Comments on: Open Forum Friday: Should Movie Reviews Avoid Spoilers?

By: Ben S

Ben S — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:25:48 +0000

I really like listening to the reviews after seeing the film, so like the spolier versions, but living in Australia means we often don’t get movies at the same time as over there, so it’s hard sometimes. For example, Wanted doesn’t open here until July 31 and Wall-E isn’t until September, and obviously i’m not waiting until then to listen to the show! Basically, give spoilers but give plenty of warning so I and others can skip for a few minutes

By: Jon Rocks

Jon Rocks — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 01:09:54 +0000

I think it really depends on the movie. I don’t care about spoilers for something like “The Incredible Hulk”. But for something that ma potentially have a controversial or surprising ending, I’ll wait to see it.

By: Shannon the Movie Moxie

Shannon the Movie Moxie — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:56:27 +0000

I avoid spoilers for films I know I want to see, and it can be a challenge when reading reviews or even watching trailers.

When I write reviews, I keep them spoiler free as well with the intent of providing enough information to the reader to be able to decided if it’s a film they would be interested.

I usually listen to the podcast after I’ve seen the film.

By: Liz

Liz — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:39:36 +0000

If I don’t want to be spoiled, I don’t read reviews. Period. People need to take responsibility for what they read. This doesn’t negate the need for people writing reviews/critiques to specify whether or not there are spoilers in their review/critique, of course.

By: Cinexcellence

Cinexcellence — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 14:00:22 +0000

@Joe (#8) I think half stars work well in the “out of 5″ rating. Not only is it more precise, but you can easily convert to “out of 10″ by doubling it.

By: Henrik

Henrik — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 13:46:10 +0000

Example:

Would saying there is a twist in The 6th Sense be a spoiler?

By: Connor G

Connor G — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 06:41:14 +0000

I personally dont find that spoilers ruin a movie for me. I go to a movie to see the visuals for myself. Knowing what some of the plot points are isn’t going to take away from the visual stimulation you are going to get from watching the film. It’s the same reason you can watch a movie multiple times and still be entertained.

By: Film Criticism? « Cinexcellence

Film Criticism? « Cinexcellence — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 03:08:47 +0000

[...] I’ve been thinking about for a while now, and partially because of a recent discussion at Film Junk. I’m curious what everyone thinks about the [...]

By: Rusty James

Rusty James — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 22:15:31 +0000

The problem with reading spoiler free reviews (which I have no interest in and would avoid regardless) is that you’re completely at the mercy of writer and his definition of spoiler. At best you’re walking through a mine field.

And all those critics are blabber mouth idiots who can’t keep a secret. It’s always “I’m not going to spoil it but hint hint hint. and in case that was too subtle hint hint” and then the movie is spoiled.

The problem is that it’s not a thin line, it’s a blatant contradiction. They’re trying to talk about the movie without talking about the movie.

By: Sean

Sean — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 15:00:32 +0000

I think we chose four stars because it is the rating system that Ebert uses, and it is sort of the defacto standard when it comes to movie reviews. It was also simpler than having something like “out of 10 with multiple decimal places” or something like they have on IGN and a lot of the game review sites. 5 stars with no halves allowed could work I suppose, but I don’t know if we’d bother changing over now.

By: Baychuk

Baychuk — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 13:17:44 +0000

Reviews can be done without revealing too much of the movie. Then again, just watching movie trailers sometimes reveal the whole context of the movie anyway.

By: joe

joe — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 04:35:03 +0000

ps. I agree with Ryan. I think we’ve come to a point where “out of 5″ is universal. iTunes(?), windows media, netflix, etc. And with 5 stars, there shouldn’t be halves or zeros. Just my opinon =)