IF CHINS COULD KILL

If you don't know who Bruce Campbell is, shame on you. If you do, I'm sure you are a big fan of his work in the Evil Dead series, Hercules, Briscoe County Jr. and Xena. Campbell forgoes all of the bullshit posturing and sob stories of most celebrity memoirs and gives it to the reader straight. Almost. The entire book is written in Campbell's wise-ass tone.The book chronicles the key points in Campbell's life as an underappreciated actor, from his humble beginnings as star of neighborhood Super 8 films to his recent acting, production and directorial work on the syndicated Hercules and Xena. The most in-depth chapters focus on the work spent making the first Evil Dead film. It is also a humorous and sometimes horrifying glimpse into the independent filmmaking struggle. The shit this man went through for the sake of Sam Raimi's art vision could easily be considered cruel and unusual punishment. The behind-the-scenes tips are many, including the Vas-O-Cam, scamming investors, a recipe for fake blood and the torrid story behind the infamous Delta 88. Campbell has made a respectable career, not by Hollywood's standards, but by his own. One message is prominent throughout the book and that is that pals are pals, regardless of how much money, fame or fake blood is poured on you. While not in the running for a Pulitzer, I still recommend this to any Bruce Campbell or Evil Dead fan.