Screening Party

Rating:
Summary: If Only the Movies Were this Good
Review: Although I love to read about movies (especially bad movies) I initially had no interest in reading Dennis Hensley's "Screening Party." Then I received it as a gift, and even then I planned to put it on the bottom of my ever-growing reading list. Then I read the chapter in which Dennis and crew tear apart the worst Barbra Streisand movie ever, "A Star is Born." Then I knew I had to read the whole book right away.

"Screening Party" is a riot from start to finish. It's like watching movies with your friends--except everyone is 10 times wittier and they serve more creative snacks, like Creme Filled Butt Cakes. What added to the fun for me in reading this book is remembering how I thought many of these movies were good when I first saw them--like "Pretty Woman," "St. Elmo's Fire," "Flashdance," and, yes, "A Star is Born"--and realizing, as these characters skewered these movies, how silly they truly were. Well, I realized these movies were silly before reading this book, yet no one's really put them in their place quite like Dr. Beaverman and Tony, two of my favorite characters in "Screening Party." But this book does have a downside: it made me want to rent "Glitter!" I just can't seem to find anyone to watch it with me...

Rating:
Summary: Laugh-Out-Loud Funny...Poignant ...Real...a MUST Read
Review: As a kid I was traumatized by "A Star is Born," having gone to see it with my straight-laced, 70-something, Mid-Western grandma. And by "Jaws," having watched it from the front row of an "under repair" balcony with no railing between me and the shark. I've had some of the same conversations with my friends about the same movies as Dennis Hensley details in "Screening Party." Only his friends are far more colorful and articulate than mine (God, I hope none of my friends read this!). Honestly, I howled at the bitchy banter and rapid-fire, razor-sharp wit. What a fascinating cast of characters, each so vividly drawn, and not an archetype in the bunch. I imagine any reader would see bits of his or her friends amongst Hensley's group and appreciate their humor as much as their humanity. The incident with the religious medal and the disastrous audition were just two examples of what makes these people real, but it's the jokes, folks, the quick-witted wisecracks, and the outrageous rants that make you want to curl up on the sofa in the big fat middle of them all. I refused to read the final chapter for days, wanting the party not to end. I did finally succumb and found out why all that Glitters is not necessarily gold. Now I'm looking forward to Volume Two. Please, Dennis, PLEASE . . . say there'll be a Volume Two!!

Rating:
Summary: Sounds like some of my get-togethers!
Review: I am still in the middle of this gem, but I want these folks to come over and watch movies with me! My circle of pals and I have had "Screening Parties" similar to those in this book, although perhaps lacking a few of the assortment of colorful characters in Dennis's core group.

If you love dishing and picking apart movies--leave your tact at the door!--grab a copy of this NOW! They skewer numerous pop culture staples (all that's missing is "The Poseidon Adventure"--we're waiting for volume II, Dennis!) with witty bons mots that will keep you chuckling days after you read them [For "The Sound of Music": {The Countess's} wig looks like it came straight out of a box with Eva Gabor's picture on it, and she didn't even shake it out first!"]. And, there is just enough "backstory" about the 6 "reviewers" themselves in a running narrative of the cast of characters outside the Parties.

I'm definitely going to check out his earlier book, now!

Rating:
Summary: The funniest book I've read in ages
Review: I read an article about this book in an Entertainment Weekly (I believe). Being a fan of movies, I bought it not knowing what to expect. I'm so glad I did!

By the end of the book, the party guests seemed like old friends to me. What makes this book great is that it doesn't take itself too seriously. It's a bunch of friends sitting around and watching movies we all know (and love to hate).

Reading this book is like being a fly on the wall. It's the perfect read for you voyeurs, movie fans and/or people wanting to laugh-out-loud. I read it on the train to and from work and found my self stifling laughter constantly (my shaking no doubt alarmed quite a few fellow commuters).

After finishing this book, I read Misadventures in the (213) - another hilarious book. I'm waiting for Screening Party II - may I suggest screening parties for Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory? Mommie Dearest? Pillow Talk? Forrest Gump?

Rating:
Summary: Funniest book I have read in a Loooong while!
Review: This book is GREAT. I had this book purchased for me in July 2003. I was out for drinks with my brother and his partner ( who bought it for me) and they casually asked had I read it yet...I lied and said "yeah of course. Good book." They looked at each other, then back at me and said simply. "Liar"

This provoked me to get the book out of the pile next to the bed labeled "mean to read" and skim through it. By page 2 I was in tears. Mr. hensley made me crack up REALLY LOL. Like before LOL existed, this is what I did..so much so that my husband asked me to READ TO HIM what was making me crack up to this extent. (Shoot me now. He NEVER has done that before) Well, we continued to laugh till well into the am. hours.

I highly recommend this book. Hillarious and the BEST if you are one of those who like to sit and "bag" on things. Bravo Mr Hensley! Great book!

Jodi Wallace

Rating:
Summary: Perfect for those who love movies and laughter!
Review: This comic masterpiece is not just an incrediblty insightful collection of essays about classic movies. The characters' opinions and statements about each movie are remarkably poignant and hilarious. But the real heart of the book lies in the geniune humanity of their relationships. It's so refreshing to read about such an interesting group of people and to have their experiences so brilliantly captured as Dennis does over and over in this book. Any movie buff will thoroughly enjoy this book and even if you're not into movies, if you're just into LIFE, you'll ABSOLUTELY LOVE this book!