" "Kevin Smith is nicer than he lets on, thinner than he thinks, and smarter than almost anyone in the room. He has today's world - and tomorrow's - running for cover." - Mitch Albom "I suspect @ThatKevinSmith is what all gods and demons aspire to be." - Neil Gaiman via Twitter Kevin Smith is full of sh*t. That Kevin Smith? The guy who did Clerks a million years ago? Didn't they bounce his fat ass off a plane once? What could you possibly learn from the director of Cop Out? How about this: He changed filmmaking forever when he was twenty-three, and since then he's done whatever the hell he wants. He makes movies, writes comics, owns a store, and now he's built a podcasting empire with his friends and family, including a wife who's way out of his league. So here's some tough sh*t: Kevin Smith has cracked the code. Or, he's just cracked. Tough Sh*t is the dirty business that Kevin has been digesting for forty-one years, and now he's ready to put it in your hands. Smear this sh*t all over yourself because this is your blueprint (or brownprint) for success.
Kev takes you through some big moments in his life to help you live your days in as Gretzky a fashion as you can - going where the puck is gonna be. Read all about how a zero like Smith managed to make ten movies with no discernible talent and how when he had everything he thought he'd ever want he decided to blow up his own career. Along the way, Kev shares stories about folks who inspired him (like George Carlin), folks who befuddled him (like Bruce Willis), and folks who let him jerk off onto their legs (like his beloved wife, Jen). So make this your daily reader. Hell, read it on the toilet if you want. Just make sure you grab the bowl and push, because you're about to take one Tough Sh*t. "
I've been a fan of Kevin Smith (of Clerks, Chasing Amy, Dogma, and Red State fame - just to name a few) for a long time so when I saw this book I was excited to read it.
First, let me say, if you don't know Kevin Smith be prepared for swearing and some crude humor. If you are offended by that kind of thing don't read this book. But then, if you're offended by that kind of thing you're probably not a big fan of Kevin Smith to begin with.
There's also quite a bit of information about the movie biz that I found quite intriguing and it was fascinating to hear from the man himself about some of his biggest "flops" (and why they were) as well as about his more popular works.
This book was laugh out loud funny throughout. Kevin is a hilarious guy and the same type of tone that is carried throughout his scripts and podcasts is evident here as well. But within the wrapping of humor are truths that bring a poignancy to the book.
This book was well-written and very entertaining. I would recommend to any fan of Kevin Smith or humor in general.
Reading updates
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Started reading
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18 May, 2012:
Finished reading
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18 May, 2012:
Reviewed