General Reviews


Guidelines

Please note that I do not get paid to write reviews. I'm a guy who loves movies and I want to share my passion with you. The main thing to know is that I refrain from structuring my reviews as just several paragraphs that ramble and have no real structure to them. I organize my reviews to almost always have several features that are easily recognizable. They are as follows: 

Introduction: A brief report of what genres that the film falls under, as well as who the director is and if there are any notable stars in the film. Any significant awards (primarily Oscars) are mentioned, as well as any notable fun facts.

Story/Plot: A description of what the film is about. This may include minor, but important, plot details that almost always happen early on in the film. No major spoilers are EVER given here (because wouldn't that sort of defeat the purpose of watching?) 

General Comments: Basic thoughts and opinions that I have about the film. This varies in length depending on how much I cared for the film (or not).

High Points: Components of the film that are most worth mentioning. These are the best and most memorable parts of the film. Frequent high points include:

- An actor/actress' performance that deserves acclaim, or it could be the acting overall.
- A specific scene. For example, a thrilling car chase in an intense action movie.
- The soundtrack. To me, music is an essential component of film and an excellent soundtrack is worth mentioning.
- The story/plot.

Low Points: Weak-links and notable flaws within the film. These could be one of the sample high points mentioned above, only that they are bad instead of good.

Recommend?: A simple recommendation to see the film or not. Might be just yes or no, but I usually like to be more specific. It could be, "if you loved the first movie, then yes you should go see this sequel." It could also be, "This movie should not exist and it belongs in the trash. Don't see it and don't waste your money."

Grade: A grade that reflects my overall thoughts and beliefs about the film. Grades range from an A+ to an F. Each possible grade can be interpreted as follows: 

A+ : This is a grade that you will quite rarely ever see because I am very picky about giving it out. I would not be surprised if I don't give this grade more than 2-3 times a year for new releases. Masterful film-making with no flaws to speak of whatsoever. I do not consider any movie to be perfect, but movies getting this grade are pretty darn close to perfect. It is imperative of you to see this film if you love movies. 

A: Extremely well-made and crafted with great attention to detail and the elements of film-making. Any and all flaws are minor and do not diminish the film in any significant way. Highly recommended and certainly worth your time.

A- :  A worthwhile film that deserves a viewing. Just about everything works well with only one or two notable setbacks.  

B+ : Much the same as an A-, but nagging flaws are more noticeable and keep the film from being A-worthy. Even if the film doesn't seem to have a lot of flaws, its story/premise is not so vastly appealing so as to be deserving of an A. These are also films that usually don't take into consideration the idea of film as a true art form. A film that I would definitely not consider an all-time classic, but also one that I do not abhor one bit.

B :  Satisfactory with quality components, though it doesn't rise that far above being simply good. Nothing is horrible, but nothing is fantastic either.

B- : A film that I am indifferent towards. There are parts worth discussing, but there are also problems that can't be ignored.

C+ : The bad stuff is beginning to overtake what's good. Pretty much anything you might have appreciated is undermined by whatever shortcomings that the film has. Alright, but nothing to go out of your way to watch. Something to see if you're bored one day or if you just need to waste time. 

C : Middling and usually forgettable. One or two parts work, but the film is average at best.

C- : Not good. Maybe one or two redeeming factors, but really a poor film in my eyes. A film that I most likely would not want to re-watch. 

D+ : Too many problems to speak of. The film makes itself obvious that it's bad, and I see no way as to how it can be defended. One aspect is...alright. 

D : Almost bottom-of-the-barrel crap. Perhaps one, and only one, positive element. Everything else is wrong and makes me question why the film-makers thought it was a good idea. 

D- : Simply awful, no questions about it. Maybe a little bit of credit for trying something, but that's all. Why did this film get made and who are the idiots that gave the okay to this cinematic vomit? 

F : The worst of the worst. A complete disaster from top to bottom. Absolutely nothing works. This is an insult to people who love movies and everything about them. If a DVD or Blu-Ray ever comes into your line of sight, throw it into a field and burn it. Or give it to someone you hate. 
Proudly powered by Weebly