Get news & reviews in your inbox
- Prime Video
- Documentary
- Producers Corner
- Watch Lists
- More Than A Movie Night
- It’s Dove Approved – Family Movie Trivia Game
- Dove Ratings
- Privacy Policy
The Good Book
Dove review.
This movie shows the power of the “Good Book”, the Bible. As it is passed from one person to another we see the remarkable hope that it offers various people during some of life’s most difficult moments. A young boy, Daniel, accidentally sets his home on fire and runs away due to the shame he feels as his parents and sibling search for him. He is angry at first and wants nothing to do with the Good Book but he changes and he soon experiences a very happy moment.
The other stories in the movie include a young couple who have a son and love their infant baby very much. The child tragically dies and the parents deal with the hurt and pain that stems from their horrendous loss. Yet they manage to find happiness in a way they would not have thought of and God’s mercy is clearly revealed. Also included in the film is a homeless lady who finds her way to church and a woman who has her purse stolen and yet later returned to her house. This DVD clearly shows the power and miraculous events that follow those who look to God’s word. It illustrates the true world of hurting people, including a woman that is shattered when her husband cheats on her. But hope is always offered and it is always offered via “The Good Book”. We are pleased to award this DVD our Dove Seal for ages twelve plus. Watching “The Good Book” would do you anyone some good! See it soon.
Dove Rating Details
A teen boy cuts man with knife; a man says he robbed and shot a man that wound up dead but that "God saved me".
A woman finds her husband with another woman in his office as the movie shows the pain that can be thrust on people; wife kisses husband on cheek.
A man is seen sleeping with a liquor bottle by his bed; a man says he used to drink and do drugs but was saved.
A runaway boy steals clothes from woman's clothes line as he needs them badly; homeless people are shown; a boy throws a Bible down in anger but he later looks to God again; kids tease boy that has Bible; death of a child and grief; a boy is wrongfully accused of having cut a man; a woman steals another woman's purse but she gets it back; there is a Bible burning that takes place but one of the Bibles do not burn.
More Information
Film information, dove content.
Faith Film Producer DeVon Franklin Steps in Front of the Camera for ‘Jesus Revolution’
Cyrano: Love is a Verb
Redeeming Love: Grace Rising Up Out of the Dirt
Filmmakers Highlight the Hope and Heroism in “Gi...
The Good Book
Where to Watch
Evan Fielding (Daniel) Torry Martin (Esau) Abigail Rhyne (Vanna) B.K. Bomar (Alex) Apolonia Davalos (Marion) Amelia Mann (Abbie) Amanda Pentecost (Sarah) Jenn Gotzon (Ruth - The Church Woman) Leanna Robbins (Eva) Rebecca Lines (Leah)
Sharon Wilharm
A small New Testament passes through the hands of 14 strangers. For seven of them, their lives will never be the same.
Recommendations
Advertisement
Box Office Revolution
Christian Entertainment News and Reviews
The Good Book [2014] (Movie Review)
Plot Summary
The Bible is a powerful book that has been changing lives for centuries. A group of people in a small town individually face struggles and circumstances that lead them searching for fresh help, the Word of God comes to them and helps them understand exactly what they need to do. Each situation is difference and each struggle is unique, but the same Book shows each one the way to go. This Good Book can do the same for your life.
Production Quality (2.5 points)
As an ambitious silent film, The Good Book boasts many professional elements. The fundamentals—camera work, video quality, and audio quality—are all excellent. In a silent film, the soundtrack is key, and this one delivers. An original instrumental soundtrack is very effective with this type of movie. Sets and locations are also realistic and down to earth. The only real problem to point out here is the editing, as it is hard to follow where the movie is going. But overall, this is a high quality production that shows great potential for the future.
Plot and Storyline Quality (1.5 points)
It’s not easy to integrate unrelated multiple storylines in a way that is engaging and makes sense. However, The Good Book does this fairly well, even though we would have liked to see a little more plot continuity. There is always going to be a ceiling for silent plots, as dialogue is absent and can only be implied. Yet this story is understandable and powerful all the same. The situations experienced by the characters are realistic and relatable. The ending of the story is powerful and could almost be a movie in and of itself. In the end, this is a great effort and shows true talent. When Sharon Wilharm and her team make a non-silent story, they will be a force to be reckoned with.
Acting Quality (2 points)
Silent acting is sometimes better for some cast members (coughcoughJennGotzoncoughcough). With silent acting, coaching is always needed and thus, the cast members have to work to show emotion, and this usually pays off. Though silent, what this cast is trying to convey is mostly understandable. The main caveat here is that it seems like some cast members are trying too hard to express themselves. But otherwise, this is a good effort.
The Mainstreet Productions team was wise to begin with silent films like this one and Providence . The Good Book has a powerful and undeniable message and is certainly worth a watch. We believe Wilharm and company are talented and have a lot of offer to Christian film, so it will be exciting to see what they do next.
Final Rating: 6 out of 10 points
Full disclosure: We were provided by the creator with a copy of this film in exchange for a fair and honest review
Share this:
What did you think cancel reply.
- Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
- Subscribe Subscribed
- Copy shortlink
- Report this content
- View post in Reader
- Manage subscriptions
- Collapse this bar
The Good Book (2014)
- User Reviews
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
- User Ratings
- External Reviews
- Metacritic Reviews
- Full Cast and Crew
- Release Dates
- Official Sites
- Company Credits
- Filming & Production
- Technical Specs
- Plot Summary
- Plot Keywords
- Parents Guide
Did You Know?
- Crazy Credits
- Alternate Versions
- Connections
- Soundtracks
Photo & Video
- Photo Gallery
- Trailers and Videos
Related Items
- External Sites
Related lists from IMDb users
Recently Viewed
Tell the Next Generation
Review of Christian Movie: THE GOOD BOOK & a Giveaway
Usually, I only write book reviews, but when I was contacted about reviewing the Christian movie: THE GOOD BOOK, a one-hour silent movie, I was intrigued enough to say yes. Read this review and see what you have to say about it. Plus, check out the giveaway!
The Writer/Director & the Producer
THE GOOD BOOK film was written and directed by Sharon Wilharm. It was produced by her husband, Fred Wilharm.
Released in 2014, this multi-award-winning movie has received the Dove Foundation’s highest award of five doves.
I put great stock in the Dove seals. Still, I was curious if acting, without the bracings of dialogue, could bolster enough story to hold viewers attention.
The Wilharm dynamic duo did not fail as they literally applied the top rule of writing: show, don’t tell.
Multiple Stories in THE GOOD BOOK
THE GOOD BOOK begins with a young boy’s tragic experience of a house fire. He eventually ends up at a homeless camp. That’s where the “main character,” a small New Testament Bible, is introduced.
Viewers watch the closing of the homeless child’s story, but the journey of the little, red Bible continues.
Fourteen people come in contact with the red Bible. Some reject it; others allow God to speak to them through it. As their lives transform, some write their names inside the cover of the Bible, before passing it along to others.
Believers and non-believers will probably identify with at least one character in the movie. And like the real world, everything isn’t all neat and tidy. The film packs plenty of surprises.
The Characters
The characters you think will cling to God’s Word, don’t always do so. And when you’re thinking here comes trouble , they actually turn into blessings.
THE GOOD BOOK is excellently presented by a talented cast including Evan Fielding, BK Bomar, Apolonia Davalos, Amanda Pentecost, Jenn Gotzon, Rebecca Lines, Torry Martin, and Josh Childs.
Overall View of THE GOOD BOOK
The film moves at an attention-grabbing pace. Just as you’re wondering whose life will be changed next, BAM , you’re hit with a powerful, gut-wrenching ending.
But like He often does, God takes what we view as an ending, and begins anew. THE GOOD BOOK ends with a vision of hope.
This is a film that leaves a lasting impression…something you’re pondering over for days. Hopefully, it points you to the truly good book, God’s Holy Word, and changes your life forever.
It amazes me how the Wilharms, the actors, and the cast projected such a powerful message without saying a word. And they did it with excellence.
I highly recommend this movie for ages twelve and up. It’ll generate conversations on various views of the Bible . You can find it at LifeWay, ChristianBookDistributors.com and other locations. Check out the GoodBookMovie website to watch movie trailers and read more about the movie.
The Giveaway
Here’s your chance to win a free copy of the DVD! For each person who leaves a comment on the blog, we will write their names down and put them in the honest hat. (Trust me, it’s an honest hat.) We’ll shake them up and randomly draw a name and announce the winner Saturday, March 21, 2015.
Inside the cover of the DVD, I’ve placed a note card. I’m hoping people will write their first name on it before passing the movie along to others. Just like the little Bible in the film, let’s see where God takes this movie!
*Congratulations to the winner: Madonna!
And thank you, Sharon Wilharm , for donating the movie in exchange for an honest review. Check out another story about the Wilharm’s filmmaking in Tennesse’s The Baptist and Reflector.
You May Also Like
Book Review: OVERCOMER – Dr. David Jeremiah
Review/Giveaway: Jesus Calling for Teens
Book Review {& Giveaway}: Fresh Start Bible
I can't image a silent movie. It is so hard to find good Christian movies these days that are accurate.
Deborah Freeman
Hmm…now I am also intrigued, a silent, evangelistic movie! I would love to show this to our youth group. Thank you for the review and the giveaway. 😊
Sally Matheny
Perhaps you'll win, but if not, pick up a copy at Family Christian or Lifeway or order one on-line. I think your youth group would enjoy it. Thanks for commenting, Deborah.
Sometimes words can interfere with the Holy Spirit's working. This movie sounds like it may be perfect for those who struggle with ADD, ADHD, auditory perception weaknesses, Autism, and/or other special weaknesses/struggles.
You're right, Saundra. I think the list of the various audiences this film may reach will continue to grow. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Madonna, I also couldn't imagine an hour of silence (well, there is music). But, they do an amazing job! Think of the language barriers that are removed. The movie does show a few Bible verses (in Englsh) as some of the characters read them (silently, of course). But if those are translated, the movie makes an exceptional evangelistic tool.Thanks for stopping by, Madonna. Perhaps you'll win the movie and decide for yourself. 🙂
And the winner of the movie, The Good Book, is Madonna. Congratulations! Madonna, please private message me where I need to mail the DVD. Send message via my facebook page at : https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sally-Matheny-Encourager-Writer-Speaker . Thanks.
- Daily Devotions
- Ignite Your Faith
- Peace With God
- The Power of Prayer
- Encouragement for the Soul
- Church & Outreach
- Inspirational Videos
- Main Courses
- Cooking Videos
- Health & Diet
- Christian Homemaking
- Interior Design
- Crafts & DIY Projects
- Gardening Tips
- Outdoor Living
- Celebrity Interviews
- Breaking Christian News
- Movie Reviews
- Movie Trailers
- Uplifting Music Videos
- Christian Film Festivals
- Love Stories
- Relationship & Marriage Advice
- Parenting with Purpose
- Education & Homeschool
- The Bible & Money
- Blended Families
- Career & Leadership
- 12 Steps Christian Recovery
- Forgiveness
- Overcoming Fear & Anxiety
- Strength For Tough Times
- Divorce & Remarriage
- Heartbreak & Loss
- Codependency & Boundaires
- Home & Kitchen
- Dining and Entertaining
- Decorative Accessories
- Grocery & Gourmet Food
- Christian Books & Bibles
- Shopping Blog
The Good Book | Movie Review | Sonoma Christian Home
As a lifelong student of film, I love visual storytelling. I believe the more you can tell through the visuals, the better the movie will be. And I hate voice-overs telling me what I am looking at on the screen.
So I was excited about seeing The Good Book , a feature film without sound (except for the music soundtrack). Of course, telling a story silently isn’t the easiest thing to do, but The Good Book handles the challenge well.
Daniel (Evan Fielding) running away from home; Photo Courtesy of Mainstreet Productions.
The story is incredibly ambitious; in fact, it is not one story, but several stories revolving around more than a dozen characters. The Good Book follows a copy of the New Testament on a journey that begins with a young boy named Daniel (Evan Fielding), who runs away from home after causing a horrible accident. He finds sanctuary in a homeless camp and is befriended by Esau (Torry Martin).
From there, the Book is handed off to a public defender (BK Bomar) and his wife Marion (Apolonia Davalos in a moving and strong performance). It goes from person to person, including Sarah the homeless lady (Amanda Pentecost giving a standout performance herself), Jenn Gotzon as a woman scorned, and Leah (Rebecca Lines), who is dealing with addictions. When the Book makes its way overseas and into the hands of a persecuted missionary (Josh Childs), the impact of this Book truly hits home. It’s enjoyable to see how a book and its message can have a ripple effect, touching lives wherever it goes.
See the trailer below:
The film is written and directed by Sharon Wilharm and is produced by her husband, Fred Wilharm. Rick Holets composes the music for this film, which underlies the action quite well.
The Good Book is one of the most ambitious movies I’ve recently seen, and my hat’s off to the filmmakers for pulling it off as well as they did. With so many stories and actors, especially for an independent film, some acting is stronger than others. A couple of the characters seemed a bit over-the-top, and a couple of the transitions are strained.
All in all, though, The Good Book is a solid production. You will not be disappointed; it’s an ambitious and well executed undertaking.
Alex & Marion (BK Bomar & Apolonia Davalos) hold their child close; Photo Courtesy of Mainstreet Productions.
The Good Book has been making a well-deserved and successful journey around the film festival, and it is now available on DVD.
The Christian Worldview
The Good Book has a very strong Christian worldview, and the driving theme behind the picture is the impact that Scripture can have on every day life and the world at large.
Sarah & Ruth (Amanda Pentecost & Jenn Gotzon) at church; Photo Courtesy of Mainstreet Productions.
Biblical Discussion
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.” Isaiah 55: 1
The Good Book is a mighty example of the power of the Word of God. Sometimes we can find ourselves (due to our sin and our own personal motives and agendas) getting in the way of the Word of God and the power of the Spirit. However, no words can give better guidance or provide better comfort than the Good Book.
“Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.” Isaiah 55: 3
There is no better place to look for God and His guidance. Other people and things are helpful, but the Word of God is sufficient.
“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” Isaiah 55: 6
David on the set of The Good Book; Photo Courtesy of Mainstreet Productions.
His Word does not go forth and return void.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace;” Isaiah 55: 8 – 12
Seek joy. Seek peace. Seek God in The Word of God.
For more information about this author, movie critic, and filmmaker, visit Dale Ward’s Official Website .
Leave a Reply Cancel Reply
Your email address will not be published.
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Subscribe me to your mailing list
At this time, we ask you refrain from purchasing on the Sonoma Christian Home store. We are in the process of performing updates and in the meantime we would ask you hold off on new orders. We will make an announcement once our store is back in action! Dismiss
- Rent or buy
- Categories Categories
- Getting Started
The Good Book
Customers also watched.
Cast and Crew
Other formats
21 global ratings
How are ratings calculated? Toggle Expand Toggle Expand
- About Amazon
- Investor Relations
- Amazon Devices
- Amazon Science
- Sell products on Amazon
- Sell on Amazon Business
- Sell apps on Amazon
- Become an Affiliate
- Advertise Your Products
- Self-Publish with Us
- Host an Amazon Hub
- › See More Make Money with Us
- Amazon Business Card
- Shop with Points
- Reload Your Balance
- Amazon Currency Converter
- Amazon and COVID-19
- Your Account
- Your Orders
- Shipping Rates & Policies
- Returns & Replacements
- Manage Your Content and Devices
- Conditions of Use
- Privacy Notice
- Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
- Your Ads Privacy Choices
Log in or sign up for Rotten Tomatoes
Trouble logging in?
By continuing, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .
By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .
By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes.
Email not verified
Let's keep in touch.
Sign up for the Rotten Tomatoes newsletter to get weekly updates on:
- Upcoming Movies and TV shows
- Rotten Tomatoes Podcast
- Media News + More
By clicking "Sign Me Up," you are agreeing to receive occasional emails and communications from Fandango Media (Fandango, Vudu, and Rotten Tomatoes) and consenting to Fandango's Privacy Policy and Terms and Policies . Please allow 10 business days for your account to reflect your preferences.
OK, got it!
- What's the Tomatometer®?
- Login/signup
Movies in theaters
- Opening this week
- Top box office
- Coming soon to theaters
- Certified fresh movies
Movies at home
- Fandango at Home
- Prime Video
- Most popular streaming movies
- What to Watch New
Certified fresh picks
- 74% MaXXXine Link to MaXXXine
- 90% Kill Link to Kill
- 85% Remembering Gene Wilder Link to Remembering Gene Wilder
New TV Tonight
- 91% Sunny: Season 1
- -- Vikings: Valhalla: Season 3
- 71% Sausage Party: Foodtopia: Season 1
- -- The Serpent Queen: Season 2
- -- Me: Season 1
- -- The Bachelorette: Season 21
- -- Mastermind: To Think Like a Killer: Season 1
- -- Melissa Etheridge: I'm Not Broken: Season 1
- -- All American: Homecoming: Season 3
Most Popular TV on RT
- 81% Star Wars: The Acolyte: Season 1
- 100% Supacell: Season 1
- 90% The Bear: Season 3
- 93% The Boys: Season 4
- 90% House of the Dragon: Season 2
- 76% Presumed Innocent: Season 1
- 93% My Lady Jane: Season 1
- 82% Dark Matter: Season 1
- Best TV Shows
- Most Popular TV
- TV & Streaming News
Certified fresh pick
- 95% We Are Lady Parts: Season 2 Link to We Are Lady Parts: Season 2
- All-Time Lists
- Binge Guide
- Comics on TV
- Five Favorite Films
- Video Interviews
- Weekend Box Office
- Weekly Ketchup
- What to Watch
Every Shrek Movie, Ranked by Tomatometer
100 Best Movies on Tubi (July 2024)
What to Watch: In Theaters and On Streaming
‘Seen on the Screen’ Podcast: A Celebration of Universal Stories
The Most Anticipated Movies of 2024
- Trending on RT
- Shark Movies
- Mission Impossible 8
- A24 Horror Movies
- The Bikeriders
The Good Book Reviews
No All Critics reviews for The Good Book.
Advertisement
Supported by
Megan Abbott, Bonnie Garmus and More Writers on the Books They Love
Some of their favorites didn’t make our “Best Books of the 21st Century” list — but these authors make a case for them anyway.
- Share full article
Stephen King
Author, most recently, of “you like it darker”.
I particularly enjoyed the warmth and hidden humor of ORYX AND CRAKE , by Margaret Atwood. It’s more science fiction-y than the better-known “Handmaid’s Tale,” but just as satirical, with its warning about multinational corporations and genetic engineering. It would have been the best movie Atwood’s fellow Canadian David Cronenberg never made.
Bonnie Garmus
Author of “lessons in chemistry”.
According to her older brother, Ashmol, Kellyanne Williamson is a fruit loop. She lives an impoverished life in Australia’s opal mining country with him, her depressed mother, her failure of a father — and her imaginary best friends, Pobby and Dingan. When Pobby and Dingan disappear thanks to her alcoholic father, it seems clear Kellyanne must finally grow up. Except she chooses a different path, and the result is not merely surprising, it’s extraordinary. POBBY AND DINGAN, Ben Rice’s short, tight treatise on love, sacrifice and grief is so flawlessly written, you’ll read it in two hours but remember it forever.
Michael Cunningham
Author of “day”.
One of the many glories of MARTYR ! , a first novel by the poet Kaveh Akbar, is its entirely original voice: half wised-up dude-speak, half soaring lyricism. This is a major novel that, like all major novels, doesn’t quite resemble anything else you’ve read.
author of “NOS4A2” and “Full Throttle”
There are great historical novels, and then there is Francis Spufford’s GOLDEN HILL , which — for this reader anyway — is the closest any book has ever come to offering the experience of authentic time travel. Spufford’s New York City of 1746 is so vivid, so present, one can smell the wood smoke and wet wool and observe the sheen of light glancing off the “oozy cobbles.” The narrative offers electrifying romantic repartee, desperate chases and tragicomic duels, and a lead character who is playing a secret game all of his own. When the outcome of that game is finally revealed, the reader discovers the stakes were always much higher than one might’ve guessed; the horror and shame at the heart of “Golden Hill” haunt America to this day. Turns out the past is never quite as far off as you would’ve thought.
Sarah Bakewell
Author of “at the existentialist cafe”.
The books that most excite me are those that are meticulous in their research, yet radically change how I think about the world. Several of my 10 choices did this: Hallie Rubenhold’s THE FIVE drew my attention away from the tedious mystery of Jack the Ripper (who cares?), to explore the full, fascinating lives of five real women who became his victims. Timothy Snyder’s BLOODLANDS shifted my idea of 20th-century European history several countries eastward, altering the west-centric story I’d learned at school. Most radical of all was Ed Yong’s brilliant first book, I CONTAIN MULTITUDES . This undid my assumption that I was a single, definite “me.” I learned that I am a great swirling community of microbes, often changing places with those in other swirls of microbes around me. That’s not just a bird I see flying, but a feathery set of “trillions of microbes.” If I touch a pangolin (don’t ask), countless tiny beings move from a “human-shaped raft” to a “pangolin-shaped” one.After reading this gloriously witty and visionary book, I was never quite the same person — I mean raft of microbes — again.
Megan Abbott
Author of “beware the woman”.
Daniel Woodrell might be America’s greatest living writer, and WINTER’S BONE shows you why. The haunting tale of a young woman’s search through the poverty-riddled Ozarks for her father, the novel risks being weighed down by the sorrow and stunning violence of its world. But instead it’s luminous, every page shivering with feeling, mystery and a keenly rendered humanity. And no one writes a sentence like Woodrell — he can make you gasp, weep, ache. A true master still at the peak of his powers.
We are having trouble retrieving the article content.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access.
Already a subscriber? Log in .
Want all of The Times? Subscribe .
What is Project 2025? The Presidential Transition Project explained.
The detailed plan to dismantle and reconstruct the government laid out by conservative groups known as the 2025 Presidential Transition Project has critics up in arms over its " apocalyptic " and " authoritarian " nature.
The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank in Washington, D.C., led an effort to create the more than 900-page "Mandate for Leadership," published in April 2023, reimagining the executive branch and presented a plan to overhaul several federal government agencies, including the FBI, for the country's next conservative president to follow.
More: Project 2025 head says 'second American Revolution' will be 'bloodless if the left allows'
According to the Project's website, the playbook provides a governing agenda and a lineup of people ready to implement it to "rescue the country from the grip of the radical Left." It includes a domestic and foreign policy agenda, a list of personnel, training, and a 180-day playbook.
"It is not enough for conservatives to win elections," Project 2025 said on its website . "With the right conservative policy recommendations and properly vetted and trained personnel to implement them, we will take back our government."
Project 2025's Director is Paul Dans , who served as the U.S. Office of Personnel Management chief of staff in former President Donald Trump's administration. Although it mentions Trump by name, the handbook does not directly assume the Republican party's presumptive nominee will be the one to carry out its agenda.
What is in Project 2025?
The mandate attacks several policies that former President Barack Obama and President Joe Biden instituted, including student loan forgiveness and Obamacare . It simultaneously calls for expanded executive power for the commander-in-chief while criticizing what Project 2025 members perceive as overreaches by the Biden administration.
"Presidents should not issue mask or vaccine mandates, arbitrarily transfer student loan debt, or issue monarchical mandates of any sort," the plan reads. "Legislatures make the laws in a republic, not executives."
The playbook calls for the reinstatement of a Trump executive order augmenting a president's power to hire and fire federal officials by replacing civil servants with political appointees throughout government.
It also seeks to repeal aspects of the Affordable Care Act , urge the Food and Drug Administration to reverse the approval of abortion pills , and further empower Immigration and Customs Enforcement to deport undocumented immigrants .
The plan also specifically addresses LGBTQ+ issues and attacks "radical gender ideology." In addition to calling for an end to the Department of Education, it suggests legislation that would forbid educators from using transgender students' names or pronouns without written permission from their guardians. It also appears to oppose same-sex marriage and gay couples adopting children by seeking to "maintain a biblically based, social science-reinforced definition of marriage and family."
Project 2025 generates concern
Project 2025 has received substantial criticism from Democrats, including Representative Jasmine Crockett , D-Texas, who called out the controversial plan during a congressional hearing last month.
"I don't know why or how anybody can support Project 2025," Crockett said. "In the United States of America, dictatorships are never funny, and Project 2025 is giving the playbook for authoritarianism as well as the next dictator to come in."
Progressive Democrat U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts called it a "far-right manifesto" in a post on TikTok . The Biden campaign captioned a video detailing Project 2025, stating it "needs more attention."
Rachel Barber is a 2024 election fellow at USA TODAY, focusing on politics and education. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, as @rachelbarber_
Find anything you save across the site in your account
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
35 Best Movies Based on Books That Are Actually Worth Watching
There are a lot of movies based on books. There are very few good movies based on books.
That's not a knock on Hollywood–it can be challenging to fit a novel's worth of plot and character development into a few hours of entertainment. That's why the best films based on books often feel more like a companion piece than a true retelling of a best-selling paperback. Some, like the 2019 movie adaptation of Little Women , play with the story or add in new scenes to appeal to a modern audience. Others benefit from the glitz and glam that Hollywood brings. Netflix's film version of To All the Boys I've Loved Before , for example, comes with an engaging soundtrack that elevates the romance onscreen.
Below you'll find some of the best movies based on books available for streaming right now. We also included the real-life novels that inspired them so you can add to your reading list. No chance of boredom here. (Need more? We've also got a guide to the best movies based on romance novels .)
All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
1. Lady Chatterley’s Lover (2022)
The book: Lady Chatterley's Lover by D.H. Lawrence
D.H. Lawrence's novel about an affair between a gamekeeper and an upper-class woman is notorious for its explicit descriptions of sex—so much so that the book was banned for obscenity in several countries. Onsreen, stars Emma Corrin and Jack O'Connell have a natural chemistry that only adds to the steaminess.
Available to stream on Netflix
2. Pride and Prejudice (2005)
The book: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Jane Austen's classic story of love and bad first impressions has been adapted many times over. But this film version, starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, takes a more realistic approach than other film versions. As a result, enemies turned lovers Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy come to life onscreen.
Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video
3. If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)
The book: If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin
James Baldwin's 1974 novel If Beale Street Could Talk , about a young woman trying to clear the name of her boyfriend after he was wrongfully accused of a crime in New York, is an incredible read. So only someone with a vision like Barry Jenkins, who wrote and directed this adaptation, could bring it to the big screen. The Oscar-nominated film received numerous awards, including a best supporting actress win for Regina King's performance.
Available to stream on Hulu
4. The Wizard of Oz
The book: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
What can be said about The Wizard of Oz that you don't already know? The 1939 classic starring Judy Garland enhances L. Frank Baum's children's fantasy novel through its innovative use of Technicolor, memorable performances, and a beloved score that includes “Over the Rainbow.”
Available to stream on Amazon Prime Video
5. Little Women (2019)
The book: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
There's a reason Little Women has been adapted for film seven times. Louisa May Alcott's semiautobiographical novel about sisters Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy has stood the test of time, and it's still just as relatable now as it was in 1868, when it was published. The most recent remake stars Laura Dern, Meryl Streep, and Saoirse Ronan and is arguably the best interpretation of Alcott's story.
Available to buy on Amazon Prime Video
6. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
The book: Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
Where do we even begin with this one? The fashion! The romance! The drama! Constance Wu and Henry Golding lead the romantic comedy about a Chinese American woman who travels to Singapore to meet her boyfriend's family. Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong. His family is one of the richest and well-known families in the country, and his mother is not exactly welcoming of her son's new romance.
Available to stream on HBO Max
7. Gone Girl (2014)
The book: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
We could write a dissertation about Gone Girl, and it still wouldn't be long enough to dive into the complicated issues tackled in the movie. Here's what you need to know: The David Fincher–directed mystery movie is about a husband who becomes a suspect in his wife's disappearance. The thriller tackles parenting, manipulation, misogyny, and most of all, marriage. When it comes to movie adaptations of books, this is near the top of the list.
8. A Simple Favor (2018)
The book: A Simple Favor: A Novel by Darcey Bell
Nothing's simple about A Simple Favor . Perhaps the best part of the crime thriller is Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick's odd yet enthralling dynamic. You'll be scratching your head from start to finish as you try to figure out what exactly is going on in the film.
9. Sense and Sensibility (1995)
The book: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
Another Jane Austen movie makes the list because…well, there are just so many good adaptations of her work. Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet lead this film about a sensible and reserved older sister, Elinor, and her romantically inclined and eagerly expressive younger sister, Marianne.
10. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
The book: The Devil Wears Prada: A Novel by Lauren Weisberger
Meryl Streep plays the coldest, scariest, most intimidating boss at the fictional fashion magazine Runway . Anne Hathaway's character is clueless and unfashionable, and fancies herself a serious journalist. Their characters clash yet somehow find a way to work together. The movie is elevated by the performances, and you might find yourself surprisingly moved at the end.
11. The Color Purple (1985)
The book: The Color Purple by Alice Walker
The story of Celie (played by Whoopi Goldberg) is one that will stay with you. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Alice Walker and portrays the problems Black women faced during the early 20th century, including domestic violence, poverty, racism, and sexism. Celie's journey spans a 40-year time period.
12. The First Wives Club (1996)
The book: The First Wives Club by Olivia Goldsmith
We love everything about this movie: the acting, the humor, and the friendship of three reunited friends. The film follows the women, played by Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, and Diane Keaton, deciding to get revenge on their ex-husbands after the death of a close friend.
13. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
The book: To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
Laura Jean and Peter Kavinsky's romance is sure to go down as one of this generation's most popular love stories. The trilogy of teen romantic comedy books by Jenny Han turned Netflix movies are popular for a reason. Yes, there are some common tropes used in the plot. However, the film adaptations somehow still feel fresh, unique, and effortlessly heartwarming.
14. The Harry Potter series (2001–2011)
The book: The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Who could have known that the boy who lived would start an international phenomenon? Readers and audiences of all ages have been obsessed with the Wizarding World for decades, and it's easy to see why: The friendship, the magic, the excitement and the humor are as enthralling in the movies as they are in the books.
Available to stream on Peacock
15. Hidden Figures (2016)
The book: Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly
If you're in the mood for a feel-good movie, then look no further. Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe star in this movie about the three Black women who worked at NASA during the early years of the space program. They were an integral part of launching astronaut John Glenn into orbit. This true story is most likely not one you learned about in school.
Available to stream on Disney+
16. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
The book : The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris
Anthony Hopkins plays Hannibal Lecter, who famously asks Jodi Foster's character, “Well, Clarice…have the lambs stopped screaming?” If you don't know what that means, there's only one way to find out: Queue up the classic thriller for movie night.
17. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
The book: The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith
This sexy classic is actually part of a series about the Tom Ripley, a social-climbing mimic who will lie, cheat, and even murder his way up the ranks of wealthy midcentury Manhattanites. The movie features Gwyneth Paltrow, Matt Damon, and Jude Law at their golden, glowy, youthful best, and a striking performance from the late Philip Seymour Hoffman.
18. It (2017)
The book: It by Stephen King
This chilling horror classic has terrified generations. In a small New England town, a group of unlikely friends find themselves caught in the clutches of a mysterious shape-shifting killer who takes the form of whatever you fear most.
19. The Princess Diaries (2001)
The book: The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
The ultimate glow-up! Mia Thermopolis is an awkward, nerdy high school outcast who discovers she's actually royalty in this modern twist on the Cinderella story. Peppered with observations about friendship, love, and growing up, the books are as funny as the movie. The young adult book series, written like a diary, will make you fall even more in love with Mia than the film adaptation did. Don't be surprised if you find yourself wanting to wear Doc Martens after reading.
20. The Joy Luck Club (1993)
The book: The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
The Chinese American immigrant experience is explored in detail in this adaptation of Amy Tan's novel, which follows a group of women living in San Francisco's Chinatown as they support one another through heartbreak and triumph.
21. The Princess Bride (1987)
The book: The Princess Bride by Willam Goldman
This beloved classic is like five fairy tales combined into a sparkling family comedy that's much easier to follow than the book it's based on. Featuring a host of quirky character actors and quotable lines, this is essentially a meme factory from before there was such a thing. Don't fight Grandpa; it's time for a love story (you'll get that reference once you watch the movie).
22. Election (1999)
The book: Election by Tom Perrotta
This dark comedy about the ruthlessness of politicians features a breakout performance from a young Reese Witherspoon and taught a generation to recognize the Tracy Flicks in their lives. It's become a catchword often hurled unfairly at women with ambition, but it also accurately describes the kind of earnest yet hollow striving we see in so many people, no matter their gender, today.
23. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
The book: Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King
The highest-rated movie on IMDb, this classic is parodied (and homaged) all over the place, a favorite of both fans and critics. It's a drama, to be sure, but as far as prison stories go, watchable and even a little hopeful.
24. Atonement (2007)
The book: Atonement: A Novel by Ian McEwan
Beware: This story is a bummer. Though famous for its library sex scene and the debut of a young Saoirse Ronan, Atonement is mostly a war story, and a devastating one at that. No one gets away clean in this tale of love, loss, lies, and regret.
25. Jurassic Park (1993)
The book: Jurassic Park: A Novel by Michael Crichton
This blockbuster keeps getting rebooted for a reason: It's just cool to watch dinosaurs chase people! Yes, there's a lesson here about overstepping the bounds of science and hubris in the face of nature, but mostly, T-Rex go chomp-chomp.
26. The Godfather trilogy (1972–1990)
The book: The Godfather by Mario Puzo
The greatest achievement in the history of American cinema? This crime epic has been praised for its performances, filmmaking, quotable lines, and archetypal characters. It's rich with symbolism and history, but actually a straightforward and pleasant watch. Never meandering or slow, the story is gripping, if devastating.
27. The White Tiger (2021)
The book: The White Tiger: A Novel by Aravind Adiga
This film adaptation of Aravind Adiga's 2008 novel follows a man named Balram Halwai (Adarsh Gourav, in his first leading role) who was born into poverty and uses his wit and cunning to build a successful career as an entrepreneur.
28. The United States vs. Billie Holiday (2021)
The book: Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs by Johann Hari
Andra Day was nominated for an Academy Award for best actress for her portrayal of legendary singer Billie Holiday in this biographical film, which was based in part on Johann Hari's book about the history and impact of drug criminalization.
29. Room (2015)
The book: Room by Emma Donoghue
Both the book and the film adaptation of this intense story follow a kidnapped young woman and her son, who we learn was born in captivity. When they finally escape their abuser, the child gets to experience the outside world for the first time in his life.
30. Emma (2020)
The book: Emma by Jane Austen
Jane Austen's novel, about a spoiled heiress who amuses herself by meddling in the lives of her neighbors, has been adapted to film before. But the 2020 version, starring Anya Taylor-Joy in the titular role, is one of the best thanks to its excellent casting, whimsical costume and set design, and modern approach to the source material.
31. Clueless (1995)
Yes, Emma again! One of Jane Austen’s best books, it also inspired this coming-of-age teen comedy starring Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy, and Paul Rudd. Says screenwriter and director Amy Heckerling, “I loved [ Emma ] when I read it in college—it’s the most modern story with the most perfect character, the most lovable, flawed person that you’re rooting for. Then I looked at what could make the bones for the present day high school teenagers, and if I ever thought like, wait, how would this happen, I would just go back to Emma and there were the answers.”
32. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
The book: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Movie adaptations across all genres exist, and that includes YA Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, and Logan Lerman lead this coming-of-age drama about a shy teenager experiencing the many highs and lows of freshman year of high school.
33. The Lord of the Rings series (2001–2003)
The book: The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Epic fantasies naturally translate well to the big screen, but nobody does it like this movie series . And now you can follow up your rewatch by diving into Rings of Power, a new TV show that's set thousands of years before the events of The Lord of the Rings .
34. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
The book: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon by Wang Dulu
Directed by Ang Lee, this epic was a critical and commercial success with 10 Oscar nominations, including one for best picture and a win for best foreign language film.
35. The Paddington movies (2014, 2017)
The book: The Paddington books by Michael Bond
We didn't think Paddington, a beloved fictional character in children's literature, could get any cuter—and then we saw him on the big screen. In fact, Paddington 2 ranks among our favorite movie sequels of all time. If you can watch it without crying…how?
- Action/Adventure
- Children's/Family
- Documentary/Reality
- Amazon Prime Video
More From Decider
Netflix Basic Plan Discontinued: Is Netflix Getting Rid Of Its Cheapest...
Michael Strahan Returns To 'Good Morning America' After Two Weeks Off The...
'The Bachelorette' Jenn Tran Calls Out Kelly Ripa For Insisting She Can...
'The Bear' Season 3 Review: Carmy Secures His Role as The Chairman of The...
R.I.P. Martin Mull: 'Clue' & 'Roseanne' Star Dead at 80
Every Kevin Costner Movie Is A Western (Even When They're Not)
Nicole Kidman Tore Zac Efron’s Shirt Off in One Take, Says ‘A Family...
Is Kevin Costner Dooming Himself To Be The Captain Ahab of Westerns With...
Share this:.
- Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
- Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
- Click to copy URL
Stream It Or Skip It: ‘Desperate Lies’ On Netflix, Where A Woman Is Impregnated By Two Different Men Who Despise Each Other
Where to stream:.
- Desperate Lies
Stream It Or Skip It: ‘Nelma Kodama: The Queen Of Dirty Money’ On Netflix, A Documentary About A Brazilian “Dollar Dealer” And Her Blinged Out Ankle Monitor
Stream it or skip it: ‘dom’ season 3 on prime video, the final run for this brazilian crime drama and its charismatic, conflicted thief , stream it or skip it: ‘bionic’ on netflix, a brazilian action movie with bolt-on sci-fi parts , stream it or skip it: ‘good morning, veronica: season 3’ on netflix, the final episodes of this grim brazilian crime-drama.
Soapy shows that have really dark moments — that don’t treat the darkness as camp — are few and far between, because it’s really hard to pull that off. A new Netflix series from Brazil is both soapy and dark, almost to the point of being grim.
DESPERATE LIES : STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?
Opening Shot: “2006.” We see a house at night and the sounds of a woman in labor.
The Gist: The woman, Liana (Juliana Paes) walks away from her husband Tomás (Vladimir Brichta), and goes to a work shed to be alone. Tomás finds her and helps her give birth to their son. As he’s putting the newborn in his crib, Liana screams “The other one is coming!”
Flash back eight months. Liana, who has had a couple of miscarriages, is taking medication to help her with ovulation, but hasn’t told Tomás. Knowing that she’ll be ovulating that day, she comes home from work and has some quick, perfunctory baby-making sex with her husband.
Afterwards, as she has her legs up to help along his sperm, she sees a flirty text on his phone from Claudia (Yohama Eshima), a woman in the bicycling group they both used to be in; she then sees an even sexier email from her. Liana confronts Tomás about it and he blames her for making their marriage all about making a baby. He decides to go on a biking trip to get some space.
The next day, she commiserates with her work friend Débora (Martha Nowill). Débora’s solution is to go to the club where her brother Oscar (Felipe Abib) bartends. Oscar admits that he’s always had a crush on Liana and says that Tomás doesn’t deserve her. They proceed to get drunk and pop some Ecstasy. They go back to her place, and she tries to fend off Oscar’s advances, but he ends up taking advantage of her when she was largely unconscious, which she realizes the next morning when she sees a condom wrapper on the floor.
Tomás ends up going to the hospital, the victim of a biking accident, and he tells his doctor sister Silvia (Paloma Duarte) not to tell Liana. In the meantime, Oscar, who was a close friend of Liana’s brother, who died about a decade prior, tries to romance her and ultimately tells her that he threw the condom to the floor before he even used it, meaning he was unprotected when he had sex with her.
Eventually, Silvia tells Liana about Tomás and they reconcile. Tomás is overjoyed when Liana finds out she’s pregnant, but she wants to know exactly how far along she is; she is understandably concerned that the child isn’t her husband’s. She finds out she is having twins, and after taking a paternity test, gets the shock of her life: One of the fetuses is Tomás’, and the other is Oscar’s.
What Shows Will It Remind You Of? Desperate Lies (Original title: Pedaço de Mim , created by Ângela Chaves, feels like a telenovela along the lines of Jane The Virgin , except way, way darker in tone.
Our Take: The first hour of Desperate Lies is certainly a rough watch, but not just because of the grim circumstances surrounding Liana’s pregnancy. Essentially, she was sexually assaulted by Oscar, and because of the million-to-one result that she was impregnated by both Oscar and Tomás, there’s no way she can terminate the pregnancy. The rest of the season (a voluminous 17 episodes!) basically revolves around how Liana manages this turn of events and how both Tomás and Oscar react when they learn the truth.
Like we said, though, that’s not the only reason why the show is so hard to watch. There are a ton of interconnections and silly coincidences thrown into the mix that we hope will link into the main story later on but seem strangely superfluous in the first episode.
For instance, Silvia seems to be the only doctor in all of Rio de Janeiro; she’s not only Liana’s OB-GYN, but she’s also there when Tomás arrives in the ER after his accident. Oh, and by the way, Silvia and her son go to Liana’s clinic so her son can learn to live independently with his failing vision.
Then there’s the business of Liana’s brother’s death, which Oscar seems to have regrets about ever since. Right after Liana’s unfortunate night with Oscar, her mother decides to invite Oscar and Débora to her house for her yearly, maudlin birthday celebration for her dead son. This is where Oscar tells Liana about throwing the condom away. It’s the type of coincidence that only seems to happen on soapy shows like this, even ones with really dark themes.
This doesn’t feel like the kind of story that could occupy 17 episodes unless there are a lot of side plots thrown in the mix. But the problem with having those side plots is that, unless they’re expertly written, they’ll only serve to distract from the main plot, which is that Liana is having two children fathered by two men who despise each other. Your enjoyment will depend on whether you’re into all of these side plots or not.
Sex and Skin: There’s simulated sex but not a lot of nudity in the first episode.
Parting Shot: Liana receives the shocking news about being impregnated by two different men.
Sleeper Star: We’ll give this to Felipe Abib, because he personifies Oscar’s scumbaginess perfectly.
Most Pilot-y Line: Just the overall feeling that, in 2024, a drama that victim-blames a woman that was sexually assaulted feels really, really wrong, and that’s the vibe we get from the aftermath of Oscar’s assault.
Our Call: SKIP IT. Desperate Lies isn’t just grim and filled with side stories that seem to distract from the main one, but its viewpoint is extremely retrograde, whether that was the intention or not.
Joel Keller ( @joelkeller ) writes about food, entertainment, parenting and tech, but he doesn’t kid himself: he’s a TV junkie. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, Slate, Salon, RollingStone.com , VanityFair.com , Fast Company and elsewhere.
- Stream It Or Skip It
Michael Strahan Returns To 'Good Morning America' After Two Weeks Off The Air — Where He Was And Why He Was Away
Kelly Ripa Stunned On 'Live' After Mark Consuelos Claims They Should Start Thinking Of Their Grandparent Names: "Why, Have You Heard Something?"
'The View' Co-Hosts Point Fingers At EP Brian Teta When Jill Biden Asks Why They Insist On Calling Her "First Lady"
When Does 'Power Book II: Ghost' Return With New Episodes?
Christina Applegate Gets Disgustingly Graphic With Deodorant Advice To 'Love Island' Stars
Netflix Basic Plan Discontinued: Is Netflix Getting Rid Of Its Cheapest Tier?
Film Or Book Review
Table of contents, introduction, what is a film or book review.
The purpose of a review is to provide readers or viewers with insights that help them form an informed opinion about the work and decide whether it’s worth their time and attention.
Movie Review
Book review.
They may also consider the book’s contribution to its genre, cultural significance, and how it engages with relevant social or historical contexts.
Structure of a Movie or Book Review
(Optionally, if you are a blog post you may want to include a numerical rating for a visual summary and encourage reader engagement through a call to action, fostering discussions or feedback.)
Steps to Write Your Movie or Book Review
1. preparation, 2. planning.
Once completed, create an outline for your review. Here is a sample structure for reference:
3. Writing your First Draft
4. revising and editing, useful expressions for movie or book reviews, title, author / director, actors, characters and plot.
By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy . We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Essential Film Criticism Books for Any Film Lover’s Shelf
- Share on Facebook
- Share to Flipboard
- Share on LinkedIn
- Show more sharing options
- Submit to Reddit
- Post to Tumblr
- Print This Page
- Share on WhatsApp
No cinephile’s bookshelf is complete without a well-curated selection of film criticism books to complement their robust movie library. After all, criticism exists to enhance our understanding of art, and really any creative endeavor. The art of film criticism is almost as old as film itself, and has evolved just as film has over the past century or so.
The below selection of film criticism classics includes a wide variety of literature that helps enhance the filmgoing experience, from in-depth histories of specific films to exhaustive analysis of filmmakers and actors; from essay collections of famed critics to histories of film movements and eras. They’re both historical and contemporary, with original release dates spanning nearly eight decades. These books aren’t only covering classics, either — sometimes the zero-star reviews about notorious flops are just as illuminating as thoughtful takes on some of film’s most revered movies.
See our selection of best film criticism books below.
“The Age of Movies: Selected Writings of Pauline Kael : A Library of America Special Publication”
There have been many collections of Pauline Kael’s work, but a great deal of them — “For Keeps” and “I Lost it at the Movies” included — are hard to find or out of print. This 2016 collection features the sharply opinionated New Yorker critic’s takes on “The Godfather,” “Bonnie and Clyde,” “Last Tango in Paris,” and more seminal works, and spans her entire career.
“Negative Space: Manny Farber On The Movies”
Another seminal and divisive critic with a very distinct style of prose, Farber, an accomplished painter, deconstructs films and scenes with a unique eye. His definition of “termite art,” as opposed to “white elephant art,” opened up a whole new discourse around appreciating the aesthetic greatness of B movies and genre films that don’t necessarily telegraph their artistic intent with the literalism and obviousness of “prestige” efforts. This collection comes with seven essays he wrote with his wife, the artist Patricia Patterson, along with an in-depth interview.
“Better Living Through Criticism: How to Think About Art, Pleasure, Beauty, and Truth” by A.O. Scott
Longtime “New York Times” film critic Scott examines the discipline of criticism as a whole, using his own work as a lens to demonstrate how criticism allows creativity to thrive. This particular volume was inspired by the author’s own Twitter feud with Samuel L. Jackson, following Scott’s pan of “The Avengers.” Everyone’s a critic, because critical thinking informs all aspects of life, from art to politics and everything in between.
“Leonard Maltin’s Movie Guide: The Modern Era”
Maltin stopped updating his annual movie guides a few years ago, but the 2015 edition serves as a capstone of sorts and includes nearly 16,000 entries of essential information on films from the modern era — box office record-breakers, cult classics, and complete bombs alike.
“I Hated, Hated, HATED This Movie” by Roger Ebert
Yes, you should definitely add any volume from Ebert’s “The Great Movies” collection to your bookshelf. But just as important as the Pulitzer Prize-winning critic’s raves are the scathing takedowns that, in many cases, are even more fun than the movies themselves. This is the first best-selling collection of Ebert’s one-star (or less) reviews, followed by the equally entertaining “Your Movie Sucks” and “A Horrible Experience of Unbearable Length: More Movies That Suck.”
“Murder and the Movies” by David Thomson
In his latest volume, film historian Thomson investigates film’s obsession with murder and what that says about us as viewers through the lens of classics including “Strangers on a Train,” “The Godfather,” and “The Shining.” (Also shelf-worthy: The most recent update of his comprehensive “The Biographical Dictionary of Film.” )
“Seduction: Sex, Lies, and Stardom in Howard Hughes’s Hollywood” by Karina Longworth
The creator of the essential film podcast “You Must Remember This” reminds readers that the film industry’s obsession with sex and power predates the #MeToo movement. Before Harvey Weinstein there was Howard Hughes, and “Seduction” shows how Hughes’ wielded his power via the stories of ten women who had relationships with the mogul.
“Hollywood Black” by Donald Bogle
Bogle’s overview of Black filmmaking, from the silent era through “Black Panther,” tells the history of Black Hollywood, including its films, stars, and filmmakers, and includes a foreword by the late John Singleton.
“From Reverence to Rape: The Treatment of Women in the Movies, Third Edition” by Molly Haskell
Originally published in 1974, the latest update to Haskell’s classic piece of feminist film criticism was released in 2016. It includes an insightful investigation into the way women are portrayed on screen versus their status in society, plus a new introduction about how Haskell’s views have evolved since its initial publication.
“What is Cinema?” by André Bazin
This foundational text of film studies comes from one of film criticism’s most influential voices, the French critic Bazin, who championed filmmakers such as Jean Renoir, Orson Welles, and Roberto Rossellini.
“From Caligari to Hitler: A Psychological History of the German Film” by Siegfried Kracauer
This defining history of German expressionist film, first published in 1947, examines how the Weimar Republic produced such politically charged work as “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari,” “M,” “Metropolis,” and “The Blue Angel.”
“Pictures at a Revolution” by Mark Harris
Harris focuses on the best picture nominees at the 1967 Academy Awards — “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” “The Graduate,” “In the Heat of the Night,” “Doctor Doolittle,” and “Bonnie and Clyde” — to show how the cultural revolution of the 1960s changed Hollywood forever.
“Made Men: The Story of Goodfellas” by Glenn Kenny
Kenny’s history of Scorsese’s classic mob movie arrives on Sept. 15, just in time for the 30th anniversary of Martin Scorsese’s seminal 1990 film. This behind-the-scenes story features interviews from Scorsese and star Robert De Niro and sheds light on why the film’s legacy has endured over the past three decades.
“Make My Day: Movie Culture in the Age of Reagan” by J. Hoberman
“Make My Day” chronicles the relationship between politics and cinema in Reagan’s 1980s, and is the third volume in Hoberman’s trilogy (after “The Dream Life,” about the 1960s, and “An Army of Phantoms,” about American movies in the first decade of the Cold War).
“Tom Cruise: Anatomy of an Actor” by Amy Nicholson
Nicholson investigates the career of the all-American superstar, from his first role (in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Outsiders”), his rise to super-stardom in the ’80s (in “Top Gun” and beyond), and his enduring status as modern-day action hero (in the “Mission Impossible” series).
“David Lynch: The Man from Another Place” by Dennis Lim
Lim digs into the career of the director not by trying to de-mystify his mysterious mind, but by embracing the strangeness of the multi-hyphenate artist.
“Movies That Mattered: More Reviews from a Transformative Decade” by Dave Kehr
Film critic Dave Kehr’s work is compiled in this second volume of criticism, compiled from his time at the Chicago Reader and Chicago magazine between 1974 and 1986, which features some of the in-depth, nuanced essays for which Kehr is known.
Returning the Gaze: A Genealogy of Black Film Criticism, 1909-1949 by Anna Everett
“Returning the Gaze” is an exploration of Black film criticism, from the first half of 20th century. The book shares film commentary through the writings of W.E.B. DuBois, Langston Hughes, and Zora Neale Hurston, in addition to pieces written during the Great Depression, and the pre-and-post-war era. The book looks at how Black media pushed back against racist themes in film, and called attention to the use of lynching footage as examples of both a commercial, and callous, act of exploitation.
Regarding Film Criticism and Commentary by Stanley Kauffman
Released in 1993, this collection of writings from late critic Stanley Kauffman includes films from major established directors, musings on cinematic adaptations of Mozart’s operas, and independent cinema, in addition to exploring changing public attitudes towards film as an art form.
Ambiguity and Film Criticism: Reasonable Doubt by Hoi Lun Law
As the title suggests, Hoi Lun Law’s book makes a case for ambiguity on film and why it’s a vital concept to cinema. Broken into two parts, the book features seven chapters that include: “Difficulty of Reading, “Depth of Suggestion, “and “Threat of Insignificance.”
Most Popular
You may also like.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
The Good Book: Directed by Sharon Wilharm. With Bella Higginbotham, Jenn Gotzon, Abigail Rhyne, Donald James Parker. A small New Testament passes through the hands of 14 strangers. For seven of them, their lives will never be the same.
This movie shows the power of the "Good Book", the Bible. As it is passed from one person to another we see the remarkable hope that it offers various people during some of life's most difficult moments. A young boy, Daniel, accidentally sets his home on fire and runs away due to the shame he feels as his parents and sibling search for him.
The Good Book (2014) The Good Book (2014) The Good Book (2014) The Good Book (2014) View more photos Movie Info Synopsis A small New Testament is passed from person to person and provides hope ...
Cast. Bella Higginbotham (Ruth's Daughter) Jenn Gotzon (Ruth - The Church Woman) Abigail Rhyne (Vanna) Donald James Parker (Church Member) Rebecca Lines (Leah) Hayden Gael Barnes (Daniel's Sister ...
Each situation is difference and each struggle is unique, but the same Book shows each one the way to go. This Good Book can do the same for your life. Production Quality (2.5 points) As an ambitious silent film, The Good Book boasts many professional elements. The fundamentals—camera work, video quality, and audio quality—are all excellent.
In that you had some of Hollywood's best players. You did not have that with this film The Good Book which contains no dialog, but has an overriding musical score to aid in telling what is going on. A pocket New Testament makes its rounds like those tails in Tales Of Manhattan and with it a separate story is attached.
Multiple Stories in THE GOOD BOOK. THE GOOD BOOK begins with a young boy's tragic experience of a house fire. He eventually ends up at a homeless camp. That's where the "main character," a small New Testament Bible, is introduced. Viewers watch the closing of the homeless child's story, but the journey of the little, red Bible continues.
The Good Book weaving a compelling story centered around a small Bible that is passed along from individual to individual - young and old, rich and poor, ble...
Visit the movie page for 'The Good Book' on Moviefone. Discover the movie's synopsis, cast details and release date. Watch trailers, exclusive interviews, and movie review.
God's Word will not return to him void! SCH Contributor Dale Ward highlights the power of The Good Book, both the movie and the Word of God.
The Good Book weaves a compelling story centered around a small Bible that is passed along from individual to individual - young and old, rich and poor, blessed and forsaken. Each has a decision to make. ... Find Movie Box Office Data: Goodreads Book reviews & recommendations : IMDb Movies, TV & Celebrities: IMDbPro Get Info Entertainment ...
All Audience. Verified Audience. No All Critics reviews for The Good Book. Rotten Tomatoes, home of the Tomatometer, is the most trusted measurement of quality for Movies & TV. The definitive site ...
100 Best Books of the 21st Century: As voted on by 503 novelists, nonfiction writers, poets, critics and other book lovers — with a little help from the staff of The New York Times Book Review.
The detailed plan to dismantle and reconstruct the government laid out by conservative groups known as the 2025 Presidential Transition Project has critics up in arms over its "apocalyptic" and ...
Buy a ticket to Bad Boys: Ride or Die Get $5 off the Bad Boys 4-Movie Collection; Buy a ticket to Deadpool & Wolverine Get $12 off Deadpool 2-Film Collection; Get any select horror titles for $5 each When you buy a ticket to Tarot; Gift, Give or Receive a ticket to The Forge With The Kingdom Builders Gifted Ticket Program; Go to next offer
The book: Stephen King's more logophilic tendencies are in full force with this approximately 500-page novel. Telling the story of a family torn asunder both by mental illness and otherworldly ...
Based on the novel by Ann Leary, the romantic dramedy "The Good House" touches on some piercing and deeply relatable truths about drinking, and about women's drinking in particular: that it gives us swagger, that it helps us hang with the big boys, that it lets us present the best version of ourselves to the world.
Wednesday's edition of the Netflix Top 10 Movies list saw Minions jump up to the third overall spot on the streamer's daily film charts, sitting below only recent releases Beverly Hills Cop: Axel ...
Visit the movie page for 'The Good Book' on Moviefone. Discover the movie's synopsis, cast details and release date. Watch trailers, exclusive interviews, and movie review. Your guide to this ...
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder has landed on BBC iPlayer, bringing Holly Jackson's incredible YA crime trilogy to life with a six-part series adapting the first novel.. Centred on teen and would-be sleuth Pip Fitz-Amobi (), the series sees her investigate the disappearance and apparent death of Andie Bell (India Lillie Davies) five years earlier.. Everyone in her sleepy town of Little Kilton ...
1. Lady Chatterley's Lover (2022) The book: Lady Chatterley's Lover by D.H. Lawrence. D.H. Lawrence's novel about an affair between a gamekeeper and an upper-class woman is notorious for its ...
The next day, she commiserates with her work friend Débora (Martha Nowill). Débora's solution is to go to the club where her brother Oscar (Felipe Abib) bartends.
6. Overall Commentary: Offer a general commentary on the film or book. State whether you recommend it to others and why. 7. Conclusion: Sum up your review with a concise conclusion. Reiterate key points and leave the reader with a clear understanding of your overall assessment. 3.
Paperback. $18.95. Buy Now. Released in 1993, this collection of writings from late critic Stanley Kauffman includes films from major established directors, musings on cinematic adaptations of ...
The Beekeeper is a 2024 American action thriller film directed by David Ayer and written by Kurt Wimmer.The film stars Jason Statham, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Josh Hutcherson, Bobby Naderi, Phylicia Rashad, Jemma Redgrave and Jeremy Irons.When his kind-hearted landlady commits suicide after falling victim to a phishing scam, former "Beekeeper" operative Adam Clay sets out on a brutal campaign for ...
The Good Book Blu-ray Release Date December 27, 2022 (Slipcover in Original Pressing). Blu-ray reviews, news, specs, ratings, screenshots. Cheap Blu-ray movies and deals.
Meet the talented cast and crew behind 'The Good Book' on Moviefone. Explore detailed bios, filmographies, and the creative team's insights. Dive into the heart of this movie through its stars and ...
Review by Michael Scrutchin. The Good Book is a refreshing change of pace in the world of low-budget shot-on-video B-movies. In a market fueled mostly by gore, violence, and T&A, along comes this slick plot-driven film ripe with interesting ideas. While marred by some damaging flaws, The Good Book is still well worth a look.
Our heroine's bookishness, meanwhile, is mainly a source of bemusement to Rudy (Nico Liersh), the flaxen-haired neighbor boy who befriends and dotes on her. In a different, more reality-based movie, their relationship would be a coming-of-age romance. But though the characters here age from 13 to 17 during the story, at the end they look ...
The Good Shepherd is a 2006 American spy film produced and directed by Robert De Niro and starring Matt Damon, Angelina Jolie, and De Niro, with an extensive supporting cast.Although it is fictional, loosely based on events in the life of James Jesus Angleton, it is advertised as telling the history of the birth of counterintelligence in the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).