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Bad Motherfucker: The Life and Movies of Samuel L. Jackson, the Coolest Man in Hollywood
A fascinating exploration and celebration of the life and work of the coolest man in Hollywood, Samuel L. Jackson—from his star-making turns in the films of Spike Lee and Quentin Tarantino to his ubiquitous roles in the Star Wars and Marvel franchises, not to mention the cult favorite Snakes on a Plane .
Samuel L. Jackson’s embodiment of cool isn’t just inspirational—it’s important. Bad Motherfucker lays out how his attitude intersects with his identity as a Black man, why being cool matters in the modern world, and how Jackson can guide us through the current cultural moment in which everyone is losing their cool. Edwards details Jackson’s fascinating personal history, from stuttering bookworm to gunrunning revolutionary to freebasing addict to A-list movie star.
Drawing on original reporting and interviews, the book explores not only the major events of Jackson’s life but also his golf, kung fu movies, profanity. Bad Motherfucker
features a delectable filmography of Jackson’s movies—140 and counting!—and also includes new movie posters for many of Jackson’s greatest roles, reimagined by dozens of gifted artists and designers. The book provides a must-read road map through the vast territory of his on-screen career and a vivid portrait of Samuel L. Jackson’s essential self, as well as practical instructions, by example, for how to live and work and be.
Samuel L. Jackson’s embodiment of cool isn’t just inspirational—it’s important. Bad Motherfucker lays out how his attitude intersects with his identity as a Black man, why being cool matters in the modern world, and how Jackson can guide us through the current cultural moment in which everyone is losing their cool. Edwards details Jackson’s fascinating personal history, from stuttering bookworm to gunrunning revolutionary to freebasing addict to A-list movie star.
Drawing on original reporting and interviews, the book explores not only the major events of Jackson’s life but also his golf, kung fu movies, profanity. Bad Motherfucker
features a delectable filmography of Jackson’s movies—140 and counting!—and also includes new movie posters for many of Jackson’s greatest roles, reimagined by dozens of gifted artists and designers. The book provides a must-read road map through the vast territory of his on-screen career and a vivid portrait of Samuel L. Jackson’s essential self, as well as practical instructions, by example, for how to live and work and be.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published October 19, 2021
27 people are currently reading
1810 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
January 9, 2022
"I want you to go in that bag, and find my wallet . . . It's the one that says 'Bad Motherf***er.'" -- Samuel L. Jackson, as hitman Jules Winnfield, in Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction
Edwards' Bad Motherf***er is best when it sticks to the biography of the hard-working and prolific actor - he has appeared in over 120 movies (!), provided voice-over narration or numerous projects, and made countless TV commercials - who elevated profanity-laced tirades to a sublime and iconic American art form starting in the 90's with various crime drama flicks. (His conversations with co-star John Travolta in the aforementioned Pulp Fiction - or really any scene featuring him in that film - are forever rewatchable.) Even the brief detailed filmography portions - interspersed throughout the narrative in chronological order - were sometimes informative and occasionally amusing. However, the author's personal political viewpoints became increasingly obvious, a little excessive and finally tiresome in the text, and had all the subtlety of an axe on a grindstone. (It was if he was actually sitting next to Mr. Jackson, repeatedly elbowing him gently in the ribs and/or glancing over for the man's approval regarding these stances.) These moments tended to interrupt the fairly well-paced chapters, causing a certain amount of unbridled ocular strain, a.k.a excessive eye-rolling ;-)
Edwards' Bad Motherf***er is best when it sticks to the biography of the hard-working and prolific actor - he has appeared in over 120 movies (!), provided voice-over narration or numerous projects, and made countless TV commercials - who elevated profanity-laced tirades to a sublime and iconic American art form starting in the 90's with various crime drama flicks. (His conversations with co-star John Travolta in the aforementioned Pulp Fiction - or really any scene featuring him in that film - are forever rewatchable.) Even the brief detailed filmography portions - interspersed throughout the narrative in chronological order - were sometimes informative and occasionally amusing. However, the author's personal political viewpoints became increasingly obvious, a little excessive and finally tiresome in the text, and had all the subtlety of an axe on a grindstone. (It was if he was actually sitting next to Mr. Jackson, repeatedly elbowing him gently in the ribs and/or glancing over for the man's approval regarding these stances.) These moments tended to interrupt the fairly well-paced chapters, causing a certain amount of unbridled ocular strain, a.k.a excessive eye-rolling ;-)
July 24, 2021
Who doesn't love Samuel L. Jackson? Such an interesting look into this Bad Mother F@ckers life. Absolutely iconic human!
October 30, 2021
You know how they say not to judge a book by it's cover, title, subject, etc.? Well, the interior of this book lives up to all of that and more!
All of the above got my attention, and the author did the topic, cover and title justice, this book is AMAZING because it focuses on the topic, Samuel L Jackson and his life and work without deviating from what this reader was hungry to learn.
I 100% love Samuel L Jackson. He's an AMAZING human being, he has charisma up the whazoo and he's also down to earth and not full of himself. He knows his worth as a person, as a family man, as an actor and he won't let anyone dictate to him who he is or should be. He's not a jerk or worse. He's self-aware and knows when to laugh at himself and realizes he isn't perfect and is humble.
He really IS the coolest man in Hollywood.
Seriously, read this book. It's fascinating and you get to learn little tidbits that make him even cooler, such as he is a voracious reader (WOOT) and he has narrated two audio books, one of which is "Go the F*ck to Sleep", which I just listened to and is HYSTERICAL. He was the perfect narrator for it and if I was the author, I would have been doing back springs after finding out Samuel L Jackson was the narrator.
I also liked how the book was broken down between talking about his life and discussing his major movie works, broken down chronologically. SLJ isn't shy about his drug and alcohol usage and how he broke free from it. He is such a strong person. His wife is too. I give her a lot of credit. She is also a talented actress in her own right, which is so awesome. They share their love of what they do with one another.
5, you really should get this book and read it I can't say enough good about it and now I want to re-watch my favorite SLJ movies, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Books for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
All of the above got my attention, and the author did the topic, cover and title justice, this book is AMAZING because it focuses on the topic, Samuel L Jackson and his life and work without deviating from what this reader was hungry to learn.
I 100% love Samuel L Jackson. He's an AMAZING human being, he has charisma up the whazoo and he's also down to earth and not full of himself. He knows his worth as a person, as a family man, as an actor and he won't let anyone dictate to him who he is or should be. He's not a jerk or worse. He's self-aware and knows when to laugh at himself and realizes he isn't perfect and is humble.
He really IS the coolest man in Hollywood.
Seriously, read this book. It's fascinating and you get to learn little tidbits that make him even cooler, such as he is a voracious reader (WOOT) and he has narrated two audio books, one of which is "Go the F*ck to Sleep", which I just listened to and is HYSTERICAL. He was the perfect narrator for it and if I was the author, I would have been doing back springs after finding out Samuel L Jackson was the narrator.
I also liked how the book was broken down between talking about his life and discussing his major movie works, broken down chronologically. SLJ isn't shy about his drug and alcohol usage and how he broke free from it. He is such a strong person. His wife is too. I give her a lot of credit. She is also a talented actress in her own right, which is so awesome. They share their love of what they do with one another.
5, you really should get this book and read it I can't say enough good about it and now I want to re-watch my favorite SLJ movies, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Books for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2025
No matter how much you love Samuel L. Jackson — and I really love the guy — 300 pages (plus another 50 for notes and index) is a LOT of Sam Jackson. Still, Edwards manages to walk that fine line between exhaustive and exhausting, and so this remained a fun and fascinating read throughout.
Edwards cleverly breaks his story into alternating chapters on Jackson's life and filmography, reviewing and commenting on every one of his 140+(!) on-screen appearances.* As a result, as Jackson's famously — and hysterically — foul-mouthed career takes off and his "surprisingly complicated" (to say the least) life settles down, the biographic chapters become shorter and the film sections become longer which (at least IMHO) is the perfect way to handle such a story.
Being an old white guy, I never really discovered Jackson until he started getting "second lead" roles in things like "Die Hard 3" and the excellent "Long Kiss Goodnight," so was largely unfamiliar with his earlier work with directors like Spike Lee and the Hughes brothers, (although I will now try to catch up). But by the time he connected with Quentin Tarantino I was tuned in and totally hooked, and so followed him closely as he moved into what for me was his peak star period — "The Caveman's Valentine," "The Negotiator," "The Red Violin," his Shyamalan and ever-more Tarantino films — before he settled into a less creative but certainly well-earned blockbuster mode with the Star Wars and Marvel films.
So overall, a fascinating and well-told story about a fascinating life. Oh, and kudos on the clever cover design, which manages to retain the book's title while still making it bookstore friendly.
And now it's time for a motherfuckin' film festival!
___________________________________
* Each movie review delightfully begins with "stats" including the film's overall score, "Sam L. Jackson (SLJ) factor," and "expletives not deleted," and so looks like this:
Edwards cleverly breaks his story into alternating chapters on Jackson's life and filmography, reviewing and commenting on every one of his 140+(!) on-screen appearances.* As a result, as Jackson's famously — and hysterically — foul-mouthed career takes off and his "surprisingly complicated" (to say the least) life settles down, the biographic chapters become shorter and the film sections become longer which (at least IMHO) is the perfect way to handle such a story.
Being an old white guy, I never really discovered Jackson until he started getting "second lead" roles in things like "Die Hard 3" and the excellent "Long Kiss Goodnight," so was largely unfamiliar with his earlier work with directors like Spike Lee and the Hughes brothers, (although I will now try to catch up). But by the time he connected with Quentin Tarantino I was tuned in and totally hooked, and so followed him closely as he moved into what for me was his peak star period — "The Caveman's Valentine," "The Negotiator," "The Red Violin," his Shyamalan and ever-more Tarantino films — before he settled into a less creative but certainly well-earned blockbuster mode with the Star Wars and Marvel films.
So overall, a fascinating and well-told story about a fascinating life. Oh, and kudos on the clever cover design, which manages to retain the book's title while still making it bookstore friendly.
And now it's time for a motherfuckin' film festival!
___________________________________
* Each movie review delightfully begins with "stats" including the film's overall score, "Sam L. Jackson (SLJ) factor," and "expletives not deleted," and so looks like this:
THE HITMAN'S BODYGUARDAnd click here — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGYAE... — to see Jackson's first performance in his famous burger commercial for Krystal Restaurants chain — "probably it's these little cooked onions!" Apparently, fans still yell that line at him in the street :)
Movie: 6/10
SLJ Factor: 7/10
Expletives Not Deleted: fucking (x7), motherfucker (x19), fuck (x9), bitch (x6), shit (x32), dickhead (x3), shitwagon, motherfuckers (x2), bullshit, dick (x3), goddamn (x2), titty (x2), fucked (x2)
July 19, 2021
This was a fun and entertaining insight into SLJ’s life. I really enjoyed it. He seems honest and genuinely cool. I also love the movie ratings and how much he swore in each 😂
September 7, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book about Samuel L. Jackson life growing up and his stories about spending time with his grandfather listening to the radio and telling ghost stories and his roommates while making his way up to becoming The Coolest Man in Hollywood. If your interested In Hollywood Stars this book is for you. And if your a Samuel L. Jackson fan it’s a must. I also enjoyed the back part of the book it lists all his movies and his SLJ/Factor and minutes until he shows up in the movie. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️on that work
Thoroughly enjoyed this book highly recommend it.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book highly recommend it.
January 26, 2022
There’s a word in the English language that’s too often misused: “Fulsome.”
Far too many people use it to mean “exhaustive.”
Gavin Edwards’ “Bad Motherfucker” is definitely that. Edwards watched all 140 (and counting) Samuel L. Jackson movies and rates them (along with some really wonderfully written summaries.)
But “fulsome” also means “flattering to an excessive degree.”
And “Bad Motherfucker” is that as well.
Jackson’s story, as presented here, starts off really strong – a stuttering bookworm from segregated Chattanooga who had a brief stint as a Black revolutionary and a crack addict before settling into the A-list as the epitome of cool. (He’s been in more movies that Bill Murray and Tom Hanks put together.)
But then, it fizzles.
It’s heavy on the light stuff, like Jackson’s golf obsession. (“He had a clause written into all his movie contracts: on location, the producers had to get him access to a local country club, pay his greens fees, and carve out time in his shooting schedule for him to get in at least two rounds every week.”)
But “Bad Motherfucker” is flimsy on the heavy stuff. There’s no narrative arc; no tension that needs resolution.
Even then, it’s worth a read only for Edwards’ near-poetic writing.
First, there are the put-downs. “Abandoning the laws of physics and the United States alike, and not even pretending to be acquainted with common sense, it tells the story of Xander Cage,” begins the review of “XXX.”
Then, there’s a multi-page riff on what is cool, and it is sublime:
"Cool is hip put into action; cool is necessary to make something hot. Cool is a way of life. They’re all social constructs, but while “hot” is evanescent and “hip” is malleable, “cool” is the value that endures. Cool is calm in the face of a crisis. Cool is also the way you walk, the way you wear your hat, and the way you don’t care what other people think of your life choices. Cool is a mask that you wear out in the world; if you put it on just right, it becomes your face."
If you liked that, you should read Edwards’ description of Jackson’s use of “Motherfucker.”
“When Jackson cursed, it was a tone poem built around the two iambic feet in one compound noun.”
Like I said, ful-motherfuckin’-some!
Far too many people use it to mean “exhaustive.”
Gavin Edwards’ “Bad Motherfucker” is definitely that. Edwards watched all 140 (and counting) Samuel L. Jackson movies and rates them (along with some really wonderfully written summaries.)
But “fulsome” also means “flattering to an excessive degree.”
And “Bad Motherfucker” is that as well.
Jackson’s story, as presented here, starts off really strong – a stuttering bookworm from segregated Chattanooga who had a brief stint as a Black revolutionary and a crack addict before settling into the A-list as the epitome of cool. (He’s been in more movies that Bill Murray and Tom Hanks put together.)
But then, it fizzles.
It’s heavy on the light stuff, like Jackson’s golf obsession. (“He had a clause written into all his movie contracts: on location, the producers had to get him access to a local country club, pay his greens fees, and carve out time in his shooting schedule for him to get in at least two rounds every week.”)
But “Bad Motherfucker” is flimsy on the heavy stuff. There’s no narrative arc; no tension that needs resolution.
Even then, it’s worth a read only for Edwards’ near-poetic writing.
First, there are the put-downs. “Abandoning the laws of physics and the United States alike, and not even pretending to be acquainted with common sense, it tells the story of Xander Cage,” begins the review of “XXX.”
Then, there’s a multi-page riff on what is cool, and it is sublime:
"Cool is hip put into action; cool is necessary to make something hot. Cool is a way of life. They’re all social constructs, but while “hot” is evanescent and “hip” is malleable, “cool” is the value that endures. Cool is calm in the face of a crisis. Cool is also the way you walk, the way you wear your hat, and the way you don’t care what other people think of your life choices. Cool is a mask that you wear out in the world; if you put it on just right, it becomes your face."
If you liked that, you should read Edwards’ description of Jackson’s use of “Motherfucker.”
“When Jackson cursed, it was a tone poem built around the two iambic feet in one compound noun.”
Like I said, ful-motherfuckin’-some!
October 9, 2022
CHAAAAT TOOOOWNNN!!! 🙌🏽👅😎
ladies and gents, boys and girls… the author of this book Glen, Galvin, Gavin, whatever his name is, told me to let you all know that he mis-rated the movies Soul Men and Basic… Soul Men is an unabashed 20/10 and Basic is definitely a solid 8/10. Now, with that being cleared up, I never knew some of this stuff about my amazing Uncle Sam, he’s just that kind of gift that literally keeps on giving. Kudos to his beautiful wife & daughter cuz what a career to witness as well as stand on the periphery of!!! LEAVE IT TO WHITE HOLLYWOOD/AMERICA TO MIX UP TWO PILLARS OF THE ACTING COMMUNITY CONTINUALLY WHEN THE TWO GENTS LOOK NOTHING ALIKE!!! Get it together, like seriously. No spoilers here, just wanted to read and rate a book on one the bests to ever do it and shout out to my Uncle for never becoming too too Hollywood— it’s already enough of those cats in the world just out here sucking up the same air we are all so blessed to enjoy. Samuel L. Jackson AKA Gator, BKA Director Fury can do no wrong in my book when it comes to the silver screen! (Except that snake movie that I didn’t watch 😹!)
p.s. Sam Jackson and Halle Berry = best male & female to EVER play crackheads… HANDS DOWN!!
PILLARS!!!
ladies and gents, boys and girls… the author of this book Glen, Galvin, Gavin, whatever his name is, told me to let you all know that he mis-rated the movies Soul Men and Basic… Soul Men is an unabashed 20/10 and Basic is definitely a solid 8/10. Now, with that being cleared up, I never knew some of this stuff about my amazing Uncle Sam, he’s just that kind of gift that literally keeps on giving. Kudos to his beautiful wife & daughter cuz what a career to witness as well as stand on the periphery of!!! LEAVE IT TO WHITE HOLLYWOOD/AMERICA TO MIX UP TWO PILLARS OF THE ACTING COMMUNITY CONTINUALLY WHEN THE TWO GENTS LOOK NOTHING ALIKE!!! Get it together, like seriously. No spoilers here, just wanted to read and rate a book on one the bests to ever do it and shout out to my Uncle for never becoming too too Hollywood— it’s already enough of those cats in the world just out here sucking up the same air we are all so blessed to enjoy. Samuel L. Jackson AKA Gator, BKA Director Fury can do no wrong in my book when it comes to the silver screen! (Except that snake movie that I didn’t watch 😹!)
p.s. Sam Jackson and Halle Berry = best male & female to EVER play crackheads… HANDS DOWN!!
PILLARS!!!
March 4, 2022
This book is like a love letter about Samuel L. Jackson! I liked learning about his early life, how he got into acting and how his early career was. As the different movies got named off I was surprised by how many he worked in, how many I had seen and how many I need to watch yet. If you are a fan this book is a must read!
March 19, 2024
Boring 🥱
Took ages to read because I couldn’t be arsed!
Dry, dull and dusty.
Literally just facts about Jackson, not written by him which makes such a difference.
Pants 🩲
Took ages to read because I couldn’t be arsed!
Dry, dull and dusty.
Literally just facts about Jackson, not written by him which makes such a difference.
Pants 🩲
October 6, 2021
I received this arc for an honest review
A book about Samuel L. Jackson, his movies, his life, and some of his views. Overall I really enjoyed this read and everything about it. How he got into movies and then all of the movies he has been in. He went without his agents even knowing which I guess you have to do sometimes if you want to work you have to do what you have to do.
The book is full of stories about his early life growing up with his grandparents and how he got into acting. How the time with his grandparents still stays with him to this day. Still married to the same woman and how he kept a black and white T.V. around to remember where he came from. The other stories were good about the movies and how he got the roles, but really it was about him growing up and his family that got me. Some funny ones were of him on the golf course. A very good book and worth the read. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at
www.1rad-readerreader.com
A book about Samuel L. Jackson, his movies, his life, and some of his views. Overall I really enjoyed this read and everything about it. How he got into movies and then all of the movies he has been in. He went without his agents even knowing which I guess you have to do sometimes if you want to work you have to do what you have to do.
The book is full of stories about his early life growing up with his grandparents and how he got into acting. How the time with his grandparents still stays with him to this day. Still married to the same woman and how he kept a black and white T.V. around to remember where he came from. The other stories were good about the movies and how he got the roles, but really it was about him growing up and his family that got me. Some funny ones were of him on the golf course. A very good book and worth the read. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at
www.1rad-readerreader.com
September 27, 2021
I received this book as part of a goodreads giveaway.
I absolutely loved this book and read it in one sitting. It is a great look at both Samuel L. Jackson's life and his filmography. The author ranks each movie by overall film and SLJ rating. I love how the story was told with snippets of his life, then movie summaries and reviews, followed by more life. It's all in chronological order and now I'm looking forward to watching some of these movies again and some of the movies I have never seen
I absolutely loved this book and read it in one sitting. It is a great look at both Samuel L. Jackson's life and his filmography. The author ranks each movie by overall film and SLJ rating. I love how the story was told with snippets of his life, then movie summaries and reviews, followed by more life. It's all in chronological order and now I'm looking forward to watching some of these movies again and some of the movies I have never seen
May 26, 2025
The filmography chapters were a bit much, skipped most
And ya… why didn’t SLJ narrate this book?!?
And ya… why didn’t SLJ narrate this book?!?
August 15, 2021
If you are a major film buff and/or a Samuel L. Jackson fan, Bad Motherfucker: The Life and Movies of Samuel L. Jackson, the Coolest Man in Hollywood by Gavin Edwards is the perfect book for you!
This book is part biography, part film review of all of Jackson’s films. Each film review includes a Samuel L. Jackson rating and a count of how many times Jackson swears in the film. Cinemaphiles will love the dual nature of this book that includes film reviews and biographical information. Personally, I enjoyed the biographical chapters more than the film reviews.
While this book was very interesting, it was a bit slow in some chapters and got bogged down with the mix of film reviews. I think the book would have been better organized if it was split in two, with the first half being the biography and the second half being the film reviews. The opening introduction chapter also did not fit very well with the rest of the book and got the book started off on the wrong foot for me. Overall, this look at Samuel L. Jackson’s life and works is super intriguing that any major fan will enjoy. 4 stars.
I received a free digital ARC from NetGalley and Hachette Books in exchange for an honest review.
This book is part biography, part film review of all of Jackson’s films. Each film review includes a Samuel L. Jackson rating and a count of how many times Jackson swears in the film. Cinemaphiles will love the dual nature of this book that includes film reviews and biographical information. Personally, I enjoyed the biographical chapters more than the film reviews.
While this book was very interesting, it was a bit slow in some chapters and got bogged down with the mix of film reviews. I think the book would have been better organized if it was split in two, with the first half being the biography and the second half being the film reviews. The opening introduction chapter also did not fit very well with the rest of the book and got the book started off on the wrong foot for me. Overall, this look at Samuel L. Jackson’s life and works is super intriguing that any major fan will enjoy. 4 stars.
I received a free digital ARC from NetGalley and Hachette Books in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2022
Disappointing... It starts in the shallow end of SLJ's life... Then goes to splash in the kiddie pool, with nada but descriptions of his film characters, "SLJ films 2000-2005"...
September 3, 2021
(ARC received via goodreads giveaway)
This is a fun pop culture biography, with a thorough filmography interspersed throughout, and very cool artworks based on many of Jackson's roles. It's not a deep dive into his life or work; mainly it serves as an amalgamation of his IMDB page and various interviews. Nor does it really challenge the public perception of the man; although in fairness to the author, I think I would find a more comprehensive biography, one which digs into private documents and seeks to truly present an entire life beyond what is in the public image, a bit distasteful and invasive when the subject is still alive. Which leads to the question - is this book necessary? I'm just not really convinced. From what I could tell, it was a pandemic project of the author's, to watch all of Jackson's films and dig through his interviews in order to create a full narrative. And more power to him, keeping himself busy with something. And it is kind of fun; the public image of Sam Jackson is fun to spend time with, after all. There's just not a lot of substance, nor anything new, in this book.
That said. The artworks commissioned for this book that serve as interstitials are a delight; I greatly hope they will be reproduced in full color in the official release of this book, because the greyscale in the ARC does them a disservice. The filmography, with the author's mini-reviews of every single film, is more fun in theory than in full practice, I think; it seems half of this book is devoted to review snippets, and while of course the films should be talked about, the framing of them in this way (as opposed to in the context of Jackson's life) diverts from this being a biography and splits it to half-biography, half-author's Letterboxd profile.
I was entertained, mostly. And I can't say I didn't learn anything about Sam Jackson through reading this; he's a fascinating actor and man who, through reading this book, I am interested in watching more of, and learning more about. But I think the kind of deeply researched, academic biography Jackson deserves, is not only not this book, but should wait until the sad but inevitable event of his passing. This is a fun and accessible surface-level read, though.
This is a fun pop culture biography, with a thorough filmography interspersed throughout, and very cool artworks based on many of Jackson's roles. It's not a deep dive into his life or work; mainly it serves as an amalgamation of his IMDB page and various interviews. Nor does it really challenge the public perception of the man; although in fairness to the author, I think I would find a more comprehensive biography, one which digs into private documents and seeks to truly present an entire life beyond what is in the public image, a bit distasteful and invasive when the subject is still alive. Which leads to the question - is this book necessary? I'm just not really convinced. From what I could tell, it was a pandemic project of the author's, to watch all of Jackson's films and dig through his interviews in order to create a full narrative. And more power to him, keeping himself busy with something. And it is kind of fun; the public image of Sam Jackson is fun to spend time with, after all. There's just not a lot of substance, nor anything new, in this book.
That said. The artworks commissioned for this book that serve as interstitials are a delight; I greatly hope they will be reproduced in full color in the official release of this book, because the greyscale in the ARC does them a disservice. The filmography, with the author's mini-reviews of every single film, is more fun in theory than in full practice, I think; it seems half of this book is devoted to review snippets, and while of course the films should be talked about, the framing of them in this way (as opposed to in the context of Jackson's life) diverts from this being a biography and splits it to half-biography, half-author's Letterboxd profile.
I was entertained, mostly. And I can't say I didn't learn anything about Sam Jackson through reading this; he's a fascinating actor and man who, through reading this book, I am interested in watching more of, and learning more about. But I think the kind of deeply researched, academic biography Jackson deserves, is not only not this book, but should wait until the sad but inevitable event of his passing. This is a fun and accessible surface-level read, though.
November 17, 2022
Samuel L. Jackson has been one of the hardest-working actors for years. At this point he's made over a hundred and fifty movies, more than Tom Hanks and Bill Murray combined. Biographer Gavin Edwards takes us on a detailed journey of Jackson's life, from being raised by his grandparents in Chattanooga, Tennessee (where he became very familiar and uncomfortable with the system of Southern segregation), to his time at Morehead College in Atlanta (and especially his reaction when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was shot in Memphis), to his meteoric rise after Pulp Fiction was released in 1994 (he was starring in the number one film, Die Hard with a Vengeance, by the very next year). This goes into some detail, with Jackson breaking down how he approached every character, the steps he took to create backgrounds of each so he could present a more realistic person, as well as his use of props and mannerisms. Here's an example of the writing: "Jackson was keenly aware that he was in the entertainment business. If a script couldn't hold his attention, the resulting movie wouldn't hold the audience's attention. ("I just sit there and read it, and hope that I won't figure out what's going to happen thirty pages later," he said.) Then he considered the character he was being asked to play: "whether it lets me explore some aspect of me I haven't explored." He preferred verbal characters, who expressed themselves through speech. "I look for monologues, big chunks of dialogue." And "if the character doesn't have some kind of edge, I'm really not attracted to him." If Jackson liked a screenplay but not the character he was offered, he would ask if a different role was available. Sometimes he would turn down a leading part, but volunteer for a supporting role - if the producers could keep his shooting schedule under ten days." I honestly don't recall another biography that lets you get inside the head of the person being written about like this. Good stuff!
June 11, 2024
One of the better talent bios. Plenty of detailed b-t-s anecdotals, extensive filmography summations w commemorative deep-dive specs, via Entertainment journalism narrative.
Picked-up specifically for Jackie Brown (1997) chronology. Miramax's aggressive in-house publicity machine scrubbed most legacy media reports regarding QT and De Niro's frequent on-set clashes. As popular as that film is there ought to be some legit behind-the-scenes revelations 25+ years later, but still nada (except for a leaked phone conversation, reinforcing De Niro's displeasure with Miramax low-balling his services (again). Gavin Edwards's Bad Mofo: SLJ unauthorized bio offers the first real glimpse inside the 1997 Miramax production; Specifically, regarding RDN feeling put out for 1) Making less than his usual fee, and 2) Miramax's less than accommodating perks for premier-talent, i.e. lackin diva treats. Edwards includes two making-of Jackie Brown anecdotals, even through both feature De Niro's tantruming theatrics, they're both wrapped in folksy posturing, exploiting laymen's understanding of industry practices or production curtesies.
Probably my lone gripe is the manner in which Edwards repackages his b-t-s backstories: in fluffy, broadly-accusatory, PR-safe, no-harm-no-foul narratives. If only to keep in the good graces of corresponding talent, management, representation -- lessening blowblack, if any.
Picked-up specifically for Jackie Brown (1997) chronology. Miramax's aggressive in-house publicity machine scrubbed most legacy media reports regarding QT and De Niro's frequent on-set clashes. As popular as that film is there ought to be some legit behind-the-scenes revelations 25+ years later, but still nada (except for a leaked phone conversation, reinforcing De Niro's displeasure with Miramax low-balling his services (again). Gavin Edwards's Bad Mofo: SLJ unauthorized bio offers the first real glimpse inside the 1997 Miramax production; Specifically, regarding RDN feeling put out for 1) Making less than his usual fee, and 2) Miramax's less than accommodating perks for premier-talent, i.e. lackin diva treats. Edwards includes two making-of Jackie Brown anecdotals, even through both feature De Niro's tantruming theatrics, they're both wrapped in folksy posturing, exploiting laymen's understanding of industry practices or production curtesies.
Probably my lone gripe is the manner in which Edwards repackages his b-t-s backstories: in fluffy, broadly-accusatory, PR-safe, no-harm-no-foul narratives. If only to keep in the good graces of corresponding talent, management, representation -- lessening blowblack, if any.
October 28, 2021
Samuel L. Jackson is one Bad Motherfucker—especially in Pulp Fiction, my favorite Jackson movie. However, I knew nothing about his life outside of film before reading this book.
Beginning with his birth and concluding in 2021, this book tells Jackson’s story. However, the majority of the book describes every Jackson film longer than 55 minutes. The descriptions include rating stars for both the movie itself and Jackson’s performance within it. It also indicates the character he plays, the minutes until he shows up and the expletives within the movie.
I found the descriptions to be the most interesting part of the book. The author’s insights on movies I have seen were spot on. Of the 140 movies and television specials included, I found several that I will seek out including Dead Man Out, The Long Kiss Goodnight, Hard Eight, Formula 51, and Unicorn Store. Those are not necessarily Jackson’s best films. They are the best films I haven’t seen yet. You are sure to find some unknown gems in Bad Motherfucker too. 5 stars!
Thanks to Hachette Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Beginning with his birth and concluding in 2021, this book tells Jackson’s story. However, the majority of the book describes every Jackson film longer than 55 minutes. The descriptions include rating stars for both the movie itself and Jackson’s performance within it. It also indicates the character he plays, the minutes until he shows up and the expletives within the movie.
I found the descriptions to be the most interesting part of the book. The author’s insights on movies I have seen were spot on. Of the 140 movies and television specials included, I found several that I will seek out including Dead Man Out, The Long Kiss Goodnight, Hard Eight, Formula 51, and Unicorn Store. Those are not necessarily Jackson’s best films. They are the best films I haven’t seen yet. You are sure to find some unknown gems in Bad Motherfucker too. 5 stars!
Thanks to Hachette Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 27, 2022
This book was received as an ARC from Hachette Books in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
Samuel L. Jackson is seriously one of the coolest men in Hollywood even today and he displays it perfectly in his movies and in his capitol one commercials. I love the Star Wars Movies, Shaft, and Jackie Brown. Sam gloriously magnified those rolls to the max and they brought out his true personalities the best. Having the book set up as a library of the roles he's played in and how they tie in to his life was interesting to see. It was kind of similar to reading a timetable but in biography format. Knowing that he was a "Nerd" in high school and transformed into an A-list actor brings hope to young readers across the world that anything can happen if they make it happen. Gavin Edwards does an excellent job compiling interviews and stories from Sam to best connect them to his biographical history. This book would be another great source for a biography project.
We will consider adding this title to our Biography collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
Samuel L. Jackson is seriously one of the coolest men in Hollywood even today and he displays it perfectly in his movies and in his capitol one commercials. I love the Star Wars Movies, Shaft, and Jackie Brown. Sam gloriously magnified those rolls to the max and they brought out his true personalities the best. Having the book set up as a library of the roles he's played in and how they tie in to his life was interesting to see. It was kind of similar to reading a timetable but in biography format. Knowing that he was a "Nerd" in high school and transformed into an A-list actor brings hope to young readers across the world that anything can happen if they make it happen. Gavin Edwards does an excellent job compiling interviews and stories from Sam to best connect them to his biographical history. This book would be another great source for a biography project.
We will consider adding this title to our Biography collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
October 27, 2021
I really enjoy Sam Jackson in movies so I was really excited to read this book. I found the narrative portions to be really interesting. I didn't know much about his life and I did enjoy that part. I didn't realize until reading this book just how many movies he was in. I liked the listing/review of the movies, especially the "SLJ Factor" in rating the movies. I did find it rather distracting the way the movies were broken up and put between chapters of the narrative. I think I would have enjoyed it more if all the narrative had been together, then the list/review of movies together after the narrative. I enjoyed the reminders of movies he was in that I hadn't seen in a while, but I found some of them a little tedious. I especially got bored with the frequent Avengers related listings when he was a minor character in the end credits. I haven't seen any of the movies, and I ended up just skipping those after a while. There are definitely some movies in there that I didn't realize he was in and would like to watch. Overall, a decent and interesting read.
September 17, 2021
This was such a fun read! The book is a filmography of Jackson's film work and I had no idea he has been in so many films! So many I've never even heard of too!
Each film is listed and also indicates how much time passes before Jackson shows up in the film. Included also is a list of every swear word he says in each movie and how many times they are said. This cracked me up!
For each film there is also a little bit of information about how Jackson that had something to do with that time in his life, or who he was up against for the part. Some really cool behind the scene facts are shared and I was riveted to learn more as the pages continued to turn.
If you enjoy learning how movies come to be and how parts are auditioned for or given to certain actors, you will find enjoyment in this book. And of course, any Samuel L Jackson fans should definitely check this one out.
Thank you to #HachetteBooks for this complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Each film is listed and also indicates how much time passes before Jackson shows up in the film. Included also is a list of every swear word he says in each movie and how many times they are said. This cracked me up!
For each film there is also a little bit of information about how Jackson that had something to do with that time in his life, or who he was up against for the part. Some really cool behind the scene facts are shared and I was riveted to learn more as the pages continued to turn.
If you enjoy learning how movies come to be and how parts are auditioned for or given to certain actors, you will find enjoyment in this book. And of course, any Samuel L Jackson fans should definitely check this one out.
Thank you to #HachetteBooks for this complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 22, 2022
My last awareness of Gavin Edwards is from the "'Scuse Me While I Kiss This Guy" books from... the nineties? '00s? This book is nothing like those ones.
I got the Audible version because second to SLJ himself performing the book is Phil Lamarr, voice actor extraordinaire, performing the book. (My VERY favorite parts were when he spoke of himself in the third person and did a damn credible impression of... himself.)
I enjoyed the alternating format of SLJ's biography and his body of work, in chronological order, with ratings for both the movies themselves and the SLJ factor. The reading was excellent and entertaining, my only quibble being the obvious jumps in tone/volume where new sessions began, though I've heard worse.
I highly recommend this book if you're a fan of Phil Lamarr, Samuel L. Jackson, or the word "motherfucker."
I got the Audible version because second to SLJ himself performing the book is Phil Lamarr, voice actor extraordinaire, performing the book. (My VERY favorite parts were when he spoke of himself in the third person and did a damn credible impression of... himself.)
I enjoyed the alternating format of SLJ's biography and his body of work, in chronological order, with ratings for both the movies themselves and the SLJ factor. The reading was excellent and entertaining, my only quibble being the obvious jumps in tone/volume where new sessions began, though I've heard worse.
I highly recommend this book if you're a fan of Phil Lamarr, Samuel L. Jackson, or the word "motherfucker."
October 27, 2021
Samuel L. Jackson!!! I love me some Samuel L. Jackson! He is absolutely the coolest man ever! And the sheer number of movies he has been in is phenomenal! Bad Motherfucker by Gavin Edwards takes you through his life as a young man to present. It also has a unique way of describing the movies he has been in. It is part biography of the man and part IMDb. But Gavin Edwards took the time to watch every movie, and tabulate every curse word that did not get bleeped out. He also lets you know how far into the movie before Samuel L. Jackson appears on the screen. It is an unique look into a man that personifies the word "Cool".
Thank you to Netgalley, Hachette Books and Gavin Edwards for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to Netgalley, Hachette Books and Gavin Edwards for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 24, 2024
Byla to celkem zajímavá kniha, která nabízela náhled do života Samuela L. Jacksona. Bohužel v ní často převládaly postoje autora nad postoji samotného Jacksona, takže jsme se dozvěděli, co všecko je podle Edwarse "blaxploatační" a rasistické (autor je mimochodem běloch) a jak špatný je Donald Trump (no ovšem), samotný Jackson ale prostor k vyjádření nedostal. Edwards jednoduše poskládal dohromady, co vyčetl z různých článků (na konci je jejich seznam), a nejsem si ale úplně jistá, jestli s Jacksonem v průběhu psaní knihy vůbec mluvil. Pro fanoušky herce ale bude kniha určitě zajímavá, protože obsahuje úplný seznam filmů (ne seriálů), ve kterých hrál. Kniha rovněž neobsahuje žádné fotky, jen několik černobílých fanouškovských plakátů k Jacksonovým filmům.
August 20, 2025
Ya’ll have to listen to this book! When I tell you it’s absolutely hilarious, it’s hilarious lol. I love memoirs and biographies because you get a chance to learn things about the person that you would have never known despite being a celebrity and people thinking they really “know” the actor/celebrity.
The narrator made the audiobook probably 50% better but I wished Samuel L Jackson would have read it because it would have been funnier especially with all the Motherfuckers thrown around.
A few things about Samuel L Jackson that I didn’t know prior to this book:
He grew up in Tennessee
He was an only child
He went to Morehouse
He lived in New York and California
He’s played golf with Tiger Woods
The narrator made the audiobook probably 50% better but I wished Samuel L Jackson would have read it because it would have been funnier especially with all the Motherfuckers thrown around.
A few things about Samuel L Jackson that I didn’t know prior to this book:
He grew up in Tennessee
He was an only child
He went to Morehouse
He lived in New York and California
He’s played golf with Tiger Woods
August 13, 2021
Any book about the fabulous Samuel L Jackson is fine by me! Samuel L Jackson is successful, witty and dapper AF but also humble. I never knew I needed a biography of one of my favorite actors but this was needed and this was an entertaining read!
I thought this was tastefully written and gives readers a glimpse into the actor's life. Recommended for all his fans and also the naysayers!
Thanks to Netgalley, Gavin Edwards and Hachette Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Available: 10/19/21
I thought this was tastefully written and gives readers a glimpse into the actor's life. Recommended for all his fans and also the naysayers!
Thanks to Netgalley, Gavin Edwards and Hachette Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Available: 10/19/21
November 12, 2021
Samuel L. Jackson holds a unique place in film history as a person whose cool roles have carried over to brush an aura of coolness over his own personal life. It took him a long time to achieve "stardom" (he was 40 when he had his role in "Pulp Fiction") and he worked more often than many A-List actors, often taking smaller roles over leads. All of this reflected his view of acting and of life. Gavin Edwards explores both the man and his roles in a fair amount of depth in this book and shows what makes him tick. - BH.
June 17, 2022
Absolutely one of favorite all time actors. I met him in Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing, then fell in love with Jules Winnfield in Pulp Fiction. Gavin does a great job telling the story of Sam's life and career. Best of all describing the creation of the brand that has become Sam Jackson; that he is one BAD MOTHERF*CKER! (Remember his wallet in Pulp Fiction)
The editor's version was shared with me by Michael McConnell after I hired him to edit my own debut book "The Bravest - A Fireman's Tale". McConnell was also the Hachette editor of this book by Gavin Edwards. So naturally, I love it!
The editor's version was shared with me by Michael McConnell after I hired him to edit my own debut book "The Bravest - A Fireman's Tale". McConnell was also the Hachette editor of this book by Gavin Edwards. So naturally, I love it!
February 1, 2024
Neurazilo, nenadchlo. Nejsem úplně filmový fanoušek a filmů se Samuelem Jacksonem jsem viděl málo, ale jako herce ho mám celkem rád. Jeho životopis je podán dost stručně a přes půl knihy zabírá popis všech jeho 140 filmů, které (chudák) autor shlédl během covidové pandemie.
Filmy jsou uváděny pouze pod českými názvy, což je celkem opruz. Úplně zbytečné mi pak přijde vyjmenovávání nadávek, které SLJ ve filmech použil.
Pár zajímavostí se tam najde, ale je to kniha spíše pro skalní fanoušky.
Filmy jsou uváděny pouze pod českými názvy, což je celkem opruz. Úplně zbytečné mi pak přijde vyjmenovávání nadávek, které SLJ ve filmech použil.
Pár zajímavostí se tam najde, ale je to kniha spíše pro skalní fanoušky.
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