Film School: The True Story of a Midwestern Family Man Who Went to the World’s Most Famous Film School by Steve Boman

On February 3, 2012, in Biographies & Memoirs, Book Reviews, Entertainment, Nonfiction, by Wilfried F. Voss

In this comic and moving and completely true tale, Film School reveals what life is like at the elite school that trained Hollywood’s biggest names. This story of challenge and triumph—and what it takes to make it in the world’s most famous film school—is a must-read for anyone aspiring to become a Hollywood great or anyone just looking for a good story.

The Gothic Imagination: Conversations on Fantasy, Horror, and Science Fiction in the Media by John C. Tibbetts

The Gothic tradition continues to excite the popular imagination. John C. Tibbetts presents interviews and conversations with prominent novelists, filmmakers, artists, and film and television directors and actors as they trace the Gothic mode across three centuries.

Howard Cosell: The Man, the Myth, and the Transformation of American Sports by Mark Ribowsky

On November 18, 2011, in Biographies & Memoirs, Book Reviews, Nonfiction, Sports, by Wilfried F. Voss

Cosell’s endless complexities are brilliantly explored in this haunting work that reveals as much about the explosive commercialization of sports as it does about a much-neglected media giant.

God, If You’re Not Up There, I’m F*cked: Tales of Stand-Up, Saturday Night Live, and Other Mind-Altering Mayhem by Darrell Hammond

On November 7, 2011, in Biographies & Memoirs, Book Reviews, Entertainment, Nonfiction, by Wilfried F. Voss

From his harrowing childhood filled with physical and emotional abuse, to a lifetime of alcoholism and self-mutilation, psychiatric hospitalizations and misdiagnoses, to the peak of fame and success as the longest-tenured cast member of Saturday Night Live, Darrell Hammond delves into the darkest corners of his life, both in front of and behind the camera, with brutal honesty and fierce comic wit.

On DVD: Something Borrowed (2011) with Kate Hudson and John Krasinski

On August 21, 2011, in Movies, DVDs, Blu-ray, by Wilfried F. Voss

Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin) is a generous and loyal pal to her engaged best friend Darcy (Kate Hudson). But after celebrating her 30th birthday, perpetual good girl Rachel unexpectedly ends up in the arms of Dex (Colin Egglesfield), the guy she’s had a crush on since law school…and who happens to be Darcy’s fiancé.

On Blu-ray: Dances with Wolves (Two-Disc 20th Anniversary Edition) (1990) with Kevin Costner and Graham Greene

On August 21, 2011, in Movies, DVDs, Blu-ray, by Wilfried F. Voss

Kevin Costner stars in and directs this triumphant masterpiece written by Michael Blake, based on his novel. On Blu-ray for the very first time, this breathtaking 20th Anniversary Edition includes an extended cut of the film and all-new exclusive extras. Winner of seven Academy Awards®, including Best Directing and Best Picture, this modern classic tells the story of Lt. Dunbar (Costner), a Civil War hero who befriends a tribe of Sioux Indians while stationed at a desolate outpost on the American frontier.

Becoming Ray Bradbury – The Making Of An Iconic American Writer by Jonathan R. Eller

On August 18, 2011, in Biographies & Memoirs, Book Reviews, Nonfiction, by Wilfried F. Voss

Becoming Ray Bradbury chronicles the making of an iconic American writer by exploring Ray Bradbury’s childhood and early years of his long life in fiction, film, television, radio, and theater. Jonathan R. Eller measures the impact of the authors, artists, illustrators, and filmmakers who stimulated Bradbury’s imagination throughout his first three decades.

Your Highness [Blu-ray + Digital Copy] (2010) with Zooey Deschanel and Natalie Portman

On August 11, 2011, in Movies, DVDs, Blu-ray, by Wilfried F. Voss

AS TWO PRINCES ON A DARING MISSION TO SAVE THEIR LAND, THEY MUST RESCUE THE HEIR APPARENTS FIANCEE BEFORE THEIR KINGDOM IS DESTROYED. THADEOUS HAS SPENT HIS LIFE WATCHING HIS PERFECT OLDER BROTHER FABIOUS EMBARK UPON VALIANT JOURNEYS AND WIN THE HEARTS OF HIS PEOPLE.

NCIS – The Complete Eighth Season (2010) with Mark Harmon and Michael Weatherly

On August 11, 2011, in Movies, DVDs, Blu-ray, by Wilfried F. Voss

NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) is more than just an action drama. With liberal doses of humor, it’s a show that focuses on the sometimes complex and always amusing dynamics of a team of special agents forced to work together in high-stress situations. From murder and espionage to terrorism and stolen submarines, these special agents travel the globe to investigate all crimes with Navy or Marine Corps ties.

Thor (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy) (2011) with Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman

On August 9, 2011, in Movies, DVDs, Blu-ray, by Wilfried F. Voss

Of all the folks in long underwear to be tapped for superhero films, Thor would seem to be the most problematic to properly pull off. (Hypothetical Hollywood conversation: “A guy in a tricked-out, easily merchandisable metal suit? Great! An Asgardian God of Thunder who says stuff like thee and thou? Um, is Moon Knight available?”)