Love and Hisses: The National Society of Film Critics Sound off on the Hottest Movie Controversies ANNOTATION
A come-out-swinging collection of reviews and essays that pits the nation's leading critics against each other, as they take opposing sides on the most hotly debated movie controversies of the decade. From Spike Lee to Oliver Stone, from the ratings war to the war of the sexes, this book offers widely divergent yet always enlightening views of films, filmmakers, performers, and trends.
FROM THE CRITICS
Library Journal
This collection presents differing opinions of top American critics on selected films, with reviews situated back to back. For instance, Richard Schickel loved almost everything about Terms of Endearment (1983), while Pauline Kael liked only Shirley MacLaine's lead performance. Critics included are all members of the National Society of Film Critics, and the films were chosen because, according to editor Peter Rainer, they ``define the ways these writers approach both movies and criticism.'' The reviews are all reprints, which Rainer cites as a benefit, since they were written without any intention of debate. Yet, the scope of this book is vague. There is an overwhelming emphasis on recent films, yet several from the 1970s are included. Nearly every well-known reviewer of the last 30 years is represented. Though some of the material makes for interesting reading, this book ultimately lacks focus. Recommended only for libraries with extensive film literature collections.-- Mary C. Kalfatovic, Telesec Lib. Svcs., Washington, D.C.
Booknews
Published by Mercury House, 201 Filbert Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94133. Collects criticism by the likes of Kael, Ebert, and other members of the National Society of Film Critics, offering (usually) two critics' commentaries (often conflicting) on each of over 80 movies. A provocative and useful guide to what (and how) to view. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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