Jim Carrey: The Joker is Wild: The Trials and Triumphs of Jim Carrey (Paperback)

~ Martin Knelman (Author) "PERCY CARREY would have loved spending Oscar night with Jim..." (more)
Key Phrases: cable guy, comedy business, pet detective, Jim Carrey, Comedy Store, Los Angeles (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Despite two unauthorized biographies, the inspired star of Man on the Moon and The Truman Show is still a mystery to his fans. Knelman does a good job of recounting the circumstances of Carrey's rise to fameDfrom the times when money was so scarce that his family was forced to live in a camper to his $20-million-dollar salary for the upcoming Grinch Who Stole Christmas. The star's life is played out here, with parents, agents, producers, and friends making appearances. Unfortunately, Carrey's own voice is missing. Like Roy Trakin's Jim Carrey: Unmasked (St. Martin's, 1995), this biography doesn't give a real sense of what the star is likeDwhich, given Carrey's private nature, may always be so. Nevertheless, fans of the comic actor will want to read Knelman's in-depth account as the best snapshot available of this enigmatic genius. Recommended for all popular and film collections.DKelli Perkins, Herrick D.L, Holland, MI
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

The best shapshot available of this enigmatic genius. -- Kelli Perkins, Library Journal, June 15, 2000

The fast moving, quote-filled book will engage fans and readers interested in Carrey and show business. -- Susan H. Levine, VOYA Reviews, October 2000

The reader earns a new found respect for what it took this comedian-turned-actor to become a household name. -- Paige Smoron, Chicago Sun-Times, March 26, 2000

["The Joker is Wild"] reveals the man behind the laughs. -- The New Star

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 230 pages
• Publisher: Firefly Books (March 4, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1552095355
• ISBN-13: 978-1552095355
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #382,108 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #2 in

  Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( C ) > Carrey, Jim

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kim's Review, March 20, 2000

By	Kim Frank (USA) - See all my reviews

I thought this was one of the best books I have ever read. I really love and admire Jim Carrey and I thought I knew pretty much everything there is to know about him. I learned so much new stuff and the book never got boring. I read the whole thing in a few days. I couldn't put it down, even for a minute. It's a great book!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my new favorites..., January 23, 2001

By	"rhino86oo" (South Bend, Indiana United States) - See all my reviews

Wow, I just finished this great book, it is very well written, with insights in the world of Jim Carrey. Martin Knelman has written by far one of the best bios that I have ever read. He went into great detail of the feelings that where upon Jim Carrey and the people that surrounded him at the time. Through the begining to the end, you get to read a life of a born jokester, and his rise from poverty and a malnourished life, to a guy who makes a few bucks and makes everyone laugh or cry. The book is only 230 pages, but I guess if Martin Knelman, the author had dragged it on, then it would not of packed such a punch.

I have been a fan of Jim Carrey's since Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, and ever since then I have been emersed in the magic that is Jim Carrey. With only "Earth Girls Are Easy" being the bad movie in his career, which was not horrible, Jim Carrey has had a great life in film in television with a lot more to come. Films like "The Cable Guy" and "Truman Show" were horribly underrated and not given much of a chance. With the dark and witty humor that the "average" Jim carrey fan would not appreciate or enjoy. So to some it all up, a great choice and a great read, "Keep on laughing"...

Thanks for reading!

Ryan

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars If you like good writing . . ., July 13, 2002

By	"purefilm25" (Vancouver, Canada) - See all my reviews

Then find another book. Mr. Knelman seems incapable of painting his prose anything but purple. I couldn't get past the first chapter. There's a good book about Mr. Carrey waiting to be written; but this isn't it.