How do you judge a movie

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i rarely see a movie because it's supposed to be ""good"". i do it because i want to be entertained, therefore if it has a lousy script and worse acting but it keeps me hooked (because of the storyline or the special effects) i'd keep seeing it. (this usually happens with horror movieS).

yet, when i'm watching one of those movies that are a little bit deeper than an adam sandler comedy (?), i tend to pay attention to the storyline. then, the script and the pacing.
 
That's not the goal of every film though. I usually judge a film by whether or not I fall asleep while watching it.
 
the ultimate goal of a movie is to offer some insights of life. if it meets the criterion, touches people, it's a success
 
I have the butt test.

Basically, if the movie is entertaining enough for me to not fidget or have the butt fall asleep - brilliant!

Best example: Braveheart.

It is a long movie and I sat at the theater 3 times watching it and never had bum numbness. Others like Transformers, Bring It On etc i've seen multiple times at the theater and never had the bum numb.


I go TO movies for various reasons like particular actors, premise etc but not usually for directors/writers/producers.
 
I tend to pay attention the script more than anything. With acting a close second and pacing in third place.
 
script (both dialogue and storyline), technique, acting, direction, editing, style, originality, filmic value, importance, execution
 
out of the darkness and into the light......as a former long time poster to this board...a visitor responds to the question...how do you judge a movie?......

i watch alot of films in theaters.....so what i'm looking for in a movie is one that that make an emotional connection to my soul.....it's got to "move" me....and touch me.....i tend to long a look at films as a work of art....which imo they are....to me watching a film and judging a film is like looking at a masterpiece by a well known artist....when i look at an artist's masterpiece i tend to look at the frame, the use of color, brush strokes, texture, highlights, etc, all up close....it's only then, after backing up, that i can see the whole picture.....and to perhaps fully appreciate that the picture that i've been looking at is the mona lisa....

for the last 3 years i've been a prescreener of films for a film festival, held every year, in the city that i live in......below i've listed some of the guidelines and suggestions as to how we consider films for inclusion into that festival...i consider them to be a pretty good summary of how i tend to judge a film when i go to a theater and have to spend my own money...



Writing: Script, story & concept are understandable and engaging.



Directing: Clear communication of the story through good pacing and effective use of the actors, locations/sets, and props. Actors shouldn’t look out of place or awkward (unless it’s clearly on purpose). The scenes should contribute to the effective telling of the story and the pacing should keep you interested throughout.



Editing: Style, pacing & effectiveness moving within and between scenes. Does it drag? Is it so choppy that it’s confusing? Sometimes choppy is exciting and sometimes slow pacing increases drama and tension, but other times not so much…



Acting: (Leave blank for documentaries)



Cinematography: Clarity, quality of photography, framing of the subjects. How does the picture look? Is it appropriate to the style of the film? Are camera angles effective or intrusive?



Production Value: Music, costumes, sets, overall look and sound. Did they really go to Wiltshire, UK or is that a Styrofoam Stonehenge? Are the costumes really period, or stuff from mom’s closet? This is one where a film might score low in Production Value, but still be a really great film and you might adjust your overall score up. Not everyone has Steven Spielberg’s budget.



Now there’s one other thing that I wanted to mention. We know that you are all super-cool, really nice people, and that you truly respect the effort that it takes to make a film of any length, BUT -- here’s something to keep in mind when you are scoring your films. The audience is made up of people who will not be particularly charitable after they’ve paid their $10.



We’ve found this is a good way to keep perspective:



Imagine you’re sitting in the theater and you just paid $10 for this screening. Are you happy?
 
i base it on alot mostly visual (cinematics), lighting, acting, general plot and storyline, editing , script and general themes for the most part, as long as it has a clever premise or it's original i usually enjoy it
 
Sadia :lol: that's the way it is with everyone I guess. It's true you can't judge all genres of movies based on the same criteria.
If we did, we'd like maximum 1% of all movies. That is if you want a documentary to make you laugh, and a comedy to give you chills, ... Wouldn't that be funny? :lmao: And wouldn't the film makers be happy?! :eek:
 
I think that's the way I do it too. I say think because I'm actually very indecisive and change my mind a lot, so the way I judge a film will change, depending on what type it is. For example, if it's a blockbuster, then I'll want to be entertained, but if I'm watching a documentary, then the level of expectations will be different and I want it to be informative, but if it's a comedy, then it has to be funny, and so on and so forth.

Usually the storyline/plot is important to me, though. The more unique the story, the better, and more so if it's executed in a clever way. Also it has to draw me in. Actors/performances are also important, because it's up to them to make me care about a character, or at least make me interested in them, and make me want to watch them. Direction can be important, but I think that again depends on the type of movie, and who the director is.

I don't think that answer was pointful at all, because basically, the way I judge a movie changes depending on what it is :lol:
 
Some movies I see are also based on critiques, not necessarily by critics themselves, but from friends or family that may have seen the movie.
 
The same way I judge a song.

Voice, talent (acting)

then lyrics (script)

and music, melody (theme, set, etc.)
 
I thought I replied to this thread but I can't see my post. I guess something went wrong when I was posting it. Anyway, my post was basicly the same as yours, cherrios. For a second there, I thought I was reading my own post :lol:

I judge a movie on storyline and the way it was delivered first and formost. Then I believe casting is very important: if you don't believe the characters, then why bother?
Entertainment is also important and the flow of the scenes.
 
director. cast. plot/writing.sound track pretty much does it. sometimes the special fx too.
 
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