Caffeinated Clint
A new book online by a webby buddy
I love Vern’s rants and raves on Aint it Cool News about whatever mindless action movie he’s watched that given week – be it something starring Chubby Ponytail; Tax Evader or the Groping Belgium Biff-Doctor – and I’ll definitely be ordering up a copy of his new book. Its all about Casey Ryback himself, Steven Seagal. Should be amusing… and informative. Here’s the press release Vern asked me to run..
‘SEAGALOGY’ MAKES AN ARGUMENT FOR STEVEN SEAGAL AS ASSKICKING AUTEUR
SEATTLE, WA, — More than 5 years in the making, the new book SEAGALOGY by Vern is the first serious analysis of the films of Steven Seagal. Using his trademark sense of humor (but none of the condescending irony so often used to denigrate action cinema) the self-proclaimed “outlaw film critic” Vern delivers an in-depth study and a sincere celebration of the world’s only aikido instructor turned movie star/director/writer/bluesman. The book explores the developing motifs and personal themes of Seagalogy throughout over 30 films, from the gritty street violence of ABOVE THE LAW through the crazed environmental epic ON DEADLY GROUND, bizarre direct-to-video efforts like OUT FOR A KILL and guest appearances like the Korean film CLEMENTINE and the Billy Crystal comedy MY GIANT. It also finds the thematic links between those films, Seagal’s two albums, various TV appearances, commercials, and even his all natural energy drink, Steven Seagal’s Lightning Bolt.
As a frequent writer for Ain’t It Cool News, Vern has gained notoriety for his unorthodox reviewing style and his expertise in “the films of Badass Cinema.” His review of the slasher movie CHAOS earned him a wrestling challenge from its director; his explosive essay on the PG-13 rating of LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD prompted Bruce Willis himself to walk barefoot across the broken glass of movie nerd message boards to respond. Vern is the winner of the 2001 Cinemarati award for Best Movie-Related Site. Guillermo Del Toro, the director of PAN\’S LABYRINTH, called Vern “a national treasure.”
For an introduction to SEAGALOGY, Vern turned to David Gordon Green, who turned out to be a long-time Seagalogist in his own right. In addition to enjoying ABOVE THE LAW Green is the acclaimed director of GEORGE WASHINGTON, ALL THE REAL GIRLS and the upcoming Seth Rogen action comedy THE PINEAPPLE EXPRESS.
Fiercely independent and self sufficient in the mold of Billy Jack or Dolemite, SEAGALOGY is Vern’s second self-published book after 2004’s review collection 5 ON THE OUTSIDE.
The book can be purchased or downloaded at Lulu.
