Customer Reviews

Monster Movies (Pocket Essential series)

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I must confess that monster movies are not my number one genre when it comes to celluloid gems, but after reading this book, I have a strange desire to see every one of the films discussed, either again or for the first time. The author covers a wide range of movies from the early days of Frankenstein et al, right up to current day modern masterpieces, all with the same degree of insight and affection. Each chapter focuses on a different movie, and provides lots of background regarding the inspiration, characterisation and provenance of the monsters, as well as gossip and interesting stories about the actors, directors and technical accomplishments. The writing is concise and snappy and sometimes lol funny, with Emma Westwood not being shy to throw in her own opinions. Given that she clearly knows more about the genre than most (or possibly anyone), her opinion and thoughts are pretty valid. All in all, Monster Movies is very enlightening and a cracking good read. Special mention too, to Ross Meade, who apparently indoctrinated Ms Westwood into the monster movie cult at an age when most girls are playing with Barbies. He sounds like a cool dude.

Most film reference books are well-researched but dry OR an easy read but light on actual insight and 'meat'. Monster Movies treads this line perfectly, it's informative and entertaining in equal measures.

The highlights, for me, were all-new interviews with some of horror cinema's greats including Corman, Carpenter etc.

Should be noted that the although the term Monster covers a REALLY broad area (it includes vampires, kaiju (like Godzilla) and the shark from Jaws), the author* states right up front that she's not trying to be totally comprehensive, rather she has picked films she likes (it is a Pocket Essential after all). Which is good, I think, cause who the heck wants to read ANOTHER article about the ape in the diving helmet from Robot Monster.

Good value too.

*A woman, rather than the usual 'pale white male', which is another point of interest.

As a horror film buff I'm used to reading deconstructions of movie monsters written with some kind of political agenda. What Westwood does here is list monsters in categories and then describe what makes them great (or not so great monsters). It's so simple but it works so well.

The discussions about the evolution of special effects through monster movies is informative and entertaining. From Nosferatu to The Host, Emma Westwood clearly knows what she is talking about.

It's so refreshing to read about monster movies by someone who gets it. These are meant to be fun. Yes they exist in a greater culture and are heavily affected by the times they were made, but they're also meant to be fun. The book really concentrates on those aspects with descriptions of both the monster as an individual and the film in which it appears.

This is also a great guide to start using as a seen/unseen list to take to your local video store. It's useful and enjoyable.

I have been impressed with the Pocket Essentials film series ever since I discovered it for myself a few years back. I love big hefty tomes as much as the next guy, but it is always nice to have these slim little books handy for quick reference.

Emma Westwood's Monster Movies is a great addition to the series, due mainly to the author's unique voice. A lot of books on horror and monster films get bogged down too easily and become little more than lists of facts and historical oversight. Monster Movies, however, joins the ranks of books like The Monster Show, Profoundly Disturbing and Monster Rally by communicating the author's own personal viewpoint far beyond simple plot synopses and capsule reviews. Reading about monster movies is fun, but reading a book about monster movies written by someone who enjoys them the same way that you do is priceless.

This is an essential Pocket Essentials book, and a must for any film fanatic's collection.