Crafting a Well-Rounded Movie Review: Balancing Bias and Entertainment

In the realm of movie reviews, it's crucial to strike a balance between critical analysis and personal bias. While it's important to provide constructive feedback to help improve future films, you should also aim to review the movie based on its intended purpose and whether it meets that goal effectively.

The Importance of Non-Bias and Fair Reviews

Many reviewers often fall into the trap of being overly critical or biased. Taking the example of HiTop Films' review of Deadpool and Wolverine 3, the reviewer’s harsh critique and lack of accountability came across as overly dramatic and not reflective of the movie's purpose. Deadpool, for instance, was marketed as a frenetic, comic book-style action-comedy, not a serious drama. Emphasizing such a point of view undercuts the film’s intended tone and can lead to disappointment for the audience.

Constructive Criticism for Improvement

Instead of nitpicking or focusing on flaws, it's more beneficial to critically analyze different aspects of the film such as pace, dialogue, story, and performances. For instance, Deadpool had a fast-paced quippy dialogue that complemented its comic book vibe. While some may disagree, it was a part of the movie's charm, not a flaw. Similarly, the story and character arcs in Wolverine 3 were designed to set the stage for a new era, rather than to appeal to all audience segments.

As a film critic or reviewer, your goal should be to suggest recommendations for improvement rather than asserting that you can create a better film. You are not a director, and it is unrealistic to expect you to have the expertise of a seasoned filmmaker. Instead, focus on analyzing the strengths and weaknesses objectively and provide actionable insights.

Prioritizing Entertain and Well-Made Content

While it's possible to appreciate a film more if it is well-made, one shouldn't sacrifice entertainment value. For many general audiences, the most appealing films are those that successfully blend entertaining elements with solid production quality. Films that are well-made endure the test of time and leave a lasting impact. Conversely, films that are purely entertaining but lack substance often get forgotten quickly.

As an example, Kung Fu Panda 4 and Despicable Me 4 made significantly more money than Furiosa and Fall Guy. This disparity reflects a market preference for content that is both well-made and entertaining. While Kung Fu Panda 4 and Despicable Me 4 offer harmlessly entertaining experiences, they still have solid visuals and engaging storytelling, which sets a favorable standard.

Setting the Bar for Quality

To elevate the quality of films in various genres, it is essential to have gatekeepers. For superhero films, Captain America, Spider-Man, and Manhattan projects set a high standard for both entertainment and quality. These films are a gold standard for what makes a good superhero movie: compelling characters, engaging storylines, and technical execution.

Similarly, when it comes to kaiju or huge mecha movies, live-action and animated films like those in the Guardians of the Galaxy series, The Lego Movie series, and others provide benchmarks. For comic martial arts films and coming-of-age stories, the gold standard is set by films like Bolt, Ratatouille, and Moana. These films not only deliver entertainment but also have a lasting impact.

Goldilock Zone of Entertainment and Quality

Finding and maintaining the right balance is crucial. You don't want to create content that is so mindlessly entertaining that it lacks substance, nor do you want it to be so artsy that it fails to engage the audience. The ideal is the Goldilock zone, where the film is entertaining, well-made, and leaves a lasting positive impact on viewers.

By striving for this balance, filmmakers and reviewers can ensure that the industry continues to produce content that is both entertaining and of high quality. This approach will lead to stronger and more enduring franchises, benefitting both creators and audiences alike.