A New Addition to The Screening Room

Dear My Faithful Followers,

I have decided to take on a new endeavour on my blog, The Screening Room.

Every month or so, I will post a list in the form of a Top 10 or Top 20. The lists will focus on an aspect of film and entertainment, and my choices will be decided by a “Ten Best” or “Ten Worst” type of criteria.

My first “Top 10” list (or “Top 20,” I’ve yet to decide) was inspired by a moment in my film theory and analysis class yesterday. My professor, the shrewd and intelligent Andre Loiselle, mentioned that he wasn’t nuts about Inception. Following that statement, there was an audibly stunned response from my fellow peers.

Being a film critic is not a difficult thing. If you can analyze and view films keenly, with more than mere passive amusement, it doesn’t take much to recite a thoughtful, well-constructed opinion. The problem, however, comes when you mention that you love something that the vast majority hate, or hate something that is virtually admired by all - especially the latter.

If few agree with what you say, it becomes a challenge to argue the validity of your argument without offending the predominant view. And if few agree with you on a consistent basis, are you even a reliable source of criticism?

For my first list, I will be counting down The Top Films That Everybody Loves… But Me. I plan on putting the record straight on movies that I feel are wildly overpraised and appreciated far beyond the level that they deserve. The list should be up by the end of the year.

Expect me to return next week with a new review, a new analysis, and perhaps more. Until then, take care, and please vote in the new poll.

Note: If you have any ideas for this segment, I'll lend you my ears.