Book Review

The Movie

by Bosley Gravel

This review was written by Mike Wever, the editor of Wanderings.

The Movie, Bosley Gravel’s first published novel, relates how Stewie Smithee manages to bring together an eclectic group of pals from a small town called Podunk to create his feature film, Cannibal Lesbian Zombies from Outer Space versus Doctor Clockwork and his Furious Plastic Surgeons of Doom.

As the title of the movie implies, this book is not something that is likely to be received as a great literary masterwork. It is, however, a fun and engaging story populated with memorable characters taking part in outlandish situations. The irreverent humor that propels the story is backed up by real character growth as we watch Stewie transform from a shiftless dreamer into a focused artist and well-rounded man.

Almost stealing the show from the story itself are pieces of the movie script sprinkled throughout the book. These scenes drip with B-movie camp but always serve to enlighten some part of the story in which they appear. The conflict between Doctor Clockwork and the Lesbian queen provide an allegory for Stewie’s own internal conflict and wrap up in a scene that provides a wonderfully artistic rendition of an artist learning to embrace his doubts about his own talents in order to overcome them.

The story runs about 165 pages and could easily be taken in over the course of two or three afternoons. More likely, though, you will become so engrossed in the wild, outrageous lives of Stewie and his friends that you find yourself finishing off the story in a single night.

The Movie is a quick, entertaining read that I would especially recommend to those who dream of someday taking a wild, reckless run at making a living as an artist. Stewie’s ambition and optimism are infectious and might just propel one or two of the next great filmmakers to begin their careers.

The Movie is available now from BeWrite Books. You can find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other online booksellers. See more at the author's website for the book, www.ripcot.com/movie.html.