The Entertainment Weekly Guide to the Greatest Movies Ever Made

The Entertainment Weekly Guide to the Greatest Movies Ever Made is a film reference book published in 1994 that collects reviews and commentary on hundreds of notable films. The book showcases Entertainment Weekly magazine's signature rating system, applying letter grades from A+ to F to evaluate each film. The guide covers movies from multiple decades and genres, providing plot summaries, critical analysis, and behind-the-scenes information about casting and production. Each entry includes the film's key credits, running time, release date, and MPAA rating, along with a review that examines both artistic merit and entertainment value. The collection reflects Entertainment Weekly's populist approach to film criticism, balancing discussion of Hollywood blockbusters with coverage of independent and international cinema. Through comprehensive reviews and historical context, the book serves as both a critical resource and a practical viewing guide for film enthusiasts.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Timothy White's overall work: Readers consistently highlight White's thorough research and insider access to musicians. His biography "Catch a Fire: The Life of Bob Marley" receives particular attention for its detailed accounts and interviews with Marley's family members. Readers appreciate: - Depth of research and historical context - Direct quotes and firsthand accounts - Clear writing style that balances facts with narrative - Cultural analysis alongside biographical details Common criticisms: - Sometimes dry, academic tone - Occasional overemphasis on minor details - Length and density can be overwhelming - Some readers note factual discrepancies in early editions Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: "Catch a Fire" - 4.1/5 (5,000+ ratings) Amazon: "Long Ago and Far Away: James Taylor" - 4.2/5 (80+ reviews) Amazon: "The Nearest Faraway Place: Brian Wilson" - 4.0/5 (40+ reviews) One reader notes: "White digs deeper than most music biographers, though sometimes at the expense of readability." Another states: "His research is impeccable but can get bogged down in minutiae."

1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die by Steven Jay Schneider This comprehensive film guide presents critical analysis of essential films from 1902 to present day, with entries containing production details, cultural context, and historical significance.

The New Biographical Dictionary of Film by David Thomson This reference book contains 1,400 entries covering directors, actors, and films with observations on their place in cinema history.

The Film Book: A Complete Guide to the World of Cinema by Ronald Bergan The chronological examination of film covers movements, directors, techniques, and notable works from silent era through modern cinema.

The Story of Film by Mark Cousins This international film history maps the innovations and movements of cinema across continents and decades through specific films and creators.

The Great Movies by Roger Ebert The collection presents in-depth analyses of 100 significant films with details about their production, impact, and lasting influence on cinema.

🎬 Entertainment Weekly magazine, which spawned this movie guide, began publication in 1990 and quickly became one of Time Inc.'s most successful launches. 📽️ Timothy White was a renowned entertainment journalist who served as editor-in-chief of Billboard magazine from 1991 to 2002, bringing significant industry expertise to his movie critiques. 🎭 The book was published during a transformative period in film criticism, as the internet was beginning to democratize movie reviews and challenge traditional print media authority. 🌟 The guide includes both mainstream blockbusters and critically acclaimed independent films, reflecting Entertainment Weekly's signature mix of populist appeal and serious criticism. 📚 Unlike many contemporary film guides, this book was produced before the rise of streaming services, focusing primarily on theatrical releases and their subsequent home video availability.