If Chins Could Kill -how to inspire the would be B list

I recently finished If Chins Could Kill: Confessions of a B movie actor by Bruce Campbell. Hopefully Mr Campbell is known to most people as the King of the B movie (Especially the Evil Dead series) but is also a veteran of that other 'B' media: TV, in this case Xena and Hercules. The book chronicles his childhood and his erratic career, which has allowed him to cross paths with many well known names as well as be a first hand witness the elevation of colleague Sam Raimi to Hollywood 'A' director. However, as Mr Campbell is forever pointing out, his book is about the people not seen in front of the screen or at premières. It seems a shame therefore that most of his anecdotes still revolve around the more famous names (with the exception of his Evil Dead comrades). That isn't to say he panders to the Hollywood elite in any fashion. His book is both funny, insightful and quite inspired me to keep making amateur films. His tone cheerfully allows him to acknowledge his critics and his failures with both humour and honesty and it endears him to the reader. Bruce may be many things, but a writer he is not. I found the memoirs rambled around with space dedicated to not always relevant moments, anecdotes and opinions. I also found several sections quite flat, if not repetitive. The addition of photos, diagrams and lists hid quite a few of these faults and allowed the book to maintain it's cheery, non-snobbish outlook.

I enjoyed chins. It made me laugh and as the very kind person who gifted it to me hoped, it inspired me. As even Bruce would put it, 'If these idiots, can make a film and sell it, why can't I?[1]'. So, if you like films, read this book. Don't expect a literary masterpiece but rather a scrapbook of humorous anecdotes and nuggets of knowledge about the antics of Hollywood's middle-class and you won't be disappointed.

[1] Who needs 'Man with the screaming brain'? 'Woman plagued by teleporting gummi bears!' - a Chemie production!