was and always will be the breath of fresh air that allows true creativity to thrive. "The time for criticism is always now," Scott explains, "because the imperative to think clearly, to insist on the necessary balance of reason and passion, never goes away."


Why It's OK to Love Bad Movies

Why It's OK to Love Bad Movies

Author: Matthew Strohl

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2022-01-06

Total Pages: 140

ISBN-13: 1000512797

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Most people are too busy to keep up with all the good movies they’d like to see, so why should anyone spend their precious time watching the bad ones? In Why It’s OK to Love Bad Movies, philosopher and cinematic bottom feeder Matthew Strohl enthusiastically defends a fondness for disreputable films. Combining philosophy of art with film criticism, Strohl flips conventional notions of "good" and "bad" on their heads and makes the case that the ultimate value of a work of art lies in what it can add to our lives. By this measure, some of the worst movies ever made are also among the best. Through detailed discussions of films such as Troll 2, The Room, Batman & Robin, Twilight, Ninja III: The Domination, and a significant portion of Nicolas Cage’s filmography, Strohl argues that so-called "bad movies" are the ones that break the rules of the art form without the aura of artistic seriousness that surrounds the avant-garde. These movies may not win any awards, but they offer rich opportunities for creative engagement and enable the formation of lively fan communities, and they can be a key ingredient in a fulfilling aesthetic life. Key Features: Written in a humorous, approachable style, appealing to readers with no background in philosophy. Elaborates the rewards of loving bad movies, such as forming unlikely social bonds and developing refinement without narrowness. Discusses a wide range of beloved bad movies, including Plan 9 from Outer Space, The Core, Battlefield Earth, and Freddy Got Fingered. Contains the most extensive discussion of Nicolas Cage ever included in a philosophy book.


Book Synopsis Why It's OK to Love Bad Movies by : Matthew Strohl

Download or read book Why It's OK to Love Bad Movies written by Matthew Strohl and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2022-01-06 with total page 140 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Most people are too busy to keep up with all the good movies they’d like to see, so why should anyone spend their precious time watching the bad ones? In Why It’s OK to Love Bad Movies, philosopher and cinematic bottom feeder Matthew Strohl enthusiastically defends a fondness for disreputable films. Combining philosophy of art with film criticism, Strohl flips conventional notions of "good" and "bad" on their heads and makes the case that the ultimate value of a work of art lies in what it can add to our lives. By this measure, some of the worst movies ever made are also among the best. Through detailed discussions of films such as Troll 2, The Room, Batman & Robin, Twilight, Ninja III: The Domination, and a significant portion of Nicolas Cage’s filmography, Strohl argues that so-called "bad movies" are the ones that break the rules of the art form without the aura of artistic seriousness that surrounds the avant-garde. These movies may not win any awards, but they offer rich opportunities for creative engagement and enable the formation of lively fan communities, and they can be a key ingredient in a fulfilling aesthetic life. Key Features: Written in a humorous, approachable style, appealing to readers with no background in philosophy. Elaborates the rewards of loving bad movies, such as forming unlikely social bonds and developing refinement without narrowness. Discusses a wide range of beloved bad movies, including Plan 9 from Outer Space, The Core, Battlefield Earth, and Freddy Got Fingered. Contains the most extensive discussion of Nicolas Cage ever included in a philosophy book.


30 Days to Better Thinking and Better Living Through Critical Thinking

30 Days to Better Thinking and Better Living Through Critical Thinking

Author: Linda Elder

Publisher: Pearson Education

Published: 2012-09-21

Total Pages: 242

ISBN-13: 0133092569

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Previously published under title: 25 days to better thinking & better living.


Book Synopsis 30 Days to Better Thinking and Better Living Through Critical Thinking by : Linda Elder

Download or read book 30 Days to Better Thinking and Better Living Through Critical Thinking written by Linda Elder and published by Pearson Education. This book was released on 2012-09-21 with total page 242 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Previously published under title: 25 days to better thinking & better living.


Focus On: 100 Most Popular Canadian Films

Focus On: 100 Most Popular Canadian Films

Author: Wikipedia contributors

Publisher: e-artnow sro

Published:

Total Pages: 1062

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK


Book Synopsis Focus On: 100 Most Popular Canadian Films by : Wikipedia contributors

Download or read book Focus On: 100 Most Popular Canadian Films written by Wikipedia contributors and published by e-artnow sro. This book was released on with total page 1062 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


Better Living Through TV

Better Living Through TV

Author: Steven A. Benko

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Published: 2022-03-25

Total Pages: 353

ISBN-13: 1793636192

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The essays in this collection analyze a variety of contemporary television shows to argue for the role that TV plays in moral identity formation. Audiences take from television viewing a better sense of what matters to them, ways of relating to others, and a moral sense of the world they inhabit.


Book Synopsis Better Living Through TV by : Steven A. Benko

Download or read book Better Living Through TV written by Steven A. Benko and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This book was released on 2022-03-25 with total page 353 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The essays in this collection analyze a variety of contemporary television shows to argue for the role that TV plays in moral identity formation. Audiences take from television viewing a better sense of what matters to them, ways of relating to others, and a moral sense of the world they inhabit.


The Nation Guide to the Nation

The Nation Guide to the Nation

Author: Richard Lingeman

Publisher: Vintage

Published: 2009-01-06

Total Pages: 402

ISBN-13: 0307387283

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The essential lifestyle guide for the millions of progressives on both coasts, The Nation Guide to The Nation will help left-of-center types find left-leaning shops, cultural institutions, and gathering places in their own hometowns and on the road. CULTURAL: Art collectives / activist documentaries / political circuses / film festivals / writers' colonies / left-brained bookstores / arts advocacy groups / indie book publishers / the 25 greatest political movies / detective stories for liberals SOCIAL: Organic and slow food restaurants / political saloons and bars / bookshop cafés and conversational coffeehouses / sexy singles meet-ups / reading clubs and discussion groups / camps for radical kids / parades and festivals / parks and preserves ENVIRONMENTAL: Activist groups / monkey wrenchers and sea shepherds / eco-friendly products / favorite green markets / super co-ops / eco-tourism / farm communes / energy solutions ORGANIZATIONS: Peace and anti-nuclear / feminist / GLBT / economic policy / immigrant rights / labor issues / campaign finance reform / civil liberties / radical mouthpieces / liberal think tanks MEDIA: Left-talk radio / press watchdogs / anti-corporate media / regional and local papers / alternative weeklies / a guide to the blogosphere GOODS AND SERVICES: Natural food stores / no-sweat clothing / socially conscious mutual funds / political tours / eco-beers and hemp pretzels / funeral homes and cemeteries (for a green send-off!)


Book Synopsis The Nation Guide to the Nation by : Richard Lingeman

Download or read book The Nation Guide to the Nation written by Richard Lingeman and published by Vintage. This book was released on 2009-01-06 with total page 402 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The essential lifestyle guide for the millions of progressives on both coasts, The Nation Guide to The Nation will help left-of-center types find left-leaning shops, cultural institutions, and gathering places in their own hometowns and on the road. CULTURAL: Art collectives / activist documentaries / political circuses / film festivals / writers' colonies / left-brained bookstores / arts advocacy groups / indie book publishers / the 25 greatest political movies / detective stories for liberals SOCIAL: Organic and slow food restaurants / political saloons and bars / bookshop cafés and conversational coffeehouses / sexy singles meet-ups / reading clubs and discussion groups / camps for radical kids / parades and festivals / parks and preserves ENVIRONMENTAL: Activist groups / monkey wrenchers and sea shepherds / eco-friendly products / favorite green markets / super co-ops / eco-tourism / farm communes / energy solutions ORGANIZATIONS: Peace and anti-nuclear / feminist / GLBT / economic policy / immigrant rights / labor issues / campaign finance reform / civil liberties / radical mouthpieces / liberal think tanks MEDIA: Left-talk radio / press watchdogs / anti-corporate media / regional and local papers / alternative weeklies / a guide to the blogosphere GOODS AND SERVICES: Natural food stores / no-sweat clothing / socially conscious mutual funds / political tours / eco-beers and hemp pretzels / funeral homes and cemeteries (for a green send-off!)


More Stories from Langley

More Stories from Langley

Author: Edward F. Mickolus

Publisher: U of Nebraska Press

Published: 2020-09

Total Pages: 372

ISBN-13: 164012375X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

A collection of personal essays detailing the adventures, advice, and experience of generations of CIA analytic, operational, support and technical officers and managers.


Book Synopsis More Stories from Langley by : Edward F. Mickolus

Download or read book More Stories from Langley written by Edward F. Mickolus and published by U of Nebraska Press. This book was released on 2020-09 with total page 372 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A collection of personal essays detailing the adventures, advice, and experience of generations of CIA analytic, operational, support and technical officers and managers.


Bad Astronomy

Bad Astronomy

Author: Philip C. Plait

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2002-10-08

Total Pages: 288

ISBN-13: 9780471422075

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Advance praise for Philip Plait s Bad Astronomy "Bad Astronomy is just plain good! Philip Plait clears up everymisconception on astronomy and space you never knew you sufferedfrom." --Stephen Maran, Author of Astronomy for Dummies and editorof The Astronomy and Astrophysics Encyclopedia "Thank the cosmos for the bundle of star stuff named Philip Plait,who is the world s leading consumer advocate for quality science inspace and on Earth. This important contribution to science willrest firmly on my reference library shelf, ready for easy accessthe next time an astrologer calls." --Dr. Michael Shermer,Publisher of Skeptic magazine, monthly columnist for ScientificAmerican, and author of The Borderlands of Science "Philip Plait has given us a readable, erudite, informative,useful, and entertaining book. Bad Astronomy is Good Science. Verygood science..." --James "The Amazing" Randi, President, JamesRandi Educational Foundation, and author of An Encyclopedia ofClaims, Frauds, and Hoaxes of the Occult and Supernatural "Bad Astronomy is a fun read. Plait is wonderfully witty andeducational as he debunks the myths, legends, and 'conspiraciesthat abound in our society. 'The Truth Is Out There' and it's inthis book. I loved it!" --Mike Mullane, Space Shuttle astronaut andauthor of Do Your Ears Pop in Space?


Book Synopsis Bad Astronomy by : Philip C. Plait

Download or read book Bad Astronomy written by Philip C. Plait and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2002-10-08 with total page 288 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Advance praise for Philip Plait s Bad Astronomy "Bad Astronomy is just plain good! Philip Plait clears up everymisconception on astronomy and space you never knew you sufferedfrom." --Stephen Maran, Author of Astronomy for Dummies and editorof The Astronomy and Astrophysics Encyclopedia "Thank the cosmos for the bundle of star stuff named Philip Plait,who is the world s leading consumer advocate for quality science inspace and on Earth. This important contribution to science willrest firmly on my reference library shelf, ready for easy accessthe next time an astrologer calls." --Dr. Michael Shermer,Publisher of Skeptic magazine, monthly columnist for ScientificAmerican, and author of The Borderlands of Science "Philip Plait has given us a readable, erudite, informative,useful, and entertaining book. Bad Astronomy is Good Science. Verygood science..." --James "The Amazing" Randi, President, JamesRandi Educational Foundation, and author of An Encyclopedia ofClaims, Frauds, and Hoaxes of the Occult and Supernatural "Bad Astronomy is a fun read. Plait is wonderfully witty andeducational as he debunks the myths, legends, and 'conspiraciesthat abound in our society. 'The Truth Is Out There' and it's inthis book. I loved it!" --Mike Mullane, Space Shuttle astronaut andauthor of Do Your Ears Pop in Space?


Adventures in the Screen Trade

Adventures in the Screen Trade

Author: William Goldman

Publisher: Hachette UK

Published: 2012-06-05

Total Pages: 448

ISBN-13: 1455525464

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Now available as an ebook for the first time! No one knows the writer's Hollywood more intimately than William Goldman. Two-time Academy Award-winning screenwriter and the bestselling author of Marathon Man, Tinsel, Boys and Girls Together, and other novels, Goldman now takes you into Hollywood's inner sanctums...on and behind the scenes for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, All the President's Men, and other films...into the plush offices of Hollywood producers...into the working lives of acting greats such as Redford, Olivier, Newman, and Hoffman...and into his own professional experiences and creative thought processes in the crafting of screenplays. You get a firsthand look at why and how films get made and what elements make a good screenplay. Says columnist Liz Smith, "You'll be fascinated.


Book Synopsis Adventures in the Screen Trade by : William Goldman

Download or read book Adventures in the Screen Trade written by William Goldman and published by Hachette UK. This book was released on 2012-06-05 with total page 448 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Now available as an ebook for the first time! No one knows the writer's Hollywood more intimately than William Goldman. Two-time Academy Award-winning screenwriter and the bestselling author of Marathon Man, Tinsel, Boys and Girls Together, and other novels, Goldman now takes you into Hollywood's inner sanctums...on and behind the scenes for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, All the President's Men, and other films...into the plush offices of Hollywood producers...into the working lives of acting greats such as Redford, Olivier, Newman, and Hoffman...and into his own professional experiences and creative thought processes in the crafting of screenplays. You get a firsthand look at why and how films get made and what elements make a good screenplay. Says columnist Liz Smith, "You'll be fascinated.