Mike Nelson's Mind over Matters
by Michael J. Nelson

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Book Reviews of Mike Nelson's Mind over Matters

Book Review: "Matters" a Worthy Addition to Any Comedy Fan's Collection
Summary: 4 Stars

Nelson cut his teeth ripping apart films in the cult hit Mystery Science Theater 3000, where he served as co-producer, head writer and star. With such a pedigree, it was hardly surprising to see him stretch his wings as a full-fledged (and funny) film critic in "Movie Mega-Cheese", his first book. "Cheese" was an immensely funny read that -- despite overwhelmingly good reviews from book and film critics alike -- was largely disregarded outside of Nelson's Mystery Science Theater 3000 cult following.

In his follow-up "Mind Over Matters", Nelson strays from the comfortable arena of humorous movie criticism he mined in "Mega-Cheese", opting instead for the more adventurous medium of observational biography (a la David Sedaris or David Rakoff). Unlike "Mega-Cheese", "Mind Over Matters" doesn't limit itself to the discussion of bad films. Readers will find a collection of essays with topics ranging from consumerism to family matters. Not just for film geeks anymore, "Mind Over Matters" should be immediately accessible to any fan of the comedic essay form.

As an overall read, "Matters" is a mixed but promising book. At his best, Michael J. Nelson is a caustically funny writer with a deadly sharp wit. On many occasions I found myself laughing until tears streamed down my face, so much did I enjoy a particularly hilarious turn of phrase or tongue-in-cheek description. Nelson has a flair for the art of the diminutive and unequivocal put-down, and can get you laughing through the lengths he will cross to convince you of the worthlessness of an event or thing. Radio Shack employees, small-town theater, morally obtuse relatives and customer service representatives bear the brunt of some of his most hilarious verbal assaults.

Unfortunately, many of the essays sandwiched in the middle of "Matters" give one the impression of padding. While still amusing, subject matter in these median sections tend to be almost too inconsequential to really matter, and leave you wondering, "Well, so?". By the time Nelson starts riffing on an advertisement he saw in the back of a furniture magazine, one begins to wonder who, besides himself and perhaps three others, will get the joke.

But these are small concerns. "Mind Over Matters" had me laughing to the point of tears on many, many occasions, which is more than I can say for any book I read last year. Though admittedly a hot-and-cold read, "Matters" will make you laugh so hard during the hot bits, you'll forgive Nelson for the cold ones. If nothing else, "Matters" showcases the considerable writing talents of a shamefully neglected comedian; if you're the sort of person to purchase the latest offering from David Sedaris, Jon Stewart, Steve Martin, Dave Eggers and the like, then you'd be committing a crime not to add this title to the bookshelf.

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