DVD Corner

50 Movie Nights Book Review

“50 Movie Nights” is a celebration of cinema.

Written by TCM host/journalist Dave Karger, “50 Movie Nights” (AKA “50 Movie Nights: Contemporary Stars On Their Favorite Classic Films”) is the latest TCM book release. In this entry, 50 movie stars/TV personalities/filmmakers/film industry veterans choose one 20th century film that had a profound effect on them. Among those included here are Scarlett Johansson, Adam Scott, Paul Rudd, Bryan Cranston, Don Cheadle, Wes Anderson, Kelly Ripa, Sterling K. Brown, Jon Hamm, Kathryn Hahn, Neil Patrick Harris, Carol Burnett, and Jason Bateman. Dave Karger writes an intro piece to each person and provides a little background on them. After that, the celebrity talks about the film they chose in their own words. There’s also a little side bar at the end titled “When To Watch.” For example, John Slattery chose “The Awful Truth” and suggested watching it on the big screen with an audience of like-minded classic movie buffs. The book also includes an intro by Dave Karger (who talks about the film that means the most to him) and photo credits and acknowledgments. 

We all have a favorite film that changed our lives or inspired us and that’s exactly what this book is all about. Like many TCM book releases, it is a list book, but it’s much more personal. Reading the individual stories here makes you realize the power of cinema all over again. Of course, there’s a lot of expected picks here like “The Wizard Of Oz” (Molly Shannon’s pick) and “Apocalypse Now” (chosen by Anderson Cooper), but it’s the unexpected picks that are the more intriguing reads. Some of my personal favorites here include Adam Scott gushing over the thrill ride that is “Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom,” Paul Rudd praising every aspect of “Withnail And I” after first watching it on video in a hotel room while filming “Halloween: The Curse Of Michael Myers, Alexander Payne picking the underrated “Westward The Women” or Lucie Arnaz giving an entirely different perspective by talking about her parents Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz’s film “The Long, Long Trailer.” 

Whether you like or dislike the films mentioned here, that is irrelevant. The book is dedicated to movies that caused people to see life, acting, film, or what have you in a different light. This book is a reminder that everything is subjective and that we all have our own unique perspectives and viewpoints. In an era that sees a lot of toxicity, this book feels like a breath of fresh air as it is a strong reminder of the power of cinema.

 “50 Movie Nights” hits shelves Sept. 15, 2026.

September 1, 2026 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Book review | 50 Movie Nights Book Review, Bryan Cranston, Classic Movies, Don Cheadle, Paul Rudd, Scarlett Johansson, Turner Classic Movies, Wes Anderson