Mosaic Movie Connect Group: Book Review: The Last Decade of Cinema 25 films from the nineties

Sunday, July 28, 2024

Book Review: The Last Decade of Cinema 25 films from the nineties

Title: The Last Decade of Cinema 25 films from the nineties

Author: Scott Ryan

Publisher: Black Château / Fayetteville Mafia Press

Publication Date: June 18, 2024

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

As a fellow movie enthusiast, I found Scott Ryan's "The Last Decade of Cinema" to be a nostalgic and insightful journey through the 1990s film landscape. Ryan, drawing from his experience as a video store clerk who watched nearly every film released during that decade, presents a compelling argument that the 90s represented the pinnacle of cinematic storytelling before the rise of franchise films and superhero blockbusters.

Ryan's selection of 25 movies, from "GoodFellas" to "Magnolia," showcases the decade's diversity. His analysis of each film is thorough and engaging, mostly avoiding spoilers. The inclusion of interviews with writers, directors, and actors adds valuable context, though some contain plot revelations.

While Ryan's passion for 90s cinema is evident and infectious, his repeated rants against superhero movies and modern cinema did feel excessive. Once or twice would have sufficed to make his point without becoming repetitive. However, his unique approach of selecting only one film per director encourages readers to explore lesser-known gems.

Despite this minor gripe, "The Last Decade of Cinema" successfully rekindles interest in the films discussed and serves as both a celebration of 90s cinema and a critique of current industry trends. Although I don't fully agree that great non-superhero movies are no longer being made, Ryan's arguments are thought-provoking.

Overall, this book is a must-read for film buffs and 90s nostalgists. It's a passionate, well-researched tribute to an era when, as Ryan argues, "movies mattered" in a way they perhaps no longer do today, and it's likely to inspire readers to revisit many of the discussed films.

A big thank you to Black Château and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. This is one book you don’t want to miss.

Movies Analysed in the Book:

Ryan covers the following 25 movies, selected from the list of films shown at the end.