Action Figures: Men, Action Films, and Contemporary Adventure Narratives

by Mark Gallagher

What accounts for the massive global popularity of action films and adventure literature? How do men and women respond to iconic screen stars such as Jackie Chan, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Steve McQueen, and Charlton Heston? Action genres have been Hollywood's most profitable global exports for most of its history, their male heroes the subject of much fascination and derision. Bestselling literary thrillers, from The Hunt for Red October to Into Thin Air , have also contributed markedly to popular understandings of male activity. Action Figures takes stock of action narratives' many appeals and recognizes how contemporary crises of gender identity manifest themselves in popular commercial texts.

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Evan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This books doesn't seem to be sure of its audience. It's not well argued enough or well referenced enough for an academic audience, but seems too dense and engaged with the texts for a casual reader.

A useful introductory volume for an undergraduate wanting to read further, or an interested fan of action. Sadly, not rigorous enough and makes some sweeping claims. And some downright silly ones - who the hell thinks that Jaime Lee Curtis role in True Lies is a 'relatively complex treatment of a female character'??? Compared to what, Smurfette? Not even Curtis herself is going to swallow that nonsense.

Honestly, it's 2.5 stars not a full three.