I thought I’d reiterate what my rating system means. At the start of 2020 I chose to do away with ‘numbered’ ratings, feeling the differences between them, with the half points some movies required, got a bit messy. So below is a breakdown of what my ratings mean now…

Essential – a must see, a rare movie, a score I do not give lightly. A movie getting this score doesn’t have to be ‘perfect’, it just has to either entertain fully, really affect me or go beyond expectations.

Recommended – a movie that’s nearly a must watch but has small issues somewhere or minor aspects that lessen the movie’s overall impact. Quality movies can get this score usually because they don’t stand up to repeat viewing as those that achieve an ‘essential’.

Good+ – this is that awkward rating where a movie has merits a bit higher than a ‘good’ movie but isn’t quite a ‘Recommend’. I try to only use this rating on rare occasions.

Good – an enjoyable and usually memorable movie that can fall short in certain areas. Often these movies are ‘average’, yet their flaws don’t ruin the overall experience.

Poor – a movie that has its moments, but is often poorly executed. Movies that get this rating often prove disappointing despite their potential or have something in them that ruin a good experience.

Avoid – To get this score, a movie has to be almost difficult to finish. This can be down to bad film-making, an un-engaging story or bad acting. Overall to get this score it has to fail in most areas.