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I give a movie a five-star rating when I believe it has achieved the perfect balance of film's five artistic elements: Writing, Acting, Direction, Plot, and Score.
Writing primarily refers to the script and dialogue, although it also includes character and plot development. I am very critical of Acting; many popular actors do little more than look good on camera, a cheap cop-out which I abhor. The Direction of a film is also essential, not only in cinematography (such as camera angles), but also in the final cutting of the film. A good Plot must incorporate classic motifs while achieving a level of originality, allowing for some surprises. Finally, a well-orchestrated Score should tie together every other element and convey the full essence of the film in a few notes.
These ratings are obviously only my personal opinion. I do not always agree with professional critics because I bring a Christian bias to my views. When I give a movie five stars, it is not only for empirical excellence, but because the film has impacted me in a positive way. Movies which merely entertain are fine, but movies can also have the power to change lives.
When you find yourself identifying with a character or situation, that film becomes distinctly personal to you. I believe that a truly good movie will leave you thinking. You’ll come back to it again and again in your mind as you go about your work the next day. When you realize that you’re still chewing over the theme and words, then you’ll know how good a movie it really is.
If you’d like to know exactly which movies I think deserve all five stars, here’s the list:
The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)The Avengers (2012)
Braveheart (1995)
Captain America (2011)
Casablanca (1941)
Cool Runnings (1993)
Dan in Real Life (2007)
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Fiddler on the Roof (1971)
Gladiator (2000)
Holiday Inn (1942)
It's A Wonderful Life (1946)
Jane Eyre (2011)
Joyful Noise (2012)
The King's Speech (2010)
Leap Year (2010)
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
The Muppets (2011)
The Princess Bride (1987)
Real Steel (2011)
Reign of Fire (2002)
Roman Holiday (1953)
Sabrina (1954)
Sahara (2005)
Secondhand Lions (2003)
Summer Stock (1950)
That Thing You Do! (1996)
Up (2009)
V for Vendetta (2006)
We Bought A Zoo (2011)
You've Got Mail (1998)
