10 Sure Signs a Movie Character is Doomed: And Other Surprising Movie Lists

by Richard Roeper

Film critic Richard Roeper has seen thousands and thousands of films -- and not all of them were pretty. But as a result he's stored up enough movie knowledge to write this hilarious collection of movie lists. Some of the irreverent, offbeat, and inventive lists in this book * 5 Things That Happen When a Wrongly Accused Fugitive Walks into a Bar, a Restaurant, or a Convenience Store * Age Difference Between Michael Douglas and His Leading Ladies * 11 Movies that Employed James Brown's "(I Got You) I Feel Good" to Indicate that a Character Feels Good! * 5 Reasons Why George Bailey Isn't Such a Wonderful Guy in It's a Wonderful Life * 7 Films in Which Ben Affleck Cries Like a Big Fat Baby * The Gross-Out Hall of Fame * 13 Great Perks of Being a Movie Character And so many more . . .

Genres: Nonfiction, Humor, Media Tie In, Film

300 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2003

About the author

Richard Roeper is a columnist/film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times and, since September of 2000, has co-hosted the television series At the Movies with Ebert & Roeper with fellow film critic Roger Ebert.

Reviews

[Daniel Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parts of this were pretty funny. But, I was going for a quick and easy read so this worked.

[Heather McC · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amusing quick read of lists, and essays (mostly lists) related to all things movie. There's no particular rhyme or reason to the layout, but some lists are naturally grouped together. I rediscovered film critic Richard Roeper after finding out that he will be a contributor on Roger Ebert's review site.

[Emily Purcell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, funny and somewhat personal guide to the author's views about movies. A lot of fun trivia. Also a good place to look for older movies that could be a new discovery for you.

[Dominique Lamssies · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm not sure why this book exists or, honestly, why I read it, but here we are.

[Myron M · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars is generous, but there is some decent trivia to be found here. There's also a LOT of filler, and big margins/big typefaces.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love books of lists. I can read them so quickly and then I feel like I have accomplished something. I read this one during Sofie and Lena's pirate-themed story time at the library today. It was a fun, easy read. I liked the lists of movie cliches, like what happens when a character wrongly accused of a crime walks into a bar. (Someone will be reading a newspaper with his mugshot prominently displayed, they will turn to get a good look at him and all they will see is the empty barstool and the front door swinging shut) I also liked the lists of songs that have been used over and over in movies ("Born to Be Wild", "I Can See Clearly Now") and the list of "movies which use James Brown's 'I Feel Good' to show that the characters are feeling good." Funny stuff.

[Stewart Tame · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, but not as much as it could have been. I would have been happier with fewer lists and more commentary on those remaining. Too much of this book consists of a chapter title followed by a list of movies, followed by another chapter title, etc. I don't doubt that plenty of thought and care went into these lists, but I would still like to have seen more of the thought processes used to arrive at the lists rather than the end result.

[Kellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really, really funny- makes you look back at movies you've seen and realize trends in them you may not have noticed. A few lists I didn't agree with, but most of them I did, or at least fuond amusing.

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book for the back of the toilet. This is a pretty random walk through Roeper's observations about movies. One of my favorite lists "12 movies that use James Brown's 'I Feel Good' to show that a patient 'feels good"

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun little lists about movies ("The Best...", "The Worst...", "The 10 Sure Signs a Movie Character is Doomed," etc.)

[Joe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Moderately amusing just to read alone, but this book of lists really shines as a conversation starter or quiz book with movie junkie friends.

[Kurt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me laugh so hard because it is so true

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books of lists, and I love movie books, so this was perfect for me....but if you DON'T like those, you won't like this! A very quick read, and fun.

[Carolynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun quick read--somewhat dated now. Include's Roeper's favorites and movies he thinks are over rated.

[Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

A fine toilet book, but I wouldn't call it literature.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

bang on.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great for picking up for a quick read as the lists are not overly long. Some interesting categories. Some very funny lists. Don't open that door or you are DOOMED.

[Rangifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun collection of lists from one of my favourite film critics. I don't agree with every opinion in the book, but I enjoyed thinking up my own contributions to the creative ideas he came up with.

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

a great book for any movie lover.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alternately obnoxious and insightful, Roeper you clever little weasel.