"Each of the most significant films made by the Oscar-winning John G. Avildsen is given a separate chapter. The authors' observations on these and other titles--some well known, others less familiar--are enhanced by extensive production notes, and by commentary from Avildsen. Noted cinema historian Jean Bodon, of Sam Houston State University, provides the foreword"--
Fans of Avildsen maintain that he owns the corner of the film market that portrays underdogs as potential heroes. Across the past couple of decades, Avildsen has been responsible for no less than the Rocky and Karate Kid franchises. Powell and Garrett pay most of their attention to Avildsen's top box office draws, but also examine other works in the Avildsen portfolio, including Joe, Saturday Night Fever, and Lean on Me. Avildsen specializes in portraying underdogs-that-win main characters, but he can often supply characters whose fists can remain in their pockets. Annotation ©2014 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
