Though dominated by the fluff expected of any memoir penned by a comedian, Ms. Munn's story of struggle and success in Hollywood has an unanticipated but welcome gravitas. Sure, we read these books for the funnies, for a charming glimpse into the lives of oddballs who rise to the surface of cultural consciousness, but when Ms. Munn opens up about her dislocated youth divided between japan and Oklahoma, and when she details her teenaged struggles with her family, it becomes clear that the reader is being given access to an author who has approached her project with thoughtful and earnest sincerity. This openness creates an emotional connection with Ms. Munn which allows the reader to react with amazement and horror at the cast of freakish characters she encounters upon her move to Hollywood. The host of sycophantic agents and eccentric stars appall as much as they amuse, their foibles paraded before us as though Ms. Munn was a tour guide to an especially bizarre carnival.
I tend not to read the memoirs of movie stars. As if it's not enough to have lived exceptional lives, spreading themselves across popular culture, they must offload their well-coiffed and perfectly charming narcissism onto us in book form as well? It's not enough that we go see their movies, that we venerate them in the media. They also need the affirmation that comes with convincing us they aren't that different from us after all? Like I said, repugnance. Ms. Munn may be successful, she may be beautiful, but what she isn't is blessed. She worked for what she's earned. And even though she now has and can enjoy her success, we see how her success is a byproduct of her damage. This is real. This is authentic. Suck It Wonder Woman is tight, funny and well done, but its relatability, its humanity, is what makes it a success. (3/5 Stars)
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