A Book A Week

"Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads."

In the summer of 1985, a little movie called Back to the Future hit theaters and instantly became a phenomenon. It shattered box office records, captivated audiences, and cemented itself as one of the most beloved films of all time. Forty years later, it remains a timeless classic that generations continue to revisit. But for Michael J. Fox—the fresh-faced actor who brought Marty McFly to life—the role that defined his career almost never happened. In Future Boy, Fox blends his own memories with those of the film’s cast and crew to deliver a behind-the-scenes look at how Back to the Future went from a risky concept to an enduring part of pop culture.

There were dozens of “no’s” before the script that would eventually become Back to the Future finally got a “yes.” It helped that director Steven Spielberg and his production company, Amblin, were in the film’s corner. Writer-director Robert Zemeckis could hardly believe his luck. He and writing partner Bob Gale had their eyes on a young actor, Michael J. Fox, for the lead, but there was one major problem.  Filming would directly conflict with Fox’s day job as the star of the hit sitcom Family Ties. He simply wasn’t available.

Instead, the production cast Eric Stoltz as Marty McFly, and filming began. Six weeks later, Fox—who hadn’t even known he was considered for the role—was called into the office of Family Ties producer Gary David Goldberg. There, Goldberg revealed that Spielberg and Zemeckis had sent him the Back to the Future script months earlier, hoping Fox could read it. Goldberg had kept it under wraps, worried that the show would suffer if Fox took on a movie role. But Stoltz wasn’t working out, and now Zemeckis and Spielberg were desperate to replace him. Goldberg finally agreed on one condition. Fox had to keep his full commitment to Family Ties.

And so began a whirlwind schedule that sounds exhausting just to read about. By day, Fox filmed Family Ties as Alex P. Keaton. By night, he was whisked to the Back to the Future set to play Marty McFly. He’d wrap production in the early hours of the morning, grab a couple of hours of sleep, and then start it all over again.

In Future Boy, Michael J. Fox recounts this incredibly demanding time with honesty, humor, and gratitude. He credits his youthful naivety with helping him survive the grueling pace and looks back fondly on the experience of letting his comedic instincts shine on set. He also supplements his memories with perspectives from cast and crew. These voices come alive in the audiobook version, which features actual interview clips.

While I can’t say I learned much that I didn’t already know about the film’s production, Future Boy is still a fascinating listen. It’s a reminder of just how many things had to go right for this lightning-in-a-bottle movie to exist. As someone who grew up rewatching Back to the Future countless times, hearing Fox reflect on its creation was like stepping back into my own memories. It’s proof that some stories—and some performances—never lose their spark, no matter how many times you revisit them.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2025, 90)

Good stories linger in our minds, prompting us to reflect on their themes, characters, and the emotions they evoke. Some of the most memorable stories for me come from the horror genre. Great horror does more than just scare; it challenges us to consider concepts like good and evil and the complexities of humanity. The best stories are driven by compelling characters, regardless of genre, and resonate with us long after we've finished reading. Paul Tremblay is a master at blending terrifying scenarios with intricate characters. He has captivated readers with genre-defining works such as A Head Full of Ghosts and The Cabin at the End of the World. Now, he returns with his latest tale, Horror Movie, a chilling story of nostalgia, regret, and second chances.

Sometimes, you can just sense when a project is destined to be magical. For the cast and crew of Horror Movie, that feeling is unmistakable. It's the summer of 1993, and they are pushing the boundaries of guerrilla filmmaking. Their art-house approach embraces the rawness of each scene. Lacking a substantial budget, they depend on their setting—an abandoned school—their script—an evolving document only fully known to the director and screenwriter—and a cast deeply immersed in their roles. The standout of this ensemble is the film's monster, "The Thin Kid," portrayed by a wiry misfit with no previous acting experience. To keep him fully engaged in his character, the filmmakers instruct him to always wear his mask on set and avoid speaking to the other cast and crew. This method results in true cinematic magic. Oddly, though, the completed movie is never released. Only three scenes ever make it to the public. Over the years, curiosity about the final film and the mysterious events on set turn Horror Movie into a legend. Devoted fans yearn to see the entire film and experience its enigmatic terror.

Decades later, the actor who played "The Thin Kid" is the only surviving member of the original cast. Curiosity about the unreleased project has reached a fever pitch, and a major movie studio is eager to capitalize on the buzz. They plan to remake Horror Movie, using the original script and hiring the actor to produce and reprise his legendary role. He is excited to finally complete the project, and the substantial paycheck is an excellent incentive to do it. As production gears up, though, the past comes crashing back in. He'll have to confront the secrets buried within the original screenplay, face the reality of the unconventional events of the filming, and avoid crossing the same dangerous lines that led to an unspeakable tragedy. 

Horror Movie sees Paul Tremblay craft a terse, visceral novel that chilled me to my core. The book unfolds through shifting perspectives: the unnamed actor's audiobook recollections, past and present, and excerpts from the original screenplay. It took me a moment to fully grasp the structure, but I quickly fell into the story's rhythm and was utterly captivated. Tremblay's terror works on multiple levels. First, there's the mystery of what happened on the film set. It's shrouded in secrecy and gradually revealed through flashbacks. Concurrently, the novel presents an actual horror movie as a screenplay, immersing us in a retro horror vibe that reflects our nostalgia and expectations. Further still, the novel critiques reboot and sequel culture, highlighting Hollywood's tendency to recycle ideas and extend franchises far beyond their natural shelf life. Tremblay brings the ramifications of this creative stagnation to a fittingly horrific conclusion.

Finally, and perhaps most effectively, Horror Movie works on an unconscious level. Three-quarters of the way through, I began to feel a growing sense of unease that had been building since I started reading. I began to piece together the clues, realizing how a perfectly laid path had been set out, leading me, the unsuspecting reader, to a shocking yet inevitable ending. It was a gut punch of a revelation that only the best horror can deliver. Ultimately, Horror Movie is a masterful showcase of the power of this genre and an homage to all the great horror stories that have come before it. The novel further cements Tremblay's position as a storyteller at the peak of his craft.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 57)

What are your go-to holiday films? I have a list of favorites that I make sure to watch each year, and sometimes, I find myself extending my Christmas movie marathon well into the new year just to cover them all. One perennial favorite of mine is Christmas with the Kranks. Adapted from John Grisham's bestselling Skipping Christmas, the film didn't make a huge impact commercially or critically upon its release in the fall of 2004. Nonetheless, with its heartwarming message of community goodwill and boosted by the comedic talents of Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis, it has secured a permanent spot on my holiday watchlist.

Similar to the novel, the film follows Luther and Nora Krank (portrayed by Allen and Curtis, respectively) as they bid farewell to their young adult daughter Blair, who is embarking on a journey with the Peace Corps. The void left by Blair's absence triggers a case of empty nest syndrome, particularly affecting Nora, who grapples with the prospect of an upcoming holiday season without her. Considering the significant expense—over $6,000—that the Kranks incurred during the previous year's festivities, Luther proposes a radical solution. To both save money and find a fresh way to celebrate, he suggests diverting the funds typically allocated for decorations, gifts, and entertainment towards a ten-day Caribbean cruise. Luther is adamant about boycotting the traditional holiday celebrations, and after some hesitation, Nora eventually agrees.

As news of the Kranks opting out of Christmas spreads throughout their neighborhood, the community is left in disbelief at this unconventional choice. Vic Frohmeyer, the self-proclaimed block captain played by Dan Aykroyd, rallies the neighbors to persuade the Kranks to decorate their home. Despite facing a barrage of negative reactions, the Kranks stand firm in their commitment to embark on a cruise. However, everything takes a turn on Christmas Eve when they receive an unexpected call from Blair. She is back in the US and is on her way home for Christmas, anticipating all the usual family traditions. When asked if they are hosting their customary Christmas Eve Party, Nora caught off guard, impulsively says yes. Now, with less than 12 hours before their daughter's arrival, the Kranks find themselves needing to reverse their decision and hastily orchestrate a Christmas celebration.

Christmas with the Kranks takes John Grisham's concise story and injects numerous comedic moments for its stars to explore. Watching Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis navigate the preparations for a cruise, complete with tanning and botox mishaps, is one of the film's highlights. The movie boasts a supporting cast of character actors, each breathing life into the community as they grapple with the Kranks' unconventional decision to skip Christmas. However, the film has flaws, as it grapples with narrative inconsistencies and introduces a few peculiar subplots that seem more like attempts to extend the runtime than integral components of the story. The emotional moments can be heavy-handed, and the theme of a community rallying to help their fellow man isn't as pronounced as in the book. Nevertheless, this film has become a holiday mainstay in my household, serving as a suitable, lighthearted diversion during the festive season.

After reading the stellar Fault In Our Stars by John Green, I decided to check out some of his other novels. In Paper Towns Green tells the story of high school senior Quentin Jacobsen. Q, as his friends call him, is a pretty average student. He's one of those kids who is not part of the popular groups of students, but is not really a nerd either. Rather, Q goes about his day making good grades, hanging out with his best friends Ben and Radar, and not making many waves. His psychologist parents are very proud and supportive of their son and are excited to see him start college in the fall.

A review of a book to film adaptation.

Based upon the bestselling autobiography, American Sniper chronicles the life and incredible career of the deadliest sniper in American history, Chris Kyle. The film begins with young Chris's father teaching him how to hunt. From that early age, Chris is taught to respect the weapon and to always look out for others in need. An early flashback shows young Chris putting these lessons into practice. He intervenes in a fight between his brother and a bully, earning punishment from the school, respect from his father, and sealing the hero complex that would shape the rest of his life. 

After witnessing the 9/l1 terrorist attacks via his television, Chris, now an adult, immediately enlists in the Navy and begins training to become one of the branch's elite warriors. As a member of the Navy Seals, he is summoned to the field as a sniper. Kyle's mission is to cover areas as other branches of the military complete ground operations. As the film progresses, we witness Chris excelling at his job, racking up a kill rate that earns him the nickname "Legend". 

Director Clint Eastwood does a nice job of mixing the tense action sequences with personal glimpses into Kyle's psyche, especially when he returns home. Bradley Cooper as Chris, and Sienna Miller as his wife show us the raw emotional toll that war takes on both their individual emotions as well as their marriage. In hindsight, a few of the stateside scenes may be overtly cliche, but in the context of the film and the many intense war scenes, these moments are necessary in creating a balanced view of the war. 

Since it's release, there has been much debate about this film. Having read the book upon which this movie is based, I can attest that real life Chris Kyle was much more matter of fact about his actions than Cooper's film version. In the book, Kyle does not seem to be conflicted by the amount of people he kills. It is impossible, of course, to know what was really going on inside the man's head, and I feel that I have no right to comment on his actions. It is worth noting, however, that the film humanizes Kyle in a way that never really happens in the book. As such, the emotional payoff of the movie is extremely high as the credits roll. In the end, the biggest take away from both the book and movie seems to be that war is a big, ugly, complicated mess. Regardless of our individual political or even moral views, our country has asked men and women to leave the comforts of their lives to protect the comforts of our own. American Sniper, is a flawed but important reminder of the sacrifice and heroism of our military.

Thom and Jennifer Harlow are Hollywood's celebrity power couple. Good looks, talent, kind hearts. . . the couple has it all. Paying forward their critical and financial success, the two sponsor schools in impoverished nations and even adopted three children from the countries they serve. As they near the completion of their magnum opus Saigon Falls, the entire Harlow family vanishes. No one in the Harlow's inner circle seems to have any idea as to the couple's whereabouts. Even worse, none of them want to threaten their employer's project by making the disappearance public. 

A review of a book to film adaptation. 

In the 2009 film, Up In The Air, George Clooney portrays Ryan Bingham, a corporate downsizer who travels across the U.S. to fire people. Basically, his corporation sends him in to dismiss employees from their job, so that the employer doesn't have to. As part of his career, Ryan is constantly on the road, or more accurately, in the air for a large portion of his year. He is not close to his family, has a modest apartment that he rarely sleeps at, and has made it his personal goal to ten million frequent flyer miles.

His simple life is threatened when his employer hires an enthusiastic, young recruit, Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick) to help cut costs. As part of her plan, Natalie wants to fire people through video conference calls, making people like Ryan obsolete. Fearful that this new thinking will bring an end to his way of life, Ryan argues that Natalie is too inexperienced to fire people, and could never understand what he does on a daily basis. To his annoyance, Ryan's boss agrees that Natalie is inexperienced and tasks Ryan with mentoring her as she accompanies him on his travels.

As they begin their travels, we gain a deeper insight into each of the character's personal lives. Through their mismatched personalities and experiences, the two begin to form an understanding of each other. Along the way, Ryan encounters the female equivalent of himself, played by Vera Farmiga, who he quickly falls for. The film then follows Ryan as he tries to find a life for himself outside of an airport, and discover who he truly is.

Based on the 2001 novel by Walter Kirn, Up In The Air is one of those rare movies that actually improves upon the source material. Directed by Jason Reitman (Juno), the film consistently entertains while providing thought provoking commentary on economics and the state of American's social lives. While the novel was mainly made of anecdotes about Ryan's experiences, there is a much stronger narrative arch to the film that all leads to a believable conclusion. Equally funny and intelligent, Up In The Air is a timely film that I would definitely recommend.

Have you seen this film or read the book on which it is based? If so, how do you think the two compare? Which other film adaptations would you like to see reviewed?

This week, I'm testing a new feature for A Book A Week. Hollywood often adapts bestselling novels into feature films. In this feature, I'll post reviews of some of these book to film adaptations. This weeks Friday Flick is the latest adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic, The Great Gatsby.

The Great Gatsby is a novel that has famously failed to cross into other mediums. With this latest adaptation, by director Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge!), I was curious to see how Luhrmann's unique style would translate to this classic story. I entered the theater with a fair amount of trepidation, especially after the largely mixed reviews that I'd read. To my surprise, however, I really enjoyed this adaptation.

There were a couple of major alterations to the novel's original story, namely Nick's background and the events that take place after his time with Gatsby, but the film was mostly faithful to the novel. Many of the reviews argued against the director's style over substance approach, but I completely disagree with these claims. While there are moments of dazzling camera acrobatics and 3D effects, there are also many moments of quiet introspection. DiCaprio's Gatsby is probably the most sincere portrayal of this character that will ever appear on film. His interactions with both Maguire's Nick and Mulligan's Daisy seemed genuine, and I could really feel the soul of the man behind the facade he had made for himself.

This unique interpretation will, no doubt, garner a variety of reactions amongst the faithful readers and casual moviegoers. In the end, it is probably impossible to perfectly translate the intentions of the novel into a film, but this one comes pretty close.

Have you read the novel or seen the film? If so, what did you think of it?

As always, your input helps determine the content of this blog. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this new feature. Is it something you would like to see more of? If so, Which adaptations would you like to see reviewed?

I honestly had no idea what to expect as I began reading Angel's Gate by author p.g. sturges. Described as a kind of tongue-in-cheek, noir novel, I was initially attracted by the thought of a good mystery. Set in Los Angeles, the novel follows the story of shortcut man Dick Henry. A former cop, Henry now goes around town, "getting things done" for the illustrious characters who occupy Hollywood. We first gain a glimpse into his work when he retrieves a client's money from a fraudulent lawyer. After getting the money (and urinating in the fraudulent lawyer's ficus tree), Henry reveals himself to be a man with good intentions, even if his methods are unconventional.

The first few chapters are a bit confusing as each one introduces different characters and points of view. Fortunately, the setup is made clearer as each character develops into unique individuals. Without giving too much of the plot away, the novel basically follows Henry as he is thrust into a large conspiracy, lead by the womanizing head of a large movie studio. When one of the studio executives "stars" is brutally beaten and sexually abused, Henry is called in to help clean up the mess. All parties involved, including a disgruntled producer, violent director, former Nazi doctor, and a women who's job is to take care of all the studio head's women, struggle to keep the incident a secret, for fear of losing their jobs and plush Hollywood lifestyle that they have grown accustomed to.

I although it took a little while to get going, I ended up being totally engrossed in this novel. sturges writes with a confidence and lightness that really lends itself well to this kind of noir story. This novel definitely has some graphic scenes, but all are presented in a light-hearted way that never glorifies the violence. The strong characters, multiple intersecting plots, and sturges's sharp wit, all culminate into an entertaining and surprisingly satisfying read.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon and GoodReads.

(2013: week 11, book 8)

Congratulations to Piggythekitty2010!

There is no denying, Suzanne Collins trilogy, beginning with The Hunger Games, has become a cultural phenomenon. Growing up, I can remember the excitement I felt, waiting for the latest Harry Potter novel or movie to be released. Today, with the Twilight series, Hunger Games, the Millennium  Trilogy, even Fifty Shades of Grey, it seems like every series is advertised as the next big phenomenon.  I was hesitant to dive into The Hunger Games, but when a friend provided me with a copy, I decided to give it a shot.

The novel takes place in the nation of Panem. Basically, North America has been divided into 12 districts, each serving a specific economic purpose. Each year, in commemoration of the revolution and probably more in an attempt to remind the citizens of the leaders' power, each district is required to send one boy and one girl to participate in a televised battle to the death known as The Hunger Games.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, a skilled hunter from the coal mining district 12, finds herself thrust into these games when she volunteers to enter in place of her younger sister. She will have to face career tribute, people who have specifically trained to compete in the games, so she is almost certain the battles will result in her death. Her hunting skills come in handy, however, and with the guidance of Haymitch, a drunken winner of a previous games, she soon becomes a serious contender. But survival isn't easy. To win, she is forced to make life or death decisions, face taking the lives of other, and risk betraying relationships.

I was really entertained by this novel. The opening, where much of the backstory and preparation take place, was a bit slow. That being said, the story kicks into an unputdownable gear as the games actually begin. Like any good reality television program, I found myself sucked into the action as it was presented. I did feel that the characters were not as deeply realized as they could have been, but as the first novel in a trilogy, I expect they become more layered in later installments. While The Hunger Games is by no means perfect, it does successfully entertain while still providing clever commentary on social and cultural conventions.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and GoodReads.

(2013: week 2, book 2)