What Defines a Good Movie?

Movies are a form of entertainment that hold a great deal of significance in today's society. People across the globe rush to theaters like an angry mob to see the latest productions as they rapidly accumulate millions if not billions of dollars in profit. It seems as though all it takes is a little bit of chatter for a new release to become a box office legend. However, the true success of a movie is measured on a much different scale. A good movie is defined not by its production or earnings, but rather by the impact it has on its viewers.

The amount of resources needed to create a movie can be mind boggling. Everything from a star-studded cast to the best graphics must be accounted for as producers and directors work tirelessly with the hopes that their film becomes the next Gone with the Wind or Titanic. It seems almost ironic that for the amount of effort that is put in, a truly good movie stems only from a simple storyline and how moviegoers interpret it. Films such as The Pursuit of Happyness or A Walk to Remember are a success in that they speak to their audience, forcing them to sympathize with the characters and perhaps re-evaluate their own lives. For many people, all it takes is a modest one or two hour movie to wake up and make a substantial life improvement. Some of the best movies are even powerful enough to bring their viewers to tears, whether it is from sadness or laughter. While other high grossing motion pictures like Paranormal Activity and Avatar may seem successful because of their income, even these films must instill the audience with a sense of fear or adventure to really steal their hearts.

The value of a movie is defined by the people who see it and gain something from the experience. Although most movies nowadays are made with famous celebrities and expensive equipment, the movies that are timeless are the ones that speak to their audience on a personal level. Movies that a person chooses to invite into their heart are not determined by production costs or revenue, but instead by the powerful message communicated between the film and its spectator. When all of the smoke and mirrors are removed, a good movie arises from the moment it garners the audience's attention and emotions, and not a moment sooner.