Last week I asked you if you sometimes feel like blogging is becoming another task instead of something you really enjoy doing. I got some great reactions and although I am still not back in full blogging mode (as you have noticed my “The Many Faces of…” posts are still not appearing) I am trying to get back into the swing of things. Actually my fourth entry for the 5 Obstructions blogathon challenges me a bit to really spend some time writing in a different way as I’m used to (the post is still not ready, but hopefully will be soon) and that helps. Writing such a long review did make think about the content of what each of us is writing and made me wonder:
What is it in a review which makes you read more of that reviewer?
As a review is an opinion of just one person I really enjoy reviews if someone shares personal stuff as well and makes it part of the review. It describes their experience in relation to the movie and how it impacts them. I don’t necessarily need a long review….even some reviews which only use 140 characters can be enough if I only want to know if a movie is any good. Interested in what you are looking for in a review!
Having been writing reviews for over a decade. One of the things I’ve done lately is to simplify things a bit. Not really do much to describe the plot but rather give an analysis of sorts. What part of the story is working and what isn’t working. For me, the stuff about the script and direction is the hardest part for me to write. You have to do a lot of describing and analyzing in order to give the reader an idea of what to expect but not reveal too much.
My two pennies: reviews are meant to ascertain or attest a film’s merit, or more importantly, spark an engaging discussion about those merits.
It’s part-content, part-writing and part-relevance, really; though you realize that the last weighs somewhat heavier. After all, film critiquing is most subjective, and Lord knows whatever happens in the minds of pseudo-intellectuals (aka elitists) when they wave around their eloquent if incomprehensible film reviews. I think what keeps someone reading a review is fluid writing (one that doesn’t challenge the reader; the most simplistic reviews are definitely engaging as well), great analytic sentiments and, of course, that “something” that opens up a discussion of the film.
This is only me, but I believe that reviews are meant to keep film enthusiasts bonded and communicative.
For me, it’s just the personal connection with the writer. I don’t mean that I know them, although that’s sometimes the case. I’m just drawn to how they write. There isn’t one style that always works for me.
In general, I’m looking for someone who intelligently considers what a film maker is trying to say. I’m drawn more to criticism that goes beyond the “thumbs up/thumbs down” idea. I usually don’t read reviews before I see a movie, so I don’t need plot summary. I want to hear an interesting take on a film, even if I disagree. Finally, I quickly stray from a writer if they’re just being contrary and don’t back up their points with good reasoning.
I agree with Dan above on the following point:
“I want to hear an interesting take on a film, even if I disagree.”
What makes me stick with a film review is if the writer can frame the movie in an interesting way. They either acknowledge something that I felt myself and couldn’t put into words, or they show me why a film I didn’t like was smarter than I thought it was.
My favourite reviews are those that don’t spend so long with the plot or ticking off every element of the film. They have a unique perspective on the film, whether that comes from a personal approach or an academic one.
Lastly, I like a review that doesn’t talk down to me. A writer should express their views, not reject the views of others.
Good question.
The main thing would be a perspective a review brings that is different than other reviewers.
Length also sometimes plays into it. I reviewer I try to follow clocks in at 1000+ word reviews and he publishes almost daily. I cannot keep up with his reviews and only read the films that catch my interest.
The last thing would be a reviewer that spotlights films I haven’t heard of or old films I haven’t watched.
Great question Nostra! I agree w/ you on this: I really enjoy reviews if someone shares personal stuff as well and makes it part of the review. I try to do that in my reviews because what makes a review unique is the personal angle and experiences that impact how they view a film. I actually don’t mind reading long reviews if it’s interesting, in fact I appreciate the time that person puts into it.
I just like to read other’s opinions on films, even if I don’t always agree with them. I also love it when bloggers throw a little humor or include something personal in their reviews. I think it makes it a little more interesting. Plus, you know, my real friends don’t love movies as much as me. That’s why I love my blogger friends so much, lol.
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