One Humble Opinion

Writing film reviews is a funny thing. When it comes right down to it, they’re just an opinion. One that’s no better or worse than anyone else’s. But hopefully, as someone who has watched more movies than God, your opinion has a little perspective.

Reviews are a fundamental part of everything a film journalist writes. Whether you’re profiling an actor or comparing classic films to today’s offerings, there’s always a little bit of a review involved.

Straight-up film reviews probably get more attention than anything else written about the film industry (aside from tabloids). From my “I only watch action flicks” to my indie-lovin’ “I won’t see anything with a budget over five million” friends, they all check the reviews. Even before they know the film’s plot, they’re surfing Rotten Tomatoes for the rating.

So I figure reviews are well-worth a few blogs. Why we revere them, how I write them, and whether they really have any value. (Let’s hope so or I’ll have blogged myself out of a job. Gulp.)

Ideally, I like to think of reviews as a conversation starter. If you really want to see a movie, why should I be the one to dissuade you? The review might give you a head’s up that the plot ain’t everything you thought it would be. Or maybe you’ll come out of the movie thinking I watched it on crack.

Either way, we’ve started a conversation. And if you love reading film reviews, I’m guessing that – like me – one of your favorite activities in life is talking about movies. Chalk one up for the reviews!