Absolute Beginners: DOTM Reviews

Permit me to reload over the next few weeks.

You see I realize that I've never gone so far as to create any "About This Blog" posts...any little keys to completely detail what's what in this crazy little soapbox of mine. So there won't be too terribly many, but over the next little while I wanted to take a moment here and there to provide some parameters for new readers. And perhaps to even clarify a few things for my twenty-two faithful readers.

So let's start with my reviews.

Each film is given a score on a scale of 1 to 4. It might seem at-a-glance that I tend to give out a lot of high scores, but part of that stems from me only going to watch what I want to watch...thus the bulk of the lesser cinematic offerings are omitted by design.

For now, reviews are confined to films I watch theatrically. My reviews are not exactly what I'd call spoiler-free...but the details that I believe are truly best kept quiet are indeed left out. In many ways, my reviews have started leaning towards my cerebral impression of the film. Whenever possible, I like to zero in on themes, impressions, and meaning. that said, there will be times that I'll spend a few dozen words talking about a stellar performance.

As for format, for the last year, it's gone like so:

• My attempt at a witty introduction
• A page jump
• One to three paragraphs of plot summary with my own witticisms thrown in
• A second still frame from the movie
• My thoughts and impressions of the film all the way to the end of the post.

Each review then ends with an invitation to leave your own reactions to the film.

For a sampling of some of my favorite reviews, please take a look at my thoughts on THE LAST STATION, WALL-E, and SPLICE.