catalogs and directories

This is not a book for film buffs. If you are a film buff, you already know, or at least know of, most of the films in this book and probably think some of them rather low-brow. It is also not a book of the 365 best neglected films. Of the American Film Institute's list of the 100 best American films, only one is in this book. There are many more on the AFI list that seldom get rented.

This is simply a list of 365 suggestions for untypical but enjoyable movie rentals. Despite the title, the movies are not all four-star. "Buck Privates," a personal favorite of mine (I'm not a snob) gets only 2.5 stars from Leonard Maltin. But the recommendations are all good, and most of the films recommended are very very good. And they usually don't get rented. I've been a serious movie lover for a very long time, and there are about 100 films in this book that I have never seen, although I've certainly heard of them. So many films, so little time.

This book, with its short snappy descriptions and interesting suggestions for second features, may be just the right thing for casual movie renters.

In all honesty, I'm not a movie fantatic, but to imply one hasn't seen these 4 star films is rather problematic. I'm not quite sure who these people are--who haven't seen these films--that the writer has in mind. I've seen about all of these films; some are good, some not so good. The commentary is ok, but not on a par with informed film critics. Well, I guess if you haven't read much, you might have a book called "Great Books You've Never Read," and perhaps "1984" would be among them, but that tells us more about the assumptions of the writer than the audience.

goo