I found this book somewhat less satisfying than Doctorow's other YA novels, [b:Little Brother|954674|Little Brother|Cory Doctorow|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1349673129s/954674.jpg|939584] and [b:For The Win|7241373|For The Win|Cory Doctorow|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1317793244s/7241373.jpg|7359191]. Interestingly, although the threats in Pirate Cinema are less dire and the story's geography smaller, the story is actually less believable. But I nevertheless enjoyed it, and wouldn't hesitate recommending it if you have already read the other two. Otherwise, I would say read Little Brother first, simply because it is the better book. ( )

A lively story that puts faces on the debate about copyright and intellectual property right protection.

On the one hand, I liked this story quite a bit. It's got good dollups of technology from the present and ten minutes into the future, along with a healthy dose of present day politics projected ten minutes into the future. I also liked the characters and Cory's writing brings them and the London setting to life.

On the other hand, it all seems a bit contrived. I never quite believed that the hero, Cecil B DeVil, and his companion squatters could be quite as successful as they are described, living on the edges of society. Then again, don't have any direct exposure or experience with such things.

There are long passages of explanations about copyright and intellectual property rights. It's pretty obvious that the author has an axe to grind here and things get a little preachy. Thank goodness that most of this gets broken up with some action or emotion and the the techno-babble is kept within palatable limits.

This is an easy and fun read and will get the reader caring about the characters and thinking about the issues involved. ( )

All of Cory's books have something to say about copyright law and user rights and remix culture. Generally, they're set in a post-scarcity economy that, while near, still feels futuristic and gives his stories a slight sci-fi feel.

In Pirate Cinema very little is different from our current society. Sure the general population is a bit more dependant on the internet than they might be now. And the draconian anti-innovation copyright laws are more oppressive, parliament is more corrupt, voters more apathetic. But it all feels like a logical - if scary and unfortunate - extension of today. A very real look at where our laws are headed. I started with a discussion of all of Cory's books for a reason. While his writings have a general theme of user rights, open more logical copyright, &c. these themes and discussions are everything to Pirate Cinema. Where books like "Makers" and "Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom" use remix culture and transformative works as a method of discussing broader sociological and philosophical topics, "Pirate Cinema" takes a hard look at why big media groups like the MPAA and the RIAA and their non-US counterparts spend billions of dollars making sure remixes and transformative works &c. are made illegal and - if they had their way - criminal.

While the strong focus on copyright issues and transformative works doesn't make "Pirate Cinema" unenjoyable - it is, in fact, a fantastic read - it does make certain parts feel a bit preachy. On the other hand, I already agreed with the views expressed by Cecil and 26 and their cohorts and still found some novel arguments and discussions that I really enjoyed.

So I vehemently recommend this to anyone who is just learning about transformative works or those who think that this kind of art is theft. Read this book. Sure it's fiction. But you're kidding yourself if you believe it isn't extremely relevant to what is happening right now in the global IP law sector. This is where we're headed. If it's all the same to you, dear reader, I'd rather we turned around and made some sensible laws now. It's time to embrace the internet. ( )

While it's basically Little Brother but this time I'm England, I couldn't help but enjoy this book. Yes it has all the same Doctorow-y tropes but I enjoy his style and characters. Makes me want to move to a hugely urban city and put on my own pirate cinemas. A light fun romp for those who enjoy the teenage techno rebellion genre. ( )

Light, fun. As much as I like Doctorow's politics and other projects (which is to say, a lot), I find most of his writing a little predictable and metronomic. Is that a word? ( )