I began writing movie reviews in 2001 when I was laid off and had nothing better to do. As the film major in my family, I was always asked what movies to rent or go see, so I thought it might be a good idea to write up short reviews and send them to my family and friends. They began forwarding the newsletter to their friends and so on, which led to strangers writing me and asking to be added to the mailing list. I’ve wanted to turn the newsletter into a website for some time and with the birth of Animation Blogspot I thought it was a perfect time to combine my work with my hobby.

There is no pattern to how I review films; it’s just what I’ve seen recently and haven’t reviewed before. I make no distinction between a new movie and an older movie. To me, a great movie is great no matter when it was made. When looking back over my older reviews as I posted them online, the depth and “quality” of the reviews were not up to par, so older reviews have been tweaked from their original forms to tame down my tendency to go into hyperbole or go off on rants. I also believe that someone’s opinion can be changed, depending on new knowledge, different point of view or just a better frame of mind than the one they were in when they watched a film the first time. If my opinion of a certain film changes from its original review, I write a follow-up review in the “Upon Further Review” section.

For the site, I hope to post reviews as soon as I write them. As for the older reviews, I have posted them using the date in which I sent out the original newsletter. When searching to see if I’ve reviewed any particular film, sometimes it helps to include the date or an actor’s name so that the search results will be shorter. The Categories on the site include:

* Reviews — These are, well… the reviews. Sub-categories for genre are also included.

* Upon Further Review — As mentioned previously, this is for reevaluations of previously reviewed films.

* Commentary — Bet you can’t guess what this section is?

* This Weekend Film Festival — Each week (hopefully on Wednesdays) I will post my selections for a weekend film festival. Each week’s lineup will be based around a theme. Only criteria for selection is that I’ve reviewed the film… and for the most part they will be good films. Of course they will all be films that are at least on DVD.

* Hall of Fame — This will contain special expanded reviews of some of my all time favorite films, which are at least 10 years old. One can consider these five-star films.

Within the Commentary category, I will post my top 25 lists from all the years I have seen at least 10 films really worth seeing. I love lists, but do see the futility in them, because there are too many movies to make definitive lists. That’s why I’d never do a 100 best list, because it’s a pointless venture and too frustrating. The top 25 lists are meant to give suggestions of films I think people should definitely see. As time goes by and I see other films or gain perspective via time, the lists’ order may change.

As for comments on the reviews, I encourage debate and questioning of my opinion. A good argument is welcome. However, I will not tolerate personal attacks. I will delete any comment that attacks me or any other commenter. I believe that no opinion on any film is wrong, because it’s an opinion. However, the better case one makes for their opinion the better it holds up and has a better chance of challenging the opinions of others. This is what I attempt to do with my reviews and hope commenters will do the same.

I truly hope everyone finds use from this blog. Thoughtful criticism helps people see films from a different point of view. I have learned a great deal about films from reading intelligent reviewers like Roger Ebert, Leonard Maltin and James Berardinelli. I may not always agree, but they always make sound arguments to support their opinions. As a writer, critically reviewing films has taught me a great deal about why I like certain films and what makes a film great. I honestly believe that no one sets out to make a bad film, however bad films get made all the time. By really looking at the reasons why a film does or does not work for you, it helps you understand not only film better, but also yourself.