Going into a movie rental store is usually a daunting experience for me; it
also precisely coincides with the moment I forget all the names of good
movies I've been intending to rent. A friend knowingly gave my husband and me this book for Christmas, and it has proved to be a trusty reference ever since.

Turan is a film critic for the Los Angeles Times and for NPR's Morning
Edition. He divides his book into five sections: English language films,
foreign language films, documentaries, classics, and a helpful retrospective section with essays on Chinese martial arts films, Frank Borzage, Anthony Mann, and more. His writing style is engaging, his selection broad, and thus far, all my Turan-influenced rental experiences have been delightful.

Review by Jessica Stroope, March 4, 2005

Back to Reviews