I got the bug to read this when I watched The Evil Dead with Bruce Campbell’s commentary and I thought “man, this guy is witty. I bet his writing’s good.” So I picked up this book and it’s just as funny as Bruce himself. The guy’s too genuine.

Bruce Campbell gives us his memoir/biography of his life up to 2002. That includes memories of growing up, meeting Sam Raimi, doing stupid little Super-8 movies together, and eventually the Evil Dead franchise and what it was like to make that. If you care more about Evil Dead than Bruce Campbell, you might want to watch the DVD extra features and documentaries (I especially recommend “Medieval Times – The Making of Army of Darkness“, which is free on YouTube). But if you want to read a biography of an actor who really pounds the pavement for his work (I was appalled he had to make cold calls begging for investment money) and other stories of the life of an actor who doesn’t get the mansions and endorsements, then this is it. This is the story Hollywood doesn’t want you to know.

I think he’s written more, but I’m not sure if I’ll pick up anything else by him. He kinda told the story he wanted to tell. It contained the most important parts–Evil Dead, Brisco County Jr., Hercules–and I wonder what else there is to tell. But we’ll see. ( )

This copy is signed.

I have been a Bruce Campbell fan forever and it was great to take a peek behind the scenes. In addition, he writes well: engaging and funny. ( )

This book managed to make me want to
-start my own independent movie
-try and find a certain burnt down ruin
-travel around the US for a couple of weeks, taking in the sights and swims in any reservoir I can find
-shake Bruce Campbell's hand, because he's awesome and vastly entertaining both as an actor and an author.

Also, people who watched me giggle my way through the funnier parts during my morning commute probably think I'm weird now. Thanks a lot, jerk. ( )

I'd rate this a 4 to read and 5 for the audiobook (which he narrates). A funny, behind the scenes view of the life of a working actor, ranging from making films with a group friends as a teen to the less-than-glamorous production of Evil Dead, subsequent movie and TV roles and dealing with cult fandom. I particularly like his positive outlook on his fellow actors, production crews, and fans. ( )