.

The first type of folk is those of you who are not familiar with our man Vern and are looking to discover self-published reviewer people. I'm not sure why anyone would do that, but it's all good. Because you are obviously an open-minded type person, so when I suggest you look at his website, and then you realize, "Wow, this guy is funnier than most humor writers and more insightful about movies than just about every film critic", you will buy his book. Fait accompli, as they say. Welcome.
BUT, the second type of folk is the type of folk I am, the type of folk I am writing this for. The folk who've been reading Vern for a couple of years on AICN, and then on his own website, but don't feel the need to pony up the cash. Lemme tell you guys, it it well worth it. I wish I could explain why reading these reviews, most of which I'd read online, in one volume made me so happy. Maybe it's the fact that I'm not at work, so I'm in a better mood, maybe it's the intros and footnotes, maybe it's the fact that these are his handpicked best reviews - I dunno.
But I was like you guys - I read everything Vern ever wrote and loved most of it, but money was always tight so I figured I shouldn't pay for something I could get for free. Then I came into some money and bought his book, and now I realize my error. You should'nt buy this book only if you've just come into some money. You should buy this book right now, what you are paying for is the enjoyment of sitting on your couch, reading Vern, and exclaiming, "^$%#@ yeah!" (Not sure if Lulu allows the swears.)
You can't put a price on that.

Gotta love them films of cinema. For several years, I have enjoyed reading Vern's prose and it is wonderful to have so much of it collected in one place. Not so much a textbook as a series of letters from a cinema-lover friend whom you have never met, and it all goes hand-in-glove with the indie sensibility. Fine, fun stuff.

Not only did I enjoy paying for Vern’s book of film essays that I'd already read for free on the Internet, I would also recommend that people who may not know who Vern is, or why his writing is important to the modern day film fan, do the same for this finely presented, and pleasant smelling book.
But as with all things Vern, the content is what matters, and 5 on the Outside is chock-a-block with quality and unique insights, reflections, theories, rants, profanity, grammatical errors and general filmic wisdom the likes of which you will find nowhere else.
Possessing a broad knowledge of film (in particular the badass type films he hold so dear), Vern fearlessly tackles all manner of films and genres, from the s*#tiest Michael Bay blockbuster, to the most obscure 70’s motorcycle knight movie, all with the kind of style that made me look like a di*khead on the bus from laughing so much.

Good job for your first book Vern, hope we see another one soon.

Thoroughly recommended for people who like good stuff, and Steven Segal movies.

Five on the Outside is a great film review book, and deserves to be on your shelf next to Ebert, Kael, or any other 'professional' critics' books.

His no-nonsense approach to writing is refreshing. His conversational tone is both endearing as well as humorous. And most of all, this motherf*cker could kick Joel Siegel's a$$ without breaking a sweat. I wish he would too. I hate that smarmy b*stard.

Keep it up, Vern. The world needs more people like you.