I loved Nick de Semlyen’s The Last Action Heroes which took readers behind the scenes of the big 80s action heroes, their successes and blunders. When I heard he’s also written one about the big comedy stars of the 80s I sought out a copy of Wild and Crazy Guys immediately.

The focus of this fascinating read are some very familiar names, as we chart the rise, and occasionally the fall, as well as the tragic loss of some. We are introduced to Bill Murray, Steve Martin, John Belushi, John Candy, Dan Akroyd, Martin Short, Chevy Chase, and Eddie Murphy. We learn how they got involved in the business, some of their personal histories, and what their big breaks were in the business.

Unlike The Last Action Heroes where I knew most of the trivia that was shared, this one was a voyage of discovery for me, as I accompanied some of my favourite performers and learned things about them, their films, their grudges, their behavior and glimpses into their personal lives.

As much as I loved each and every one of those performers (until I learned that Chase could be really difficult, which is putting it politely) I didn’t know tons about them. In fact, I haven’t even seen all the pictures in the book that are talked about, and I’m debating whether or not I need to check them out.

de Semlyen keeps the narrative moving constantly, taking us through the journey of each of these performers, keeping the reader interested and engaged as the 80s are explored in their excess, laughter and action.

I loved reading about some of the ideas for Ghostbusters, including a sequel called Hellbent. I loved reading about some of my personal favourite comedies, how they developed and how they were received at the time, and how some have endured while others have disappeared. Honestly, I was a teenager at the time, so if I loved it, I thought everyone did so I thought anything I enjoyed was a theatrical success.

Seeing title after title listed, boy, do I want to dig into some classic films real soon.

de Semlyen’s relaxed storytelling style makes for a very easy and incredibly enjoyable read. His facts and anecdotes are presented with an immediacy that takes you right back to the 80s and sets you up alongside these beloved icons.

With two books de Semlyen has found himself a brand new fan. As the editor of Empire Magazine de Semlyen knows his stuff, but he makes it (and by extension of his writing, himself) easily accessible.

I loved rediscovering the laughs of the 80s with some of the biggest comedy names to ever grace the silver screen, and I can’t wait to rediscover them all over again in the near future.

I can’t wait to see what he gives us next.