Some amusing stories, but not much else

This is a pretty strange book, being neither an in depth study of film or a detailed autobiography of Kermode's life. Instead it flits about through Kermode's experiences with various film makers and minor celebrities. Some of the stories are interesting (such as Kermode's terrifying trip through Russia during the soviet years), while others are pretty pointless.

Kermode himself reads the book as you would expect, and sounds fine, just as he does on Radio 5.

Mildly entertaining then, but you'd probably do just as well downloading the Kermode/Mayo podcast from the BBC.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

6 people found this helpful

Perfect listen - great production

Mark Kermode's knowledge of movies is outstanding, he has an excellent radio voice so is perfect to narrate his own work. Becuase he has lived it he brings his stories to life. I would suggest there is one chapter where he labours a journey to Russia, but one can overlook that given the rest of the book. If you are a fan of his BBC Radio 2 show this is a 'must listen'.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A Critique of Pure Unreasonableness

Most of the time, Kermode writes as he broadcasts, which will amuse or infuriate you depending on your preferences. Read by anybody but the author this would be a waste of money and almost eight hours of your life. Read by the author it will make you laugh more than six times and understand why Google says "hello to Jason Isaacs" when you type his name in. Kermode is probably currently one of the top ten of Britain's ex marxist, vegetarian, former feminist, Christian film critics, and this book amply explains how he achieved this, unless you are Ukranian, when it will offend you.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Uncut Wittertainment - Not much more

As an avid listener to Wittertainment I am fully aware of the 'Kermodian rant' which, while very entertaining on a Friday afternoon, I did have concerns over his suitability in narrating his own story. Totally unfounded and with second thoughts who else could tell his story. I do agree with other reviewers that if you download the podcast and follow the Uncut blog then you probably know most of it. Definitely left wanting more.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

It's wittertaining.

Sorry for the cheesy title. I couldn't resist. This is just delightful, I adore Mark Kermode's writing style. Both his books are sort of autobiographical, in a charming way. It's really a series of stories about his life as a movie journalist. Some of the anecdotes are very funny, and it's never dull.



If you are a fan of his radio 5 show, I think you need to read his books as there are references that will enrich your listening experience!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Brilliant, even without the Mayo

If you could sum up It's Only a Movie in three words, what would they be?

Smug, Blagging, Chancer

What other book might you compare It's Only a Movie to, and why?

I don't read/listen to a lot of autobiographies, but I found this tale of bravado, chutzpah and sheer luck to be enjoyably fluffy, in comparison to Stephen Fry's more angsty and ernest (but brilliant) Moab is My Washpot.

Have you listened to any of Mark Kermode’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Well I regularly hear him on Radio 5. The key difference here is the absence of Simon Mayo, which genuinely made me think twice about whether I could cope with 7 hours of just Mark. Obviously the vibe is different, but actually Mark is a very entertaining presence, even on his own.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Laugh, several times.

Any additional comments?

A fascinating chronicle of how one of the UK's leading film critics got to the top, mostly through blagging and chancing it!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

It's only a review but...

Really enjoyed this - as others have reported its a strange mix of autobiography and general thoughts/anecdotes but all entertainly narrated by the man himself. He does it with a real sense of passion and enthusiasm that for me made this a far more engaging experience than I suspect the book counterpart would be. If you're a fan of the good Dr. then this is a really entertaining listen with some fascinating insights into the life and thoughts of the country's best film critic.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Don't listen to this while drinking milk

This was really funny, very quirky and brilliantly read by Kermode himself. It didn't feel so much like a book being read as a 7 hour stand up routine.
My son listened to the Werner Herzog section in the car along with me and his jaw just kept dropping lower with each new crazy moment.

well recommended

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

He does have great hair though

I've often watched Kermode review a movie and thought: "Why should I care what you think?" As, indeed, he would probably think if he ever read this review.
I'm none-the-wiser really, having listened to this book from start to finish. There's nothing wrong with it, maybe it's a wee bit irritating at times, but essentially it's a biopic of Kermode's life with particular attention to his relationship with films filled with personal anecdotes and revealing stories about films and the people who make them, but I just didn't really connect with it.
What's missing is drama (apart from the bit where Werner Herzog's pants explode), it's lacking in comedy as well, or horror or romance. It's not a movie, it's not quirky enough, or racy enough or exciting enough. It's just a story about a guy who likes watching movies but don't be fooled into buying it simply because you like watching movies too, because it's not that kind of movie.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

It's Only an Audiobook. (But it's very good).

Leaves you wanting to hear more.

Some really funny moments, and the odd, sad one too.

Ever interesting and well read by Mark.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!