Since Squidmonkey is campaigning to get ADTers that are less than vocal to talk I figured I'd try and help him out by talking a little more.
My review style was formed more for classic reviews, as they are my favorite films, than modern ones and to give a unique and different style than other reviews out there.
I try to give equal time to the technical details (picture, audio, chapters, etc), extras (DVD-ROM and standard) and the film itself.
After 113 reviews I'm wondering how you all think that they are working out. Is there any changes that you would like to see? My most recent style change happened after my last computer broke so is shown in reviews posted after October 8, 2002.
I've been working on trying to make them flow a little better and I changed the design a little recently but I'd like your input. I don't promise that everything you suggest will be implimented, for example, I suck at writing the so-called laundry list of acts performed in a film.
First, I like reading your reviews. They are thorough, without being a boring play-by-play thing. You certainly cover the DVD details well, something I could learn to do better.
Second, I like the fact that you review lots of different types of titles. Not all raincoater or all couples or whatever. And I like that you give give and bad marks based on the movie and not the genre.
My only real criticism is that it would be nice to have a little scene by scene detail, so that we can get a little feel for the flow of the movie and the girls. Definitely, not a laundry list type play-by-play. This is the balancing act I am currently trying to perfect in my reviews.
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Rumplestilt Skin Deactivated User
931 Posts 7/02
Posted - Nov 8 2002 : 12:28PM
Your reviews are okay Flash. I am often bored stiff by reviews which go into too much detail...zzzzzzzzzz... You're fine by me, Flash: keep up the good work. And remember so much more can be said in 200 words than 1,000. Regards, Rump.
Thank you Aybesea and Rumple for your comments so far. Starting with Love is in the Web and Bring'um Young 8 I'll try to do scene synopsis's. Bear with me as I start as I'm sure they will be choppy, but they'll get better as I get into the flow and find what works. Keep the comments coming.
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Rumplestilt Skin Deactivated User
931 Posts 7/02
Posted - Nov 9 2002 : 11:33AM
@Flash I find it really irritating when certain reviewers go into so much detail about the scenes...I think it's more suitable to say if it's good or bad (in their view), and perhaps point out significant bits of the scene which are of interest... BUT when detail goes into detail...down to a second by second commentary, well, I'm sorry, I just skip that twaddle. All the best Flash, you're doing fine by me. Regards, Rump.
Rumple Thanks for the kind words. Don't worry it's not going to be a detail into detail laundry list, just a highlight of the scenes and which I liked the best. I'm not a fan of the laundry list details upon details. I've received many an email asking for the laundry list which I won't do as that is not my thing. Many other reviewers do them and do them much better than I would or could ever do. I'm thinking of just a paragraph or two for all the scenes, marked in the review with it's own heading so readers who aren't interested can quickly skip down to the next section. That's why I have the bolded headings, so it's easy for readers to skip portions they aren't interested in reading. I'm figuring I'll drop it in below the general review before the parting thoughts.
I've spend the last year and a half toning my reviews to give the information that I'm looking for in a review (plus since I'm not a huge fan of my writing I was hesitant to solicit critism for a long time) but also want to include what some other readers are looking for that I might be missing so that my reviews are useful to more people.
I think much more important than laundry list detail is to explain what you liked about a movie, what you didn't like, and why. I'm with Aybesea (who's reviews I love) in that I'm trying to find the right balance for me in terms of the scene descriptions as well, but the fact is you can't please all the people all the time. I think your reviews are very good and informative, especially if I'm looking to know the technical aspects of the DVD, but I don't think you spend enough time looking at the feature itself. A little scene synopsis would be a nice addition not for the purpose of a laundry list, but more for the purpose of exploring in more detail what you like and don't like. This can not only help out the consumers, but it can help out the producers as well. Granted, many producers don't care to listen, but many of them DO, and if you can be true to yourself and give constructive reactions on the good and bad aspects of the content itself, you're doing a service both to those who rent/buy the movies, and those who produce them.
You asked, so I answer. :)
BTW to everyone out there--I think it's safe to say that most ADT reviewers (me especially) dearly love to hear feedback (good and bad) or questions from anyone who reads our reviews. All you need do is click on the email link that the reviewer provides--or post a comment on the forum!
Mike, first off thanks for the compliment! It means a lot coming from you. Second, I believe that you are right. I have seen some techinically excellent reviews that cover all of the mechanics of a movie, but completely miss the overarching feel of the film. That to me is absolutely key!
Just read your Bring 'Em Young #8 review. The scene breakdowns are great--with a few of your opinions thrown in for good measure. Very in tune with what I was talking about. I think you did a good job there!
Hahah thanks Flash!! Although I don't think 152 posts constitutes quietness!!
I also like your reviews as you give plenty of information on the actual dvd, as well as the actual film content. This is definately something that my reviews are lacking, but hey, this is something that I have kinda started so I guess I'll stick to it.
Squid: 154 since May of 2001 isn't that vocal either. Don't worry there's nothing wrong with your reviews either, I like your likes/dislikes easy to find at the bottom where it's easy to find.
