mostly helpful but the ironic(?) sexism has not aged well

Some female readers may not appreciate some of the humor, but the bikini models on the cover telegraph what to expect there. Of the 50-ish writing books I've read, this is the most entertaining one I've ever read.

This is a whirlwind exploration of writing and how Hollywood really works. Including the In-N-Out hidden menu is a nice touch in the living in Los Angeles part.

I'm knocking off a star for not including the inner and outer conflict to their basic formula. They should have included at least that, along with the overall page count of what should happen in a screenplay.

The book focuses on money, but the vast majority of writers never sell a script, so the riches aspect is misleading. It's still worth reading just for the stories, but it will have to be followed up by a more in-depth writing book.

Hilarious AND enlightening! A great guide to working within the insanity of the showbiz system to make your mark. And still a laugh-out-loud read even if you have no plans to become a screenwriter.

Funny and refreshingly honest. But I can see why most Hollywood releases don't pass the Bechdel test.

Some really interesting insight and advice, mixed with a bunch of super cringey jokes.

First off, if you are expecting to really get some good informative information about how to write your first screen play for the big screen, then you probably will get your hopes let down with this book. Not to say that Mr. Garant and Mr. Lennon did not provide the reader with some good street smarts and lessons that they have learned in only a way that Mr. Garant and Mr. Lennon can do. While, I did enjoy Mr. Garant and Mr. Lennon's let it all hang out their sense of humor and say anything attitude in this book, I was expecting to laugh until tears came out but this did not happen. Instead, I read about the first half of this book and then just skimmed the rest of it.

It is understandable how their television show Reno 911 became as sucessful as it was and some of their movies as well. Of course, after reading this book, you can not really blame them for Herbie:Fully Loaded. I am sure what they original wrote was good but after all the other screen writers got their hands on the script, including the director and horrible actor (she who shall not be named but is still alive and not dead). the movie just ended up being a big flop.
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Important tips you can take away from this book is...Don't bank on just one script, have several. Have a good entertainment lawyer, Dress to impress, Pimp your movie, write your script with a big movie star in mind to play the starring role as they will help to make your dreams come true. Because once you have made it, then you will score the best parking spots at all the major studios.

One of the best books on the film industry I've ever read. Funny and filled with good, practical advice for aspiring screenwriters.

A funny and informative straight to the point guide about the writing for the entertainment industry. Gives you an insight about the work that goes in, how stressful writing scripts can be, and what things the studios look for.