How Do We Rate Movies?

Every Friday, I open my local newspaper and flip right to the movie review. When I first moved to the area, four years ago, I read a few of the articles to get a feel for his writing style and his ability to coincide with my opinion on movies. I kept an open mind as I viewed movies that this particular reviewer had seen and after a time I realized that every time this reviewer said he loved a movie; I hated it; and vice versa.

As of today I can count on one; maybe two; hands the amount of times we have agreed that a movie was either really great or a total flop. It all really boils down to individual taste and personalities. I have a very strong opinion that men should never, ever review a chick flick. There have been a few on occasion that have reviewed a chick flick with an open mind.

So, how does one evaluate the movies or even TV shows? Are you one to read a review and then watch? Or do you go into a movie and then read the reviews?

I have done both. I prefer to read the reviews beforehand. Why? Do I need a reason to dislike a movie before I see it? No. What I like to do is read a review before seeing the movie so that I can watch for the reasons why someone else didn't particularly like a movie.

Whether you read the reviews or not; they can be a great asset if you have a great reviewer. For example, the local TV reviewer has been spot on for a lot of shows in 2009(that's when I started to notice and regularly read his column) and I have enjoyed the shows that he has pointed out should or could be great! And they have been.

The TV reviews are about the same as movie reviews; but come more often. Our reviewer has a feel for all types of TV shows and he tells you on a regular basis. Every day he highlights a new or returning show that has caught his eye. Some have been good reviews and some have shown that shows do have bad days.

The ultimate question we have to ask ourselves is "Do we believe them?"

There really is only one way to find out if a reviewer is "on your side." And that is to put them up to their own challenge. Go see that movie that they say doesn't have enough of this or that. Read the review, watch the show, and judge it for yourself.

Happy watching!