I'm a 44 year old, avid affectionado of any book on old TV shows, actors or movies I'm a fan of. I've been awaiting a book, such as this one, that covers Eastwood's movies, with accompanying photos. This book is no disappointment. It covers every movie, with photos from each. It's a rich book, and hardcover. And because the author knows Eastwood, it carries a great deal of legitimacy and authenticity in it's pages. If you are an Eastwood fan, this book is the ultimate reference guide to his movies...period.
I gave this book 4 stars, and do not want the following to detract from that; But I would love to read more. I would love to read the nitty, gritty details of the making of each movie, including Eastwood's take on the co-stars, and their take on him. It would be great to read about what kind of training Eastwood did, specifically, for each movie. Did co-stars ever get carried away with ad-libing or action, did fight scenes ever get out of hand...these are picky questions I'd love the answers to.
Though I generally agree with the author in his review of some of Eastwoods lesser movies, like Pink Cadillac and The Rookie, they are fun to watch. And I was glad "this" author didn't cite Eastwood as starting to look his age by "Dead Pool" (he only cited that others had suggested that). I've never understood that. Eastwood is, to me, like John Wayne; Be he 40 or 70, he can play the type of character he's famous for. And, I actually thought Eastwood looked younger in Dead Pool than in Sudden Impact.
Apparently, both author and actor chuckle at making another Dirty Harry. I tried, several times to get a now belated but beloved TV's MASH leader to organize a reunion show. I explained that the trouble with every other reunion show was that the producers never consulted the fans on how to do it. Often, fans know what's needed to capture the spirit of the original vehicle than anyone else. With Dirty Harry, I really don't know why Eastwood doesn't play even a minor role as a nameless guy in a cat and mouse thriller (no fights necessary), and only at the very end when Eastwood's character proved to be instrumental in solving the case, does another character tip us off as to who Eastwood's character was by saying something like, "Thanks, for your help, Mr Callahan".
Anyway, I digress. 4 stars for a great, great book.