Movie reviews

Our total review standards

Rather than give a single rating to films, our goal is to review the film on the basis of several categories and from several perspectives . By seeing the rating for each category, a potential viewer should be able to make a determination of what might attract them (or repel them) to the movie.

Entertainment value: Does the film engage and entertain the viewer?

Meaning: Does the film have philosophical, social or spiritual meaning? Does it provoke thought or an evaluation of ideas?

Emotional impact: Is the film moving? If a comedy, does it move you to laugh? If a drama, does it move you to feel something? If a horror movie, does it frighten you?

Gratuitous violence or sex: A low rating means the filmmaker used a lot of cheap thrills that were not important to the story.

Lack of advertising: To what extent is the film a vehicle for promoting consumer products and specific brands? A low rating in this category means the film is full of commercials disguised as movie-making. A high rating means the movie is relatively free of advertising.

Over quality: Over quality of cinematography, script, and acting. To what extent does the story rely on the medium of film for its conveyance?

Overall impact: Does the film leave the viewer enlivened or degraded? Entertained or bored? Thinking or numb?