Book Review: “The True Adventures of the World’s Greatest Stuntman” Dan Koelsch, May 28, 2012May 28, 2012 Vic Armstrong may be the coolest man you’ve never heard about. He’s one of the most prolific stuntmen in the history of Hollywood and has portrayed most of your favorite heroes. Tomorrow, an updated paperback version of his autobiography The True Adventures of the World’s Greatest Stuntman: My Life as Indiana Jones, James Bond, Superman and Other Movie Heroes goes on sale, so read our review after the break. At 384 pages, you can imagine that The True Adventures of the World’s Greatest Stuntman quite the detailed account of Vic Armstrong’s life and career. We learn about his upbringing, in which he traveled the world around horses since his father was a farrier. His path to becoming a stuntman was not easy, and it took a lot of courage. Fortunately, that perseverance paid off. Vic has been the stunt double for countless stars, and has portrayed (as the book’s title suggests) the likes of Indiana Jones, James Bond, Superman, and more in their most daring feats. Eventually, Vic became a renowned second unit director as well, and has most recently worked on Thor and The Amazing Spider-Man.Vic Armstrong with Steven Spielberg and Harrison FordVic chronologically tells his story, veering off at times when the situation suits. Unfortunately, he doesn’t give many dates or other references, so you might want to have the Internet (especially IMDB) handy. However, his story is so fascinating, you might not even care. There’s great behind-the-scenes stories, including how certain actors really are, how dangerous stunt work used to be, and even tales of him partying with Mick Jagger and hanging out with Frank Sinatra.Vic was also a trailblazer, inventing new stunt equipment, being one of the first to use his stunt work stills like actors use head shots, and even developing his own stunt company. The book also has passages from famous actors and directors giving Vic mad props on his work ethic, character, and more.It may be a little to in-depth for the casual reader, but if you want to learn about Hollywood and the British film industry from the 60s to now, this is a great and unusual angle to get it from. Reviews The True Adventures of the World's Greatest StuntmanVic Armstrong
“About Time” Review: Richard Curtis’ Directorial Swan Song Is A Hit October 30, 2013October 30, 2013Carpe Diem is a mantra that is easier said than done. We are often plagued by what the future may hold or bogged down by the weight of yesterday. But if you had just one chance to relive those moments in your life that affected your life or multiple chances… Read More
LAFF 2013 Review: “The Conjuring” Stirs Up Plenty Of Scares And Strikes Fear Into Your Heart June 23, 2013June 22, 2013Ever since Saw opened in theaters in 2004, James Wan changed his method of how to terrify his audience and fans. For the most part, the director has ditched the notion that you need to inundate moviegoers with gore and random pop outs, and used old school methods of building… Read More
“Million Dollar Arm” Review May 15, 2014May 15, 2014There are good sports movies, and then there are great sports movies, but Million Dollar Arm, despite the feel good movie vibes you feel, falls somewhere in between the two. Craig Gillespie’s latest directorial effort plays it safe without taking any risks whatsoever, and uses the typical sports film formula… Read More