In Depth:
The Four-Star Rating System

          I’ve received requests to explain more thoroughly the four-star rating system that I use, and what each star signifies. That way, my readers will have a better understanding of exactly the level that I recommend a film when I use issue it a zero-to-four-star recommendation. The four-star rating system is the general rating system used by most professional critics, and I personally feel that it works best because of its simplicity.

          First and foremost, I recommend that you read my disclaimer on my Mission page, in which I explain that one cannot simply look at the star-system to understand how much I recommend a film. The review also needs to be read; if it was as easy as placing stars in front of each title, film criticism would hardly require literacy. Still, I find the star system invaluable because it gives the reader a clear indication of how close the reviewed film comes to reaching cinematic greatness. With that point clear, I shall now break down each star-rating and explain how and why I issue them.

No stars.

          A very rare case indeed. No-star films has little to do with the quality of the film so much as it has to do with my conviction that the film cannot be judged as art and is, thus, not ratable by the standards of my website. Usually, no-star films might have interesting qualities to them, but they are so immoral and offensive that they desecrate the art of film, and I am unable to issue them any star-rating at all, as they do not live up to the standard of art on any level.

One star.

          A one-star film can be judged for its artistic qualities, but they are limited and surrounded by a film so incompetently made that I cannot recommend it. A one-star film falls so short on every level, from its acting and story and themes and cinematography, etc., that it fails to be worthy of anything but the faintest praise. Many one-star films can be watched for their unintentionally hilarious qualities (see just about any film directed by Ed Wood), and I will indicate any such qualities in my reviews.

Two stars.

          Two-films have some good qualities about them, but not enough so that I can recommend them. Usually, a two-star film has some interesting aspects to it that could make for engaging viewing, but these qualities are surrounded by a film that has little redeeming value. True film-patrons might want to take a look at selected scenes that work nicely, but I still would not recommend viewing the whole film.

Three stars.

          Most good films have three-star ratings. This means that for the most part, the film works very well. There are certain elements that fall short of their goals and might mar the film to some degree, but not so much that the quality of the film does not nevertheless shine through. Thus, these are not perfect films, but they are still engaging and recommended viewing.

Four stars.

          Four-star films have received my highest level of recommendation. Any flaws are few, and they do not take away from the film’s power and grace. Essentially, they are films that are recommended on every level, and in every way. Every aspect of the film works brilliantly, and all its parts flow smoothly together to create an unforgettable experience. These are the movies that you watch to stimulate your imagination and thoughts on the highest level. These are the movies that you share and recommend to your family and friends. These are the reason that I am reviewing films, and why I am in love with cinema.

Half-star variations: ½*, *1/2, **1/2, ***1/2

Half-star variations are a bit trickier. These films manage to be slightly better than the stars before them, but still fall short of the star in front of them. It is possible for a film to land mid-way between whole stars. That said, I cannot whole-heartedly recommend a film that is two-and-a-half stars or lower, and when you see a half-star, it is best to simply read the review to get an understanding of why I’ve placed the film somewhere in between the standard ratings.

The Fifth Star

I have recently added a fifth star into my rating system. Its presence does not indicate that a film has transcended four-star greatness so much as it is used as a signpost to reveal that not only is a specific film great, but it is also considered by just about everyone as a classic. For more information about the fifth star, how it fits into Film as Art, and the difference between a "great" film and a "classic" film, click here.

Hope this helps. For additional information, please contact me!