BOOK REVIEW #51: REBEL RISING A MEMOIR

Melanie Elizabeth Bownds or better known as Rebel Wilson or “Fat Amy” earned a combined twenty million US dollars for Pitch Perfect 3, Isn’t It Romantic? and The Hustle. Not bad for the Australian actress who hailed from a Sydney suburb of Balmain.

Wilson is a smart lady who noticed the market lacks a plus-sized woman to shake things up. In comes her first appearance in a Hollywood movie called Bridesmaids. Without question, this and a role in Pitch Perfect as Fat Amy propelled her to instant stardom.

Wilson spends the first half of the book detailing her growing up with her other three younger siblings and her parents who has a complicated marriage. In addition her awkwardness in fitting in school and her constant rejections from the National Institute of Dramatic Art.

Beyond that, there isn’t much to capture your attention except chapter twenty three which is aptly titled Sacha Baron Cohen and Other Assholes.

The UK release is heavily redacted because of the interference of Sacha Baron Cohen's legal team and England’s peculiar laws. Fortunately, we get to read the full chapter here in which Wilson accused Cohen of being disrespectful on the set of The Brothers Grimsby. An incident that left me feeling bullied, humiliated and compromised according to Wilson.

The rest of the book is less attractive despite Wilson’s often chatty, self-reciprocal sense of humour. It has plenty of names dropping liked meeting Brad Pitt at the backstage of the 2020 Oscars, partying with Paris Hilton or having a birthday party on Marlon Brando’s private island near Bora Bora. Don’t be jealous she even managed to contact Disney CEO, Bob Iger to help arrange her proposal at Disneyland.

There’s plenty of talks and discussion on her weight loss, opening up to her sexuality, sex life and her eventual decision to have a baby through surrogacy. The self-proclaimed Disney fan doesn’t shy away from all the sensitive, touchy subjects, all of which adds to the authenticity of her biography.

But still, Rebel Rising simply can’t escape the fact that it’s a book about a Hollywood celebrity and her first world problems. Can’t really blame a rich celebrity from going to an expensive spa or trips round the world since they earned it with all the terrible movies they made. Maybe it’s too early at this stage for Wilson to come up with a full-length biography. The comedian practically needs some Disney magic to fill up the book.

Strictly for Wilson’s fans.

Review by Linus Tee

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