It Came From the 70's Book Review and Giveaway *Connie C. Wilson*

Not only do I have a deep love of reading, but I also love watching and dissecting movies. While in college, I had this incredible professor, Dr. Wild, who taught film. From Dr. Wild I looked at movies differently and have a bad habit of being too critical when it comes to them (much like I do when I read books). At one point I thought I wanted to be a film critic, much like Roger Ebert. When I can, I’ll read non-fiction books about the film industry, including books about movies I’d never think of watching. It’s a great way of learning about classic movies everyone should watch at one point in their lives, including those bombs that should have never been made.

I met Connie Corcoran Wilson at Book Blogger Con in May and we had a lovely chat about movies and her film background. She has written a non-fiction book called, It Came from the 70’s: From the Godfather to Apocalypse Now. This book is filled with her movie reviews from 1970-1979 when she was film critic for the Quad City Times (Davenport, Iowa). Her rating system is very much the type you see for other movie reviews posted in newspapers from a 1 to 4 star rating. Connie’s reviews range from such notable movie classics like, Apocalypse Now and Alien, to some duds like Moonraker (James Bond in space and considered the worst Bond film) and Two-Minute Warning starring Burt Lancaster

Connie has a very personable way of reviewing, where not only she explains the plot, but gives some interesting facts that the reader may not be aware of. The first movie in the book reviewed is Apocalypse Now, which Connie gave 4 stars. Did you know Harrison Ford (appearing for a hot minute) and Laurence Fishburne (who was only 18 at the time) were in Apocalypse Now and the special effects budget was the largest at the time for a film? The French Connection starring Gene Hackman has one of the most exciting car chases ever filmed, where Connie gives insight on what lengths the director and stunt driver had to do to make this scene word.

One movie I never heard of called, The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976) stars Davie Bowie as an alien who comes down to Earth in search of water. Connie gives big props for David’s performance, which garnished him a few acting nominations, and even won him Best Actor in 1977 from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films. After reading this review, I went right on You Tube to see if I could find the original film trailer.

Unfortunately the trailer looks horrible and David’s garish red hair makes me flinch. Also, the movie is broken up in parts on You Tube if you want to watch for free.




Star Wars, The Godfather, Superman and Carrie are all mentioned as well. I was surprised other big movies from the 70’s like Taxi Driver, Dear Hunter and The Exorcist weren’t mentioned, but movies like The Exorcist II: The Heretic and King Kong were. But then again, the book is only a little over 250 pages, so that limits the amount of reviews. I would be really interested in reading a sequel from Connie if she did publish more of her reviews.

It Came From the 70’s is perfect reading for movie aficionados and a great way to impress friends with movie trivia. If you’re a film buff, I would certainly check out It Came From the 70’s. (Merry Black Smith Press)

Final Grade: B+

Giveaway: 

Connie is giving away cool It Came from the '70s luggage tags to 10 lucky US readers. In addition, she'll send the winners a short story "sneak preview" of her upcoming short story collection, Hellfire & Damnation II, the sequel to Hellfire & Damnation.

In order for your chance to win, leave a comment about your favorite movie from the 70's here by Thursday, 7/28.

Thanks to Virtual Author Book Tours!