Customer Reviews

Cinematherapy: The Girl's Guide to Movies for Every Mood

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I loved 'Cinematherapy' as it included a lot of the oldies but goodies besides the current fare of movies. Reading this book sent me to Blockbusters to check out some of those movies I loved but had long ago forgotten. This book makes a wonderful gift (bought several for daughter, daughter-in-law, etc.) as it is crosses those generation lines and gives women of all ages reason to smile and nod knowingly together. The witty text has you reading the book with a grin on your face and gives you enough laugh-out-loud experiences to make one's husband want to know "what's so funny"--you know that you would thoroughly enjoy lunching with these "girls."

I read this book cover to cover, as if it were a good novel. It gave me such an itch to go out to my local video store, then hunker down with a huge amount of salty snacks, and while away my Sunday afternoons watching great old movies. The only problem is that I'm in Paraguay, South America, and the selection in the video stores is slimmer than the anorexic women here. Next time I'm home though, I will be in that video store, Cinematherapy book in hand, indexed with post-its even, and I will watch any movie my girl-mood calls for. Loved the book. Can't wait to use it until it's fully dog-eared.

I like this book. It offers to be a friendly and casual guide, and that is exactly what it is. There are 15 chapters, distinguished by topic: PMS movies, dysfunctional romances, seeking greener pastures, mother-issues, earth mother films, working girl blues, bad hair days, dumped and looking for revenge movies, happily ever after movies, hearing your inner voice, martyr syndrome, girl's night out, men behaving well, women behaving badly, father-issues and cult films. The approach is breezy and mildly informative. Each chapter begins with a one or two page humorous essay followed by viewing suggestions, each with a paragraph or two of description and comments, and a miscellany of quotes, facts and opinions. The second chapter, for example, "Yeah, Okay, So He's a Jerk, But He's Sooooo Cute!: Dysfunctional Romances" features No Man of Her Own (1932), Suspicion (1941), Spellbound (1945), A Streetcar Named Desire (1951), Charade (1963), Funny Girl (1968), American Gigolo (1980), The Shining (1980), The Postman Always Rings Twice (1981), Sid and Nancy (1986), Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights (1992), Ethan Frome (1993), Gaslight (1944), Immortal Beloved (1994), Legends of the Fall (1994), Leaving Las Vegas (1995), Never Talk to Strangers (1995) and Love Serenade (1996).

The films that are recommended are interesting and appropriate choices I thought. I enjoyed reading about films I'd already seen and appreciated the description of those I hadn't. There is a fair amount of humorous filler, which works because the authors are good writers and funny. Complemented by a good index, this is not a book to read straight through, but rather to be perused as the mood hits.

The authors have not only done their homework on all the films included, but have a great sense of humor. Sure was fun to read. The chapter headings are not only clever, but actually helpful in deciding what chapter to read first or in what order. And I know every woman can relate to each of them. It's a book that can be read from beginning to end or by jumping around from chapter to chapter. The quotes and other tidbits interjected are not to be missed. Take this along on trips, keep it at your bedside, and by all means, take it for reference when you rent videos!

Nothing compares to sitting down to a good flick with a bottle of cheap (but good) champagne and some Milano cookies. Especially when you know ahead of time that the movie you've rented is going to be good. "Cinematherapy..." breaks down some of the best "chick flicks" out there into amusing categories, that really do fit whatever mood you might be in. Although this book is not a scholarly read, anyone that can appreciate what it feels like to relate to a movie in such a way that it moves you to laugh and/or cry can understand how great this book really is. If you are looking for an educated and serious look into movies, don't buy this book. But, if your mom is crazy and you're looking for a movie that portrays your situation, "Cinematherapy..." is just what you need.

I found out about this book through a commercial on the "We (Women's Entertainment)" Channel. They have a series of movies called "Cinematherapy," based on this very book. There's information on the series and a list of the movies on their website.

Some of the other reviews make the complaint that the writing is too fluffy and/or lightweight. Seriously - if you wanted to read anything "academic," why would you even bother to look at this book? Sometimes a person really only wants to read something friendly and entertaining, and this serves that purpose. It's like "comfort food" - not really nourishing to the mind, but satisfying.

I would have to agree with the reviewers who make the point that there are not enough contemporary movies included. I'm in my 20's, and most of those older movies just don't appeal to me right now. What's more, they can be hard to find at the video store. But there are still plenty of good films for anybody in there, probably even a lot of guys. One example would be "A River Runs Through It." By the way, if you want to know exactly what movies are included, click where it says "Look Inside." You can read the full index.

This book was witty, funny, insightful and informative. I have seen most of the movies reviewed in this book, but have often felt was I the only one who thought this about perhaps a character, plot line, emotional impact, etc. Of course the authors have hit it on the nail head every time. I hope they are working on a second book on this same subject. These girls can't go wrong. I loved it!!

My boyfriend got me this book for Christmas and it has to be one of my favorite presents I've recieved in several years. It is right on the money for what any girl is suffering from: whether it be a bad case of the PMS blues, the homicidal mother issues, or the case of wanting to get in touch with your inner self. I loved it so much I bought it for my best friend for her birthday. I do have to say that I disagree with one point: I would not want to have a beer with Sandra Bullock.

This was the best Christmas gift I received this year. These girls did their homework! Funny and well written, even just browsing the book puts a smile on your face when you're feeling down. The selections are very fitting to our every mood and easy to locate (critical in moments of stress). This will be a gift that I am sure to share with my treasured girlfriends, (hey! I even shared some of it with my husband!). Great gift idea for the special friend or woman in your life.

I absolutely adore this book. I work at Bath and Body Works and we carried this for a few months. Every time I worked, I found myself skimming through this. I finally broke down and bought it. I'm so glad I did! It's absolutely fab. No matter what mood you're in, this book has a chapter devoted to it. I've used it on many a night before going to the video store. I've found some of my favorite movies that way! Every girl should have this swell book :)