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Make Love the Bruce Campbell Way
"This approach generates some of the most witty showbiz lunacy since This Is Spinal Tap ."
--- Sacramento News & Review
What you're reading right now is known as the "flap copy." This is where the 72,444 words of my latest book are cooked down to fit this space. But how does one do that? Do you reveal pivotal plot points like the one at the end of the book where the little girl on crutches points an accusing finger and shouts, "The killer is Mr. Potter"?
I have too much respect for you as an attention-deficient consumer to attempt such an obvious ruse. But let's not play games here. You picked up the book already, so you
A. Know who I am
B. Liked the cool smoking jacket I'm wearing on the cover
C. Have just discovered that the bookstore restroom is out of toilet paper
Is it a sequel to my autobiography If Chins Could Confessions of a B Movie Actor? Sadly, no, which made it much harder to write. According to my publisher, I haven't "done" enough since 2001 to warrant another memoir.
Is it an "autobiographical novel"? Yes. I'm the lead character in the story, and I'm a real person, and everything in the book actually happened, except for the stuff that didn't.
The action revolves around my preparations for a pivotal role in the A-list relationship film Let's Make Love! But my Homeric attempt to break through the glass ceiling of B-grade genre fare is hampered by a vengeful studio executive and a production that becomes infected by something called the "B movie virus," symptoms of which include excessive use of cheesy special effects, slapstick, and projectile vomiting.
From a violent fistfight with a Buddhist to a life-altering stint in federal prison, this novel has it all. And if the 72,444 words are too time-consuming, there are lots and lots of cool graphics.
Regards,
Bruce "Don't Call Me Ash" Campbell
Praise for Make Love the Bruce Campbell Way
"It's a great, goofy what-if."
--- Entertainment Weekly
"Ultimately, Make Love is a Bruce Campbell novel, starring Bruce Campbell, written for Bruce Campbell fans for whom Bruce Campbell can do no wrong. They'll no doubt find Campbell's latest endeavor nothing short of---to quote one of his most famous characters---groovy."
--- The Onion
"One of the most delightfully deranged experiences you'll have reading this year. Hail to the king, baby."
--- Rue Morgue
--- Sacramento News & Review
What you're reading right now is known as the "flap copy." This is where the 72,444 words of my latest book are cooked down to fit this space. But how does one do that? Do you reveal pivotal plot points like the one at the end of the book where the little girl on crutches points an accusing finger and shouts, "The killer is Mr. Potter"?
I have too much respect for you as an attention-deficient consumer to attempt such an obvious ruse. But let's not play games here. You picked up the book already, so you
A. Know who I am
B. Liked the cool smoking jacket I'm wearing on the cover
C. Have just discovered that the bookstore restroom is out of toilet paper
Is it a sequel to my autobiography If Chins Could Confessions of a B Movie Actor? Sadly, no, which made it much harder to write. According to my publisher, I haven't "done" enough since 2001 to warrant another memoir.
Is it an "autobiographical novel"? Yes. I'm the lead character in the story, and I'm a real person, and everything in the book actually happened, except for the stuff that didn't.
The action revolves around my preparations for a pivotal role in the A-list relationship film Let's Make Love! But my Homeric attempt to break through the glass ceiling of B-grade genre fare is hampered by a vengeful studio executive and a production that becomes infected by something called the "B movie virus," symptoms of which include excessive use of cheesy special effects, slapstick, and projectile vomiting.
From a violent fistfight with a Buddhist to a life-altering stint in federal prison, this novel has it all. And if the 72,444 words are too time-consuming, there are lots and lots of cool graphics.
Regards,
Bruce "Don't Call Me Ash" Campbell
Praise for Make Love the Bruce Campbell Way
"It's a great, goofy what-if."
--- Entertainment Weekly
"Ultimately, Make Love is a Bruce Campbell novel, starring Bruce Campbell, written for Bruce Campbell fans for whom Bruce Campbell can do no wrong. They'll no doubt find Campbell's latest endeavor nothing short of---to quote one of his most famous characters---groovy."
--- The Onion
"One of the most delightfully deranged experiences you'll have reading this year. Hail to the king, baby."
--- Rue Morgue
353 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
73 people are currently reading
1716 people want to read
About the author
Bruce Campbell
158 books758 followersBruce Lorne Campbell is an American actor, producer, writer and director. He is best known for his starring role as Ash in the Evil Dead trilogy of horror/slapstick movies, and has since become a B-movie icon.
His acting style is an "over-the-top" machismo that lends itself well to roles such as that of Ash Williams, whom Campbell himself has dubbed "an idiot and a jerk like the rest of us". This style is parodied in the film The Majestic where Campbell appears as Roland the Intrepid Explorer in the B movie Sand Pirates of the Sahara, written by Jim Carrey's screenwriter character. Campbell also excels at "reverse acting", a frequent filming technique of Sam Raimi's where action sequences are filmed in reverse of how they will appear in the film. Campbell offers advice about getting into the film industry on his website.
Campbell is well-known for his trademark sense of humor, which he often couples with deadpan (and somewhat sarcastic) comic delivery.
His acting style is an "over-the-top" machismo that lends itself well to roles such as that of Ash Williams, whom Campbell himself has dubbed "an idiot and a jerk like the rest of us". This style is parodied in the film The Majestic where Campbell appears as Roland the Intrepid Explorer in the B movie Sand Pirates of the Sahara, written by Jim Carrey's screenwriter character. Campbell also excels at "reverse acting", a frequent filming technique of Sam Raimi's where action sequences are filmed in reverse of how they will appear in the film. Campbell offers advice about getting into the film industry on his website.
Campbell is well-known for his trademark sense of humor, which he often couples with deadpan (and somewhat sarcastic) comic delivery.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 327 reviews
September 4, 2018
I was hoping for this one to be some sort of hilarious parody of How to Make Love to a Woman, so I was a little disappointed to find the book is actually an account of Campbell's attempts to break free of his B-movie reputation by playing a doorman in a Mike Nichols' rom-com.
It all begins with Campbell's agent asking Bruce to write a "relationship book." But, Campbell, who lost his virginity at age twenty-three, and married the first woman who ever came on to him, confesses, "When it comes to women, I don't know my ass from a hole in the ground." And so, instead of steamy romantic advice, we're treated to some wild tales of the mishaps inherent with making a feature film . . . at least a feature film that involves Bruce Campbell.
Campbell, a man not exactly know for subtlety, regales us with stories about fights with his costar, buying an enormous truck, and wedding planning gone wonky. He goes on the prowl with "The King of All Ladies' Men" - Dash Darwin, and in one of my favorite bits, visits a Southern Gentlemen's Society, where he ends up in a duel with one of the members:
"This is barbaric."
"On the contrary, my good man, this is tradition. Choose your weapon.
"I choose a grenade."
"Choose a pistol, please," Charles repeated.
"Eenie, meenie, miney ---"
The book is packed with photos, and fake ads, some of which are pretty funny, though frequently hard to read. And, while I admire Campbell's willingness to poke fun at himself and his image, it all got pretty tedious after a while. On the plus side, it's easy to put down and pick up, oh, even months later with no ill effects.
It all begins with Campbell's agent asking Bruce to write a "relationship book." But, Campbell, who lost his virginity at age twenty-three, and married the first woman who ever came on to him, confesses, "When it comes to women, I don't know my ass from a hole in the ground." And so, instead of steamy romantic advice, we're treated to some wild tales of the mishaps inherent with making a feature film . . . at least a feature film that involves Bruce Campbell.
Campbell, a man not exactly know for subtlety, regales us with stories about fights with his costar, buying an enormous truck, and wedding planning gone wonky. He goes on the prowl with "The King of All Ladies' Men" - Dash Darwin, and in one of my favorite bits, visits a Southern Gentlemen's Society, where he ends up in a duel with one of the members:
"This is barbaric."
"On the contrary, my good man, this is tradition. Choose your weapon.
"I choose a grenade."
"Choose a pistol, please," Charles repeated.
"Eenie, meenie, miney ---"
The book is packed with photos, and fake ads, some of which are pretty funny, though frequently hard to read. And, while I admire Campbell's willingness to poke fun at himself and his image, it all got pretty tedious after a while. On the plus side, it's easy to put down and pick up, oh, even months later with no ill effects.
July 15, 2013
This was another library book! So to the top of the currently reading list it goes. People are probably waiting. I'm sure the line for this book must be around the block.
Well I finished this book and ultimately gave it a good rating. This in spite of my initial disappointment. I mean imagine my dismay upon discovering that what I thought was to be a "how to manual" on love making from a suave and well known movie star (is "well known" and "movie star" repetitive? Oh well.) turned out to be simply the story of the trials and travails of a well known, famous, and incomparably talented "B" movie actor attempting to (inexplicably) make the move into "A" films. THEN after reading with great interest the amazing adventures of Mr. Campbell as actor, adviser to stars, amateur detective, master of disguise and so much more, up to and including facing off with an oppressive federal government and it's agents...discovering that it's all fictional!
I mean it was a great let down and I really had to take a deep breath and have a calming drink to get over that one. My confidence now blasted and faith in all humanity and human veracity being called into question I moved on. I mean if I can't trust Bruce Campbell, my hero, my chosen example, my exemplar, the man I've attempted to pattern my life after, if he hadn't actually done all these things, what is there in the physical world left to believe in? It was shattering. How was I to face the future now? When one's heroes are tarnished it can be very difficult to go on. What had Bruce been thinking? So, I had to pull myself together, buck up and realize that life can be brutal and we have to, at times, just look reality in the face and go on.
Still once I thought about it, it was all rather... humorous.
Groovy. :)
Well I finished this book and ultimately gave it a good rating. This in spite of my initial disappointment. I mean imagine my dismay upon discovering that what I thought was to be a "how to manual" on love making from a suave and well known movie star (is "well known" and "movie star" repetitive? Oh well.) turned out to be simply the story of the trials and travails of a well known, famous, and incomparably talented "B" movie actor attempting to (inexplicably) make the move into "A" films. THEN after reading with great interest the amazing adventures of Mr. Campbell as actor, adviser to stars, amateur detective, master of disguise and so much more, up to and including facing off with an oppressive federal government and it's agents...discovering that it's all fictional!
I mean it was a great let down and I really had to take a deep breath and have a calming drink to get over that one. My confidence now blasted and faith in all humanity and human veracity being called into question I moved on. I mean if I can't trust Bruce Campbell, my hero, my chosen example, my exemplar, the man I've attempted to pattern my life after, if he hadn't actually done all these things, what is there in the physical world left to believe in? It was shattering. How was I to face the future now? When one's heroes are tarnished it can be very difficult to go on. What had Bruce been thinking? So, I had to pull myself together, buck up and realize that life can be brutal and we have to, at times, just look reality in the face and go on.
Still once I thought about it, it was all rather... humorous.
Groovy. :)
February 19, 2025
For hardcore fans of Mr. Campbell, for people who just love to read something light and funny, for B-movies fans. For anybody.
I laughed out loud several times through this book. Some of the stories and meets Bruce went through were absolutely mad.
5/5
I laughed out loud several times through this book. Some of the stories and meets Bruce went through were absolutely mad.
5/5
February 4, 2013
I am a diehard BC fan, and I adored "If Chins Could Kill". In fact, I've lent it to numerous friends who had no idea who BC was and THEY liked it. That being said, I was pretty disappointed in this book. Bruce's tone is still engaging. There are still funny moments. But most of the writing is too over-the-top ludicrous without the lanyard of actual reality to bring it back down to earth. And while some people seem to really enjoy the graphics, I found most of them to just be badly photoshopped filling of space. That, and why is the text so large? It's like this book is trying to be large print, but not really. Aesthetically (which I grant you is completely nitpicky) this book doesn't really do it for me. I enjoyed it in the way that I enjoy the Twilight books - somewhat unwillingly. (Apologies if Mr. Campbell actually reads this review for the reference to Twilight, but it was the nearest approximation to how I was feeling. The two books aren't actually similar.)
I will be keeping my copy (because it is autographed to me...squeeee!) but wouldn't recommend this book to anyone other than diehard BC fans. Completely unlike "If Chins Could Kill" which I recommend to everyone!
Also, having stopped reading halfway through, I'm going to try the audiobook. I think this lighthearted book is more suited to listening, and from what I understand it is read by Ted Raimi (squeee!) with various guest vocals. It sounds like it'll be a lot more impressive than reading the book myself.
I will be keeping my copy (because it is autographed to me...squeeee!) but wouldn't recommend this book to anyone other than diehard BC fans. Completely unlike "If Chins Could Kill" which I recommend to everyone!
Also, having stopped reading halfway through, I'm going to try the audiobook. I think this lighthearted book is more suited to listening, and from what I understand it is read by Ted Raimi (squeee!) with various guest vocals. It sounds like it'll be a lot more impressive than reading the book myself.
July 19, 2008
So much fun! If you are looking for a book that's actually about Bruce Campbell, read "If Chins Could Kill." If you want a laugh out loud funny, somewhat autobiographical, mostly fictitious story, this is the book for you. "Chins" is funny and informative, "Make Love" is funnier but not so informative.
Campbell tells the story of his attempt to supercede his B-movie status and make it in the big time. Every moment in here is embelished for the kind of slapstick humor Campbell is great at and to exaggerate the satire of the cloistered, pretentious worlds of fame and power.
This is a very funny book. Plus it has a lot of entertaining fake pictures.
Campbell tells the story of his attempt to supercede his B-movie status and make it in the big time. Every moment in here is embelished for the kind of slapstick humor Campbell is great at and to exaggerate the satire of the cloistered, pretentious worlds of fame and power.
This is a very funny book. Plus it has a lot of entertaining fake pictures.
October 1, 2012
This book is stupid. Also, I liked it. I liked it quite a bit. I didn't want to like it -- after all, I'm far too sophisticated. This book has pictures. Pictures!
But like it I did. Dangit.
This book gave me several laugh-out-loud moments, as opposed to those books that are just funny in an intellectual sort of way. It's the writing style. The story isn't believable, just like the movie Army of Darkness wasn't. They were just lots and lots of fun.
If I have one complaint, it's the story arc. The book started out framing a conflict very nicely -- a B movie actor is given a role in a big-budget Hollywood blockbuster, and everyone is counting on him to turn in a performance of a lifetime. The problem is, by the end of the book, the conflict had changed, and it had nothing to do with the acting performance. That was a bit of a disappointment.
Still, like I said, multiple laugh-out-loud moments. Lots of buffoonery. Crazy characters in ridiculous circumstances. Very enjoyable.
Now I have to go read some Faulkner so I can feel elite again.
But like it I did. Dangit.
This book gave me several laugh-out-loud moments, as opposed to those books that are just funny in an intellectual sort of way. It's the writing style. The story isn't believable, just like the movie Army of Darkness wasn't. They were just lots and lots of fun.
If I have one complaint, it's the story arc. The book started out framing a conflict very nicely -- a B movie actor is given a role in a big-budget Hollywood blockbuster, and everyone is counting on him to turn in a performance of a lifetime. The problem is, by the end of the book, the conflict had changed, and it had nothing to do with the acting performance. That was a bit of a disappointment.
Still, like I said, multiple laugh-out-loud moments. Lots of buffoonery. Crazy characters in ridiculous circumstances. Very enjoyable.
Now I have to go read some Faulkner so I can feel elite again.
January 24, 2008
Bruce takes a shot at humorous fiction and nails it. He uses himself as the main character, and tells the story of how he gets a shot in a mainstream Mike Nichols-directed drama starring Richard Gere, Renne Zellwegger, and Morgan Freeman as the wise doorman. Bruce basically gives Nichols really bad advice on how to make the movie better, which of course, ruins it. This is both metafiction and epistolary at times, which are two words I just learned this week.
March 6, 2019
I loved chins, this book is not a sequel to chins. It was enjoyable made me laugh, but just not overall that great of a read
July 24, 2008
When I first picked this book up, I thought it was a follow up to Bruce's memoir, "If Chins Could Kill". I was a little surprised to find out that it is a work of comic fiction starring himself on the set of a movie costarring Richard Gere and Renee Zellweger.
One thing I know from reading this is that Bruce is a funny guy. The story is fantastical in and of itself, as he ends up in the kind of completely outlandish situations that you would expect to see played out of any of the last couple of movies that he has starred in.
Frankly, I enjoy Bruce's voice, so the book held my interest while I read it, and there are quite a few moments in there that got an audible chuckle out of me, but in the end I don't think that anyone other than a diehard fan would really enjoy this book.
One thing I know from reading this is that Bruce is a funny guy. The story is fantastical in and of itself, as he ends up in the kind of completely outlandish situations that you would expect to see played out of any of the last couple of movies that he has starred in.
Frankly, I enjoy Bruce's voice, so the book held my interest while I read it, and there are quite a few moments in there that got an audible chuckle out of me, but in the end I don't think that anyone other than a diehard fan would really enjoy this book.
August 7, 2011
I thought this was another autobiography. It's not. Campbell takes an element of his real life, then twists it into a funny fantasy. I should say 'warps', not just 'twists'. It is funny, if you like his sort of humor & can get into it for an entire book. I found my sense of humor tripping out well before the end, unfortunately. Still, it was fun.
May 24, 2022
I got Bruce to autograph this at a book signing. It’s obviously one of my most precious possessions. It’s terribly sarcastic the whole way through, and just what you would hope for. If you love Bruce, (and if you don't, we can't be friends), then this book is for you.
October 30, 2024
If you are a fan of Bruce, than you will like this, it wasn't what I expected, it's more of a story about Bruce's adventure while working on a romantic comedy.
The audio book was read by Bruce, with various other voices and sound effects, which was fun.
The audio book was read by Bruce, with various other voices and sound effects, which was fun.
May 23, 2010
Absurdity has a strange place in entertainment. When we know that a story is true, absurdity makes that story more fascinating and exciting. Things that happen that are out of the ordinary or unexpected make the tale more memorable. On the other hand, absurdity in fiction does kind of the opposite. How many times have you heard the phrase "Oh that would never happen in real life" or "That is so unrealistic" while watching a movie or TV show? Often times we expect a level of realism when it comes to entertainment. Absurdity has to be done very well to be enjoyed.
The above may not be some entertainment law or anything but it certainly fits in the case of Bruce Campbell...er well, Bruce Campbell literature anyway (considering that this is the Evil Dead guy we're talking about). If Chins Could Kill: Confessions of a B Movie Actor was a great memoir partly because it was about the absurdity of actual film making. Make Love the Bruce Campbell Way too is a tale about the absurdity of film making, but it's also a fictional one and lacks the charm of its non-fiction counterpart.
The book largely consists of Bruce Campbell engaging in progressively sillier shenanigans throughout the story. Something like this could work. However, it would be better suited for something like a sitcom or perhaps a web comic. Here, the situations Bruce finds himself in serve as substitutes for humor and really don't work well in the novel format. It's not devoid of humor. Most of the pictures in the book are hilarious and when Campbell makes fun of Hollywood the book can be quite a joy. If that's what you're looking for in a book, though, just read If Chins Could Kill. If you've already read that then...er, read it again, I guess?
The above may not be some entertainment law or anything but it certainly fits in the case of Bruce Campbell...er well, Bruce Campbell literature anyway (considering that this is the Evil Dead guy we're talking about). If Chins Could Kill: Confessions of a B Movie Actor was a great memoir partly because it was about the absurdity of actual film making. Make Love the Bruce Campbell Way too is a tale about the absurdity of film making, but it's also a fictional one and lacks the charm of its non-fiction counterpart.
The book largely consists of Bruce Campbell engaging in progressively sillier shenanigans throughout the story. Something like this could work. However, it would be better suited for something like a sitcom or perhaps a web comic. Here, the situations Bruce finds himself in serve as substitutes for humor and really don't work well in the novel format. It's not devoid of humor. Most of the pictures in the book are hilarious and when Campbell makes fun of Hollywood the book can be quite a joy. If that's what you're looking for in a book, though, just read If Chins Could Kill. If you've already read that then...er, read it again, I guess?
July 9, 2022
I picked this up at a "white elephant" gift exchange for Christmas and I was pretty happy about the acquisition. I may have stolen it from someone, but that's okay, that's what you're supposed to do right? Anyway, I'm not a huge B-movie fan and so by default Bruce Campbell isn't a big hero of mine, but I do think he's cool and I was interested to find out about his personal life and was sure it would be hilarious.
I started reading it and really enjoyed it and then at some point (right around when eco terrorists were setting hummers on fire) I realized that everything in it was made up. It wasn't an autobiographical work, it was fiction! I was pretty disappointed, but it was still hilarious and super cheesy, exactly what you would expect from Bruce Campbell.
I started reading it and really enjoyed it and then at some point (right around when eco terrorists were setting hummers on fire) I realized that everything in it was made up. It wasn't an autobiographical work, it was fiction! I was pretty disappointed, but it was still hilarious and super cheesy, exactly what you would expect from Bruce Campbell.
January 10, 2008
Do you love baaad movies, chock-full of cheesy puns and ridiculous fight scenes? Do ginormous chins make you weak in the knees? Do romantic comedies make you want to puke? Is sarcasm your native tongue? Then this book is for you! Familiarity with Bruce Campbell's work is helpful, but not required. I admit, the story started to flag a little towards the end, but then what B movie doesn't? Definitely a nice break for my brain, and good if you need something to make you giggle out loud.
July 23, 2013
Funny parts were funny, action parts were a little drawn out - kind of like Army of Darkness.
September 13, 2016
Some funny parts, some Bruce Campbell parts, and overall a weird book. Could have been funnier if the ending wasn't so rushed.
November 9, 2019
I'm now a better, sexier person for having read this.
December 24, 2022
I listened to the audiobook version of Make Love the Bruce Campbell Way written and narrated (mostly) by Bruce Campbell. I'm going to say that this might be the best way to consume this book as it comes across more like an audioplay with all the various characters voiced. It is autobiographical in that it is about Bruce Campbell who is indeed an actor. It is very believable that he could be cast as a doorman at an upscale New York City hotel in a romantic comedy. I would probably be willing to watch that movie just to see Bruce. The rest may or may not be true. I didn't know that when I first started listening. That made for some surprises! If you enjoy Bruce Campbell, you'll want to check this out.
January 12, 2025
I was entertained but I don’t know what to think of this book. It was funny but all fake. Don’t quite know what the intent was.
February 25, 2020
I mean, Bruce Campbell is just so charismatic and funny. It's why he's one of my favorite actors: he knows who he is and who he's not.
And this book is the same way. It's a low-key take-that to so many things, not least of which the Hollywood machine. And yet, Campbell is never mean or cruel. It's very much a light-hearted comedy romp, a fun B-movie plot in book form.
And this book is the same way. It's a low-key take-that to so many things, not least of which the Hollywood machine. And yet, Campbell is never mean or cruel. It's very much a light-hearted comedy romp, a fun B-movie plot in book form.
October 22, 2017
My recommendation listen to the audiobook, Bruce's narration is always worth at least one star. This is wonderfully absurdist comedy of the making of a fictional film.
October 26, 2017
This (hopefully) fictional account of Mr Campbells attempt to jump to the big time by appearing in in an "A" lister rom-com headed by Richard Gere and Renee Zellweger.
Very enjoyable, I only wish that I could have seen the finished film.
Very enjoyable, I only wish that I could have seen the finished film.
November 24, 2022
Having heard that the audiobook was a dramatization rather than a reading of the book, I had to listen. It's amazing enough if Bruce Campbell reads it, but creating a dramatic piece with his friends, and family, only made this better.
I cannot say how far it deviates from the text, but it is a fun romp through a fiction one enjoys for the pure groovy cheese of it all. It takes that B-movie actor experience and turns it into a fun romp about making a movie...or, rather, trying to make a movie.
Absurd, and hilarious as one should expect. I sincerely hope Mr. Campbell seeks to write more fiction.
I cannot say how far it deviates from the text, but it is a fun romp through a fiction one enjoys for the pure groovy cheese of it all. It takes that B-movie actor experience and turns it into a fun romp about making a movie...or, rather, trying to make a movie.
Absurd, and hilarious as one should expect. I sincerely hope Mr. Campbell seeks to write more fiction.
February 9, 2025
a perfect book and an even more perfect audio drama. nobody does it like bruce
August 6, 2012
Make Love the Bruce Campbell Way is work of fiction about Campbell, for Campbell fans. If you love Bruce Campbell the man, or the character, you'll love Make Love. If you're a fan of high-camp, B-Grade, Hollywood, you'll also find a few laughs, but it's fair to say this may miss the mark for those not familiar with the Evil Dead/Campbell/Raimi legend.
But this is a review of the audiobook--not the ink and paper version, and this needs to be stated. Because the production quality is wonderful. As Campbell states, the audiobook has been produced as a radio-play, and there is not a dull, dry moment. With the likes of Ted Raimi lending their talent, and a soundboard to rival a Hollywood production itself, it's the presentation that makes Make Love such immense fun to listen to.
Brimming with laugh-out-loud references to Campbell's lengthy career, Hollywood stereotypes, and with big names like Richard Geere, Renee Zellweger, and Elizabeth Taylor making appearances and being deliciously sent-up Make Love is raucous irreverant adventure combining both Campbell the man and the legend into one hilarious, high-camp persona. Enormous fun, and best listened to with buddies.
But this is a review of the audiobook--not the ink and paper version, and this needs to be stated. Because the production quality is wonderful. As Campbell states, the audiobook has been produced as a radio-play, and there is not a dull, dry moment. With the likes of Ted Raimi lending their talent, and a soundboard to rival a Hollywood production itself, it's the presentation that makes Make Love such immense fun to listen to.
Brimming with laugh-out-loud references to Campbell's lengthy career, Hollywood stereotypes, and with big names like Richard Geere, Renee Zellweger, and Elizabeth Taylor making appearances and being deliciously sent-up Make Love is raucous irreverant adventure combining both Campbell the man and the legend into one hilarious, high-camp persona. Enormous fun, and best listened to with buddies.
June 25, 2008
Although I love the flap summary of the book
(excerpt from said flap summary: The action revolves around my preparations for a pivotal role in the A-list relationship film Let's Make Love! But my Homeric attempt to break through the glass ceiling of B-grade genre fare is hampered by a vengeful studio executive and a production that becomes infected by something called the "B movie virus," symptoms of which include excessive use of cheesy special effects, slapstick, and projectile vomiting.)
This book was quite the disappointment. I'm a HUGE Bruce Campbell fan (and who isn't) but this book...is um...not the best thing ever, in fact it's not even the best thing Bruce Cambell has written - see "If Chins could Kill" for a really good read.
The graphics in this book are annoying, the story is dumb...it's a work of fiction, where he uses lots n lots n lots of real people as his characters (Richard Gene, Elizabeth Taylor, etc...). I've read it twice, hoping it gets better the second time, and it doesn't.
Seriously, Read "If Chins could Kill" it's his autobiographical first book, and it blows this one out of the water.
(excerpt from said flap summary: The action revolves around my preparations for a pivotal role in the A-list relationship film Let's Make Love! But my Homeric attempt to break through the glass ceiling of B-grade genre fare is hampered by a vengeful studio executive and a production that becomes infected by something called the "B movie virus," symptoms of which include excessive use of cheesy special effects, slapstick, and projectile vomiting.)
This book was quite the disappointment. I'm a HUGE Bruce Campbell fan (and who isn't) but this book...is um...not the best thing ever, in fact it's not even the best thing Bruce Cambell has written - see "If Chins could Kill" for a really good read.
The graphics in this book are annoying, the story is dumb...it's a work of fiction, where he uses lots n lots n lots of real people as his characters (Richard Gene, Elizabeth Taylor, etc...). I've read it twice, hoping it gets better the second time, and it doesn't.
Seriously, Read "If Chins could Kill" it's his autobiographical first book, and it blows this one out of the water.
December 22, 2021
I expected this to be a biography but I was plesently surprised to find it is more of a fictional memoir.
Bruce has written a fictional account of him working in a film as a parody of the huge influx of celebrity memoirs that were coming out at the time. Just like his first biography "If Chins Could Kill" the writting style is full of humour and written with so much personality it feels like Bruce is reading this directly to you.
The film acts as a great back drop to Bruce creating ludicrous scenarios for him to do some method acting research. He spends time with a play boy, tries to learn about famous Americans love lives while foiling the theft of John Dillenger's penis, breaks into a studio lot and ends up in the watch list after multiple run ins with the US secret service. A lot more happens on top of this which makes it a hilarious romp through Bruce's novel.
If you like memoirs/biographies and comedy this is a must read. Bruce is a master story teller and well deserving of a 4.5/5
Bruce has written a fictional account of him working in a film as a parody of the huge influx of celebrity memoirs that were coming out at the time. Just like his first biography "If Chins Could Kill" the writting style is full of humour and written with so much personality it feels like Bruce is reading this directly to you.
The film acts as a great back drop to Bruce creating ludicrous scenarios for him to do some method acting research. He spends time with a play boy, tries to learn about famous Americans love lives while foiling the theft of John Dillenger's penis, breaks into a studio lot and ends up in the watch list after multiple run ins with the US secret service. A lot more happens on top of this which makes it a hilarious romp through Bruce's novel.
If you like memoirs/biographies and comedy this is a must read. Bruce is a master story teller and well deserving of a 4.5/5
March 16, 2009
I can't say that I was expecting a whole lot from this book. In fact I had no idea what to expect from this book. The name didn't give me a whole lot of faith in the quality of the book. However needless to say, as you can see I gave it 5 stars, I was rather pleasantly surprised.
As long as your familiar with some of Bruce Campbell's works, or are just opening minded, you should enjoy this book. This follows Bruce's rather outrageous exploits as he try's to fight into the ranks of A list actors.
However, as the movie that he hopes allows him to break out of the B actors ranks and into the A list things start to go awry. Bruce has to scramble to save the movie and his good name which is being sullied in the process.
It's a hilarious ride from start to finish filled with colourful characters everywhere. Not only is it a humor book, but at it's core it's also a relationship book. While the advice is give vaguely subtly it is quirky and not complete crap I suppose.
As long as your familiar with some of Bruce Campbell's works, or are just opening minded, you should enjoy this book. This follows Bruce's rather outrageous exploits as he try's to fight into the ranks of A list actors.
However, as the movie that he hopes allows him to break out of the B actors ranks and into the A list things start to go awry. Bruce has to scramble to save the movie and his good name which is being sullied in the process.
It's a hilarious ride from start to finish filled with colourful characters everywhere. Not only is it a humor book, but at it's core it's also a relationship book. While the advice is give vaguely subtly it is quirky and not complete crap I suppose.
June 7, 2022
I first read "Make Love! the Bruce Campbell Way" when it first came out in 2005. I, already being a fan of the legendary (in my mind and heart) actor's work and previous book "If Chins Could Kill," loved it. What I had not done was hear this Radio Play version, until now. I was delighted and entertained the whole time. Mr. Campbell assembled a talented group of actors and produced a high-quality performance. The sound effects are so good, that you hear/feel the pain of someone *spoiler* falling down the stairs at one point. It's like listening to an audio cartoon. This meant to be fun, funny, and a bit raunchy, and it achieved all of those goals. You will especially enjoy this if you are already a Cambell fan, but if you are into comedy listens, I think you will just plain enjoy this.
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