Defining Moments in Movies: The Greatest Films, Stars, Scenes and Events that Made Movie Magic

Reader Reviews
Rarely does a book lover find a book that he or she has simply not heard / read / seen somewhere before. Even more so, it is rare to find such a book written on a subject that is loved just as much as books. Confused yet? Well this is an amazing book about amazing movies. Two of my greatest loves are books and movies, in no particular order. I already own several "movie guides," and subscribe to several magazines written about and reviewing books. However, this book is so much more than a film review or a compendium of film reviews. This is because the editors have taken it upon themselves to follow a theme other than than "movie you have gotta see!!" or "the BEST film of 199_, 200_." The theme of this book is: "movies whose defining moments literally made movie magic." Of course, a more cynical person could easily find vast amusement in tearing this book apart and my review in the process, arguing that I had be "taken in" by the books easily candied ideas and was simply swept away by its flashing lights and colors. Perhaps it is true, but I don't think so. Here's why. There have been thousands and thousands of movies made. So many times we are alerted to "the movie of the year," or "one of the greatest movies of our generation." What this book attempts to do, and in my opinion, greatly succeeds at, is getting passed this hyperbole and actually giving the true reason(s) why the movie is that good. Of course there are many, many movies that are really good, but would never be considered as one that has made movie magic. I often find myself switching through my cable guide and looking to see whether the movie I am watching is considered a one, two, three or four star movie, The intrepid enthusiasts at Comcast continuously keep my attention. Nonetheless, I am constantly intrigued by the idea of what marks the space between two and three stars. A four star, most agree, was a special movie. A one star usually has either Pauly Shore or Steven Baldwin or on a lucky night, both in the film. But why is one movie rated two stars and another three? And what really goes into a four star film? Therein lies the magic, the kind of magic that this book calls "movie magic." If used as I do, , one could employ this book as a roadmap to movie magic made easy. There are hundreds, if not more, movies in this book that most, film fans, including myself, have never heard of. Yet every time (almost every time) I watch one of these recommended films, I am brightened by the fact that not only did I see a great movie I probably never would have been exposed to, but I immediately find myself mysteriously transported here to Amazon,where I, like a sleepwalker, search for the movie, buy it, and then follow the dangerous path that leads to the "one-touch" instant purchase. From there it is nocturnal credit card bliss. There is no pain until the morning after. The greatest complement I can give this book is that when all is said and done, the movie I was alerted is now sitting comfortable within my DVD collection, nestled along others with the same director, a similar producer, or even sometimes the exact same art or photography editor. To view my DVD collection after one of these book recommendations and the ensuing shopping spree, there would be no doubt whatsoever, that all my life, I was the world's biggest fan of "Dies Irae" a Check film from 1972 directed by Petr Skala, believed by many to be "a powerful example of how a low budget picture can achieve metaphysical power." God Bless Skala fans everywhere!