sarahjackman's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Definitely worth the audiobook experience if you can get it, as. Mel reads it. Excellent read!
I did skip some of the chapters about the movies I haven't seen as I was on the end of my second library hold and wanted to finish. If I had time before the library taking it back again, I'd listen to it all. Might put on hold again and listen to those chapters later.
I did skip some of the chapters about the movies I haven't seen as I was on the end of my second library hold and wanted to finish. If I had time before the library taking it back again, I'd listen to it all. Might put on hold again and listen to those chapters later.
beelzebean's review
4.0
This is a funny and light hearted book about Brooks' life in showbiz. There are bits about his childhood and personal life, but the main focus is his career.
I highly recommend reading the audio version, as the author narrates it himself. I loved hearing him talk about his films, especially The Producers, Young Frankenstein, and Blazing Saddles. And the story of how him and Anne Bancroft met was very sweet.
As Brooks was writing this through the 2020 pandemic, I truly hope it brought him joy to reminisce on all the joy and laughter he's brought so many people.
I highly recommend reading the audio version, as the author narrates it himself. I loved hearing him talk about his films, especially The Producers, Young Frankenstein, and Blazing Saddles. And the story of how him and Anne Bancroft met was very sweet.
As Brooks was writing this through the 2020 pandemic, I truly hope it brought him joy to reminisce on all the joy and laughter he's brought so many people.
lady_wallflower_reads's review against another edition
4.5
This man has led a truly interesting life. It was great listening to the behind the scenes of movies of his that I've seen and to learn about a few others I didn't know about! With this one you can't go wrong with the audiobook. There's something magical about hearing Mel Brooks narrate his story and bring you along on the journey.
spartanjess's review against another edition
5.0
This was a fascinating autobiography of a phenomenal career in show business! Funny, poignant, and insightful. I now want to watch/re-watch all of Mel Brooks’ films!
bargainsleuth's review
5.0
For this and other book reviews, visit www.bargain-sleuth.com
I’m not sure how I was first introduced to Mel Brooks and his comedic genius, but once I was, I was hooked. From Blazing Saddles to Young Frankenstein to Spaceballs, his humor has kept me laughing for over 40 years. All About Me! My Remarkable Life in Show Business is just that: recollections of Brooks’ life and the many projects he’s had throughout his 95-year long life. I’m happy to say that Brooks shares his early life and provides background as a foundation to his future work. He served admirably in WWII, and as a lover of classic television, he talked about his life working on Sid Caesar’s show and meeting Carl Reiner, another comedy genius.
Brooks goes into great detail about each of his projects throughout his career, including the 1960’s television comedy Get Smart with Don Adams, to making his first movie, The Producers (1968), to the year 1974, when he opened the year with one movie, Blazing Saddles, and ended the year with Young Frankenstein. What a year!
I was happy to hear that Brooks has Alfred Hitchcock’s blessing to make High Anxiety, which was an homage to Hitchcock films. It took me years to find this film because our library didn’t have it, and wasn’t in any of the rental stores (remember those? Renting a physical movie from a store? Yes, I’m aging myself quite a bit, aren’t I?) His interactions with Hitch were sweet and funny, just as many found the Master of Suspense to be when he wasn’t making a film.
Brooks talks about his wife, Anne Bancroft from time to time, but also makes a point of saying he didn’t want to talk too much about his personal life and concentrate on his work in his memoir. He only mentions in passing the fact that he had a first wife and three kids and that with Bancroft he had two kids. Usually when I read or listen to a memoir, I want to hear more personal stories to humanize the person featured, but I didn’t feel neglected with Brooks because he has so many great work stories.
I was eager to hear about Brooks and his work on The Producers: The Musical, because I love Broadway musicals and have played the soundtrack countless times. That and I’ve been a big fan of Matthew Broderick since WarGames (that was pre-Ferris Bueller, for those of you that don’t know). Then, something that only could happen to Mel Brooks: a movie adaptation of a musical that was based upon his original movie!
This book is great for anyone who has a love of film comedy or Broadway musicals. And trust me, get the audio version because Brooks really knows how to perform!
I’m not sure how I was first introduced to Mel Brooks and his comedic genius, but once I was, I was hooked. From Blazing Saddles to Young Frankenstein to Spaceballs, his humor has kept me laughing for over 40 years. All About Me! My Remarkable Life in Show Business is just that: recollections of Brooks’ life and the many projects he’s had throughout his 95-year long life. I’m happy to say that Brooks shares his early life and provides background as a foundation to his future work. He served admirably in WWII, and as a lover of classic television, he talked about his life working on Sid Caesar’s show and meeting Carl Reiner, another comedy genius.
Brooks goes into great detail about each of his projects throughout his career, including the 1960’s television comedy Get Smart with Don Adams, to making his first movie, The Producers (1968), to the year 1974, when he opened the year with one movie, Blazing Saddles, and ended the year with Young Frankenstein. What a year!
I was happy to hear that Brooks has Alfred Hitchcock’s blessing to make High Anxiety, which was an homage to Hitchcock films. It took me years to find this film because our library didn’t have it, and wasn’t in any of the rental stores (remember those? Renting a physical movie from a store? Yes, I’m aging myself quite a bit, aren’t I?) His interactions with Hitch were sweet and funny, just as many found the Master of Suspense to be when he wasn’t making a film.
Brooks talks about his wife, Anne Bancroft from time to time, but also makes a point of saying he didn’t want to talk too much about his personal life and concentrate on his work in his memoir. He only mentions in passing the fact that he had a first wife and three kids and that with Bancroft he had two kids. Usually when I read or listen to a memoir, I want to hear more personal stories to humanize the person featured, but I didn’t feel neglected with Brooks because he has so many great work stories.
I was eager to hear about Brooks and his work on The Producers: The Musical, because I love Broadway musicals and have played the soundtrack countless times. That and I’ve been a big fan of Matthew Broderick since WarGames (that was pre-Ferris Bueller, for those of you that don’t know). Then, something that only could happen to Mel Brooks: a movie adaptation of a musical that was based upon his original movie!
This book is great for anyone who has a love of film comedy or Broadway musicals. And trust me, get the audio version because Brooks really knows how to perform!
radicalpirate's review
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
Absolutely a delight! Funny, interesting, and full of heart. If you enjoy Mel Brooks and his films, please give this a read!