Quick Ratings Update

Well, it's been a month since I last posted a review, and this is still not a review. However, I have a few movies in the pipeline -- as in I have watched them, and I am going to review them -- but first I felt I should explain my rating system and possibly re-evaluate the movies I have reviewed using said system.

Yes, I am sticking to the 10 point system, but I've given myself some guidelines for choosing the appropriate value to best reflect how I feel about a movie.

10

I have never given out a ten because this means the movie is completely and utterly flawless. So far, I have yet to find that movie.

9 to 9.9

An excellent movie with great cinematography, story, acting soundtrack, everything. What holds it back from being a perfect ten will usually be continuity errors and minor plot holes. (I'll usually become obsessed with the movies in this category)

8 to 8.9

A very good movie with all the major elements done well, though a couple could possibly be improved. The fact that not all of the elements are outstanding is what holds it back from a 9.

7 to 7.9

An entertaining movie that excels in only one or two of the major elements, but it still works as a whole and is worth the money.

6 to 6.9

A fun movie, but there is really nothing special or outstanding about it. A movie you should consider waiting to see as a rental. It is enjoyable as a whole but you wouldn't die over missing it.

5 to 5.9

An unimpressive movie with a few good points that save it from failure. Even then, the "good points" will often be sub-par.

1 to 4.9

I group these together because everything between 1 and 4.9 is a failure, and 1 being a complete and utter failure.

And now, a quick re-rate of my previous reviews using the above guide.

Sweeney Todd: 9.7 out of 10. I still believe this to be an excellent movie, and best of 2007.

Pan's Labyrinth: 8.8 out of 10. It is a great movie with many, many great assets.

Be Kind Rewind: 8.2 out of 10. A well done movie with some great moments.

Now that I have a solid rating system in place (ok, maybe it isn't so solid, but it's good for now), I intend on writing my review for Cloverfield, Horton Hears a Who, and 21. Watch for one each week for the next three weeks.

Be Kind Rewind

"I will shoot you, and I know robot karate!" -- Jerry, as Robo-Cop

Apologies for the delay, but the selection in theatres for the past month have been rather slim. However, amongst the swamp of, at best, mediocre films you will find one that shines. Be Kind Rewind is a breath of fresh oxygen in a sea of carbon dioxide.

Be Kind Rewind is about a behind-the-times video rental store that refuses to make the jump to DVD. When Jerry (Jack Black) becomes magnetised, he unknowingly erases all the tapes in the store. With customers to serve, Jerry and employee Mike (Mos Def) quickly remake, or 'swede', the movies with anything and everything they can find. Even though the sweded films are obviously not the original production, they still become immensely popular and everyone begins to demand sweded versions of their favourite films from Rush Hour to Lord of the Rings.

Part of the charm of this movie lies not in the laughs, but in the recreations of memorable scenes from big budget movies. From standing on a toy car mat to create the illusion of hanging off the edge of a skyscraper to holding a fan in front of the camera to create a flickering old film effect every solution the characters come up with is highly imaginative and inventive. The question now is where did this inventiveness and imagination go in Hollywood?

Is it gone completely? No, not completely. It's just rare to find an exceptionally good movie. It's difficult to find a movie with heart. This movie has it. There are a few holes here and there, like why couldn't they be covered by the parody clause in copyright law.

Be Kind Rewind is a movie with heart; something that cannot be said about many Hollywood movies made these days.

Final rating: 8.0 out of 10