Admit One: My Life in Film is the amusing memoir of actor Emmet James. Growing up in the 70’s and 80’s in Croyden, England, Emmet soon discovered that the cinema made for a great escape from his mundane childhood. Using a memorable movie as the theme for each chapter, he writes his story starting with his first ever movie experience and moving through his childhood to adulthood when he tried to break into the movie business.

While I found his childhood interesting and was glad he included those details, for me the book really got exciting when Emmet started getting involved in acting. I’ve always had an interest in the behind the scenes world of Hollywood and this book gave me a glimpse at the ups and downs of a struggling actor. The dichotomy between his experience in soft porn and his experience on the set of the blockbuster film Titanic is not something many popular actors of today would ever share, so I appreciate the fact that Emmet does not try to hide the realities he dealt with while struggling for his “big break”.  

This honest and cleverly written memoir was a really fun read, and I can see why it recently won the award for Best Book from the USA Book News as I would not hesitate recommend it to anyone who has an interest in acting or movies. I wish Emmet James the best in his future career whether it be in acting, writing, or some other aspect of the entertainment industry.

Reviewed on 04/06/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member April Hanson

Admit One: My Life in Film
Author::  Emmett James
Publisher:  FizzyPop LCC
ISBN: 978-0-9842581-0-9

Growing up in Croyden, South London in the 1980's, Emmett James fell in love with the cinema.  Realizing that his life experiences were coloring his views and outlooks on the films he was seeing, he become obsessed with films.  As he gets older, Emmett decides that the natural progression of his life is to be a part of actual movie making.  He then travels to America to become an actor.  From there, the reader is both enthralled and entertained by his wry and humorous relating of his adventures.  From porn to crashing the Academy Awards by pretending to be a nominated screenwriter, you'll find yourself laughing aloud and sometimes nodding in agreement. 

In an interesting and truly unique style of writing, James takes the popular films of the times and discusses his life around their themes.  You'll find memories of your own regarding each film, and it's a welcome trip down memory lane.  Relatable, humorous, touching and true to life, put this on your must read list.

Reviewed on 02/23/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member LAURI COATES

In this entertaining memoir, British actor Emmett James recounts his cinematic memories from childhood to his stint on television's "Redemption High." James begins each chapter with a film linked to his past, starting with "The Jungle Book," his first cinematic adventure, to "Batman Forever," "It's a Wonderful Life," and others. His shortest chapter is "Green Card," where he says "Life imitates art. Enough said."

From his earliest memories growing up in South London, James is drawn to movies and their ability to take the audience to another time and place. James earns his college degree in advertising and graphic design. He then learns acting at the Lee Strasberg Acting Institute in London and tries to break into the film industry. His hilarious attempts at securing the part of "superhero sidekick" result in James' arrival in Hollywood, where he pays his dues and then some.

"Admit One" is a fun and revealing memoir by a Hollywood insider. James' humor draws readers in and keeps their interest through the end. From a porn film to "Titantic," his career spans a wide spectrum and his love of movies shines throughout. I recommend this book to anyone interested in life in Hollywood and how to survive it. The memoir is the winner of "Book of the Year" for USA Book News.

Reviewed on 01/31/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Darcy Odden