Grab your Blockbuster card and prepare for a nostalgic ride with Scott Ryan’s The Last Decade of Cinema, where the films of the ’90s leap off the page and demand that we reconsider what made cinema magical. The Last Decade of Cinema is an enthralling dive into the iconic films of the 1990s, sprinkled with his humorous perspectives, witty commentary, and a dose of sarcasm that will delight cinema lovers nostalgic for the pre-digital age. As a former video store clerk, Ryan serves not only as a historian and charismatic guide through the bygone era but also offers a blend of personal anecdotes, and nostalgic reverence for a time when endless remakes didn’t dominate the silver screen.
The book kicks off with a loving homage to the era of video rentals—a time when choosing a movie was a ritual, and VHS tapes were treasured commodities. Ryan’s narrative is engaging and conversational, pulling readers into intimate discussions about films that range from Pretty Woman to Menace II Society. Each film presented with a depth that caters to both those who lived through the 90s and younger audiences eager to discover its cultural legacy.
Ryan enriches his film critiques with hilarious and sharp observations, making each review not only informative but incredibly entertaining. His experience as a video store clerk during these formative years adds authenticity to his reflections, bridging the gap between reader and author with shared moments of cinematic joy. But the best parts of the book are the interviews with notable writers, directors, and actors which offer readers a backstage look at the creative challenges and triumphs of 90s filmmaking.
Beyond mere nostalgia, The Last Decade of Cinema examines the shift in the film industry from the daring, innovative productions of the 90s to today’s franchise-heavy focus. Ryan laments the lost art of risk-taking in filmmaking, which he vividly contrasts with the current landscape dominated by sequels, prequels, and superhero sagas. His critique is a call to action for cinema lovers tired of the modern glut of commercialism, urging a return to stories that resonate on a deeper, more personal level.
More than just a “Back in my day” rant, Ryan serves reminders of what we should demand from our entertainment. When he recalled that movies could be both dramatic yet funny, and then explained that viewers are capable of holding more than one thought in their heads at once, I was really hit with how all movies I’ve watched recently, are exactly as he is describing. If I watch a thriller, I don’t expect to laugh, but “back in the day” I would often find myself belly laughing unexpectedly. Or if I watched a comedy, sometimes I’d still get hit in the feelings and shed a happy tear. That just doesn’t happen any longer. Genre’s don’t cross, everything is as expected, and the fun is gone. Ryan explains why this happened with such passion in The Last Decade of Cinema.
The Last Decade of Cinema is not just a historical account; it is a passionate plea for the reevaluation of what makes films truly great. Ryan challenges readers to set aside streaming services and immerse themselves in the tangible, immersive experience that 90s films offer—a time when cinema was as much about storytelling as it was about the experience.
The Last Decade of Cinema by Scott Ryan is a must-read for anyone yearning to relive or discover the power of 90s cinema. It’s a witty, poignant, and eye-opening celebration of a decade that redefined the art of film. The book encourages a rediscovery of the joys that come from a well-told cinematic story. Ryan’s book is not only a tribute to a pivotal era in filmmaking but a reminder of the enduring power of movies to inspire, entertain, and provoke thought long after the credits roll. As Scott Ryan signs off on The Last Decade of Cinema, he leaves us nostalgic for a time when films were less about franchises and more about popping up a big batch of human emotions with extra butter.
