Movies (And Other Things)

by Shea Serrano Narrated by Mario Toscano

Overview

Number one New York Times best-selling author Shea Serrano is back, and his new book, Movies (And Other Things), combines the fury of a John Wick shootout, the sly brilliance of Regina George holding court at a cafeteria table, and the sheer power of a Denzel monologue, all into one.

Movies (And Other Things) is an audiobook about, quite frankly, movies (and other things).

One of the chapters, for example, answers which race Kevin Costner was able to white savior the best, because did you know that he white saviors Mexicans in McFarland, USA, and white saviors Native Americans in Dances with Wolves, and white saviors Black people in Black or White, and white saviors the Cleveland Browns in Draft Day?

Another of the chapters, for a second example, answers what other high school movie characters would be in Regina George's circle of friends if we opened up the Mean Girls universe to include other movies (Johnny Lawrence is temporarily in, Claire from The Breakfast Club is in, Ferris Bueller is out, Isis from Bring It On is out...). Another of the chapters, for a third example, creates a special version of the Academy Awards specifically for rom-coms, the most underrated movie genre of all. And another of the chapters, for a final example, is actually a triple chapter that serves as an NBA-style draft of the very best and most memorable moments in gangster movies.

Many, many things happen in Movies (And Other Things), some of which funny, others of which are sad, a few of which are insightful, and all of which are handled with the type of care and dedication to the smallest details and pockets of pop culture that only an audiobook by Shea Serrano can provide.

Editorial Reviews

DECEMBER 2019 - AudioFile

This audiobook is written by Shea Serrano, who is known for his contributions to the sports and pop culture website The Ringer. Narrated by Mario Toscano, it is an excellent choice for both cinephiles and casual movie fans. It’s arranged in short, easily digested chapters, each starting with an intriguing question: “Is this movie better, worse, or the same with The Rock in it?” “Who’s in the Regina George Circle of Friends?” Which race was white-savoired best by Kevin Costner?” Serrano’s answers are delightful essays that draw from his personal experience, love of film, and sharp observations about popular culture. Toscano narrates in a warm, conversational voice that captures Serrano’s enthusiasm, charm, and intelligence. Listeners can enjoy the audiobook on its own, though seeking out the print edition to see Arturo Torres’s illustrations is highly recommended. A.T.N. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine

From the Publisher

"Paging through Serrano's MOVIES (AND OTHER THINGS) is like taking a long drive at night with a friend; there's that warmth and familiarity where the chat is more important than the fastest route from Point A to Point B. [MOVIES] is like a textbook gone right; your attention couldn't wander if it tried. With a foreword by John Leguizamo and afterword by Don Cheadle, movie buffs have no excuse not to lose themselves in this oddball book."—The New York Times

PREVIOUS PRAISE FOR SHEA SERRANO

"Shea Serrano's Basketball (And Other Things) is equal parts hilarious and enlightening...this is the ultimate book on basketball fandom."—NPR

"Cleverly written and beautifully illustrated...It's a must for any basketball fan."—Esquire

"Even if you're a basketball novice or die-hard Spurs fan like Shea, this is a perfect companion to his Rap Year Book: full of myths, what-ifs, and hyperspecific fanaticism."—Vulture

"[Shea Serrano is] America's foremost chronicler of pop minutiae."—Texas Monthly

"...hilarious and insightful..."—Men's Journal

Library Journal

10/18/2019

Would Fight Club's Tyler Durden be fun to hang out with? Would Titanic be a better movie if it starred the Rock? Which action movie kills are the best? Serrano (Basketball and Other Things) explores these thought experiments in a surreal tour of modern movies, deftly moving from gangster films to romantic comedies to high school movies. His absurd scenarios are hilarious yet thought-provoking jumping-off points for a deeper discussion about movies and their impact. Serrano is as exuberant about Michael B. Jordan as he is about Diane Keaton, and his affecting reflections on watching Selena as a Mexican American are as impressive as his skillful insertions of unexpectedly fitting basketball allusions. Torres's vivid artwork echoes Serrano's offbeat musings. VERDICT Serrano knows how to craft a think piece, and his perspective is illuminating. With essays on Get Out, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Booksmart, this is also a timely read to be enjoyed by film buffs and general audiences alike.—Terry Bosky, Madison, WI

DECEMBER 2019 - AudioFile

This audiobook is written by Shea Serrano, who is known for his contributions to the sports and pop culture website The Ringer. Narrated by Mario Toscano, it is an excellent choice for both cinephiles and casual movie fans. It’s arranged in short, easily digested chapters, each starting with an intriguing question: “Is this movie better, worse, or the same with The Rock in it?” “Who’s in the Regina George Circle of Friends?” Which race was white-savoired best by Kevin Costner?” Serrano’s answers are delightful essays that draw from his personal experience, love of film, and sharp observations about popular culture. Toscano narrates in a warm, conversational voice that captures Serrano’s enthusiasm, charm, and intelligence. Listeners can enjoy the audiobook on its own, though seeking out the print edition to see Arturo Torres’s illustrations is highly recommended. A.T.N. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940173636423
Publisher:	Hachette Audio
Publication date:	10/08/2019
Edition description:	Unabridged

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