Gateway Cinephiles

A - Excellent::Highly Recommended. These are films that are far above the average film in quality. They exhibit superior artistry and are extremely engaging on an intellectual and emotional level. Such a film need not articulate a profound social, political, or ethical message to warrant an Excellent rating, but it must fulfill its purpose in a truly outstanding manner. Excellent films may be flawed, but their superior qualities decisively overwhelm their weaknesses.

B - Good::Recommended. These are films that are above the average film in quality. Merely being competent is not sufficient for a film to be regarded as Good. Good films are memorable, involving, and innovative. They exhibit an uncommon aptitude in their presentation. While good films have weaknesses, on balance, their positive qualities are far more noteworthy than their negative qualities.

C - Fair::Take It or Leave It. There are films that are comparable to the average film in quality. They are best described as serviceable. They are amusing, exciting, or interesting to a degree, and are worth the price of admission. Fair films fulfill their purpose in skillful manner and are easily forgotten. Fair films may have bright spots, but overall they don’t stand out in the crowd.

D - Poor::Avoid. These are films that are below the average film in quality. They have serious weaknesses in their content and style that noticeably detract from the overall experience. Poor films may be conspicuously disappointing, foolish, or just dull. Poor films are not devoid of merit, but their negative qualities weigh heavily on them. A moviegoer’s money and time would be better spent elsewhere.

F - Failure::Run. These are films that are far below the average film in quality. They are extremely inept in their execution, and fail to meet even their modest objectives. They leave a bad taste in the mouth and have few, if any, redeeming qualities. No moviegoer should be subjected to them. Failures may also be well-made films that are nonetheless intellectually, emotionally, or socially repugnant.