Reel Gags [Paperback]

Bill Givens (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1580630421 | ISBN-13: 978-1580630429 | Publication Date: October 1, 1998 | Edition: 1st

Steven Spielberg in The Lost World, Back to the Future, and Raiders of the Lost Ark? The Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia in Close Encounters of the Third Kind? Harrison Ford in E.T., The Extra-Terrestrial? Jaws, the killer shark and Star Wars' R2D2 riding on the outside of the spaceship in Close Encounters? These may seem like ridiculous impossibilities, but they all actually happened. Now film buffs can find out more about these and other jokes, sight gags, and director's tricks in Reel Gags.

This unique source book for movie lovers goes behind the scenes to reveal on-screen secrets from everyone's favorite movies. You'll find the "in-jokes" which are hidden in dialogue, in character names, and in props and costumes. You'll see how directors slip in subtle references to their earlier works and pay tribute to (or toss bricks at) friends and co-workers. You'll learn actors' favorite on-screen quirks, and you'll have a guide to cameo appearances by famous directors in their own films, and much, much more from the author of the best-selling Film Flubs books.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Bill Givens is a pop culture writer. He is also a much-published and highly-respected authority on movie trivia. He resides in Los Angeles, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Renaissance Books; 1st edition (October 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580630421
• ISBN-13: 978-1580630429
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,713,497 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars A copy from the Internet Movie Database, January 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Reel Gags (Paperback)

As I bought this Bill Givens book I thought i'd be really interesting, certainly with that attractive cover. But it is nothing more than a rip-off from the 'INTERNET MOVIE DATABASE', without a doubt the best and most comprehensive movie site on internet. All Givens did was rewriting facts and fun things found from the Internet Movie Database, and put it in a book. This book is probably fun for someone that hasn't got Internet, but for anyone who has access... save your bucks and look it up on the net. This doesn't deserve to get your money.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK", March 2, 2000

By 

Paul Nigh - See all my reviews

This review is from: Reel Gags (Paperback)

I have read all of the Film Flub books written by Bill Givens and the only thing that worries me the most is that he may stop writing one day. This book was "GREAT." Much of Bill's information comes from many avenues. A person would have to be an idiot not to run all possibilities. However, much of the information in this book is from you, the reader. A good writer provides their audience with a vast amount of information that would take years to obtain and puts it in a simple, easy to read and understand, book. "Reel Gags" is the never ending story of the inside humor of our movie Directors, Producers, Writers, and just about anyone else that had any say in the movie whatsoever. You will find out how they all place little facts and humorous tidbits in the movies that has nothing to do with the film in any way. What a cool idea. Next time you watch a movie maybe you should pay more attention to the background. You may find yourself looking at a video store rack with the star of the movie you are currently wactching featured, in video, on every row and shelf with his last movie displayed. I just can't put this book down and since I can't carry my PC with me everywhere I go I am glad that Bill put this infomation together for me. Also, not only do I watch movies closer now, I have noticed that my wife is becoming quite the Film Flubs expert. I have rated this book with a 5 star because just like all of Bill's other books you can read this one to the kids. That's right it has a "G" rating unlike so much junk out there today. I also enjoyed the information that it has given me on the inside secrets of the movie industry. "KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK" from your biggest fan. Everybody else...... BUY THE BOOK and see for yourself and you will be hooked too.

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun and Informative!, February 7, 2000

By 

P. Sherman (Greenville, FL USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Reel Gags (Paperback)

I feel like I have just been given the secret password to the clubhouse! What a fun book, full of movie tidbits! I find myself feeling compelled to also respond to the previous reviewer, who pointed out that all the information in the book was available on a website. This strikes me a bit like saying "Why buy the book when you can see the movie? It's the same story!" I enjoyed this book while waiting at a Dr.'s office, while soaking in the tub, and on the couch on a rainy afternoon. I didn't have to be at my desk chair waiting for web pages to load. I can go back to it easily at any time to re-check some reference, I can grab it quickly when a friend calls about some movie to let her in on the secrets. Preferring a book in the hand to an image on the screen may be a sign of age, though. But I digress. If you are a movie buff, you are sure to find some interesting inside info on some of your favorites in this book!