News Blog @ Wellington City Libraries

Our picks of this month’s film and TV books cover many many movie guides. From the greatest gangster movies of all time to Australian film critic Marc Fennell’s selection of movies for every weekend of the year and Stephen Jay Schneider’s tome of 1001 movies you must see before you die, there’s a lot of good viewing here! Plus, a companion guide to Season 6 of Doctor Who, and an encylopaedia of James Bond for you to test your knowledge against (how exactly does 007 prefer his martini?). Enjoy!

The ultimate book of gangster movies : featuring the 100 greatest gangster films of all time / George Anastasia & Glen Macnow ; foreword by Joe Pistone.
“The gangster movie is one of the most popular genres in film. From the Italian, Irish, and Russian “families” in America to similarly sinister groups in Europe, Japan, and beyond, the cinema has never shied away from portraying the evil exploits of these brutal outfits. The Ultimate Book of Gangster Movies provides extensive reviews of the Top 100 gangster films of all time, including sidebars like “Reality Check,” “Hit and Miss,” “I Know That Guy,” and other fun and informative features.”(description from amazon.com)

That movie book : awesome, weird and wonderful movies for every weekend of the year / Marc Fennell.
“SO MANY MOVIES … But which ones are worth watching? With Marc Fennell’s That Movie Book in your hand, you will never again be at a loss for what to pick up in the DVD store. Movie critic and mischief-maker Marc Fennell has cunningly programmed and reviewed more than 260 movies to fill every weekend of the year. Each weekend has a theme – a genre, filmmaker, actor or trend. Whether you’re bored, infirm or under house arrest, your level of commitment is catered to. Expect movies from the past as well as the present, from Hollywood to art house, from kids to adult. It’s a veritable film festival from your couch.”(Description from amazon.com)

James Bond encyclopedia / John Cork and Collin Stutz.
“Fully updated with new content on “Quantum of Solace,” the “James Bond Encyclopedia” is the resource for everything Bond. A lavish and comprehensive guide to the world of Bond, James Bond.–”The Daily Sentinel”" (Syndetics summary)

Doctor Who : the brilliant book 2012 / edited by Clayton Hickman ; designed by Paul Lang ; [written by Jason Arnopp ... [et al.].
“Packed with unseen photographs and original artwork and illustrations, The Brilliant Book of Doctor Who 2012 is your indispensable guide to Series 6 of Doctor Who. Weaving fact and fiction, interviews and information, The Brilliant Book boasts brand new material from the writers of the TV show, including Mark Gatiss, Gareth Roberts, Matthew Graham, Tom Macrae, and Steve Thompson, plus exclusive fiction from award-winning novelist Neil Gaiman.” (Publisher desription)

1001 movies you must see before you die / general editor, Steven Jay Schneider.
“Film buffs willing to challenge the claim made by Schneider (Understanding Film Genres) that they must see his selection of 1,001 international films are in for a shock. This heavy, boxlike, full-color guide to the best of the best truly represents the work of a century, culling its selection from all genres and nations. Arranged chronologically, film entries include brief summations, credits, award information, and, more often than not, a film still. Director and film indexes conclude the volume. Highly recommended for all film, general public, and academic reference collections.” (Library Journal)

The film book : a complete guide to the world of film / Ronald Bergan.
“A comprehensive and easy-to-use source of everything readers want to know about the movies and the people behind them, “The Film Book” is a unique treasure trove of a guide that will appeal to anyone who loves movies. From the history of the art form to techniques and the films themselves, “The Film Book” provides an overview of cinematic styles and genres, the industry’s greatest and most influential directors, and their key works, as well as looking at film-making around the world, from Hollywood to Bollywood. Buyer’s Choice” (Syndetics summary)