What makes a good movie?

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Permalink Reply by Tyler from Georgia on March 30, 2008 at 12:08am

Just to get this started, my top ten are as follows (and in no particular order):
1. acting
2. relevant story
3. character that develops throughout the movie
4. some fantastic elements (something that keeps it from being just another day in the life of a person)
5. some suspense (I shouldn't know what's going to happen)
6. relevant message
7. cinematography needs to make the events unfold clearly for the viewers
8. evokes thought
9. interesting characters
10. Some sort of high point in the story

Now, some people would probably argue for other points, such as something that "holds the mirror up to one's soul" or something like that. These are very basic ones that I put up, so feel free to expand or divide up into categories. For instance, what makes a good action flick? What makes a good chick flick (if there is such a thing)? What is the best kind of movie, according to our lists?

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Permalink Reply by Official Rob on March 30, 2008 at 12:18am

I don't really have a good answer for this at all, and there is NO way I could muster up ten reason.

My best answer, is just how it makes you feel and comes across to you. How you relate to a movie and it's characters.

I feel if I can relate to a movie somehow, then it's ultimately good.

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Dixon on March 30, 2008 at 12:33am

There are no rules. Any imagined rule can and will be broken.

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Permalink Reply by Mr. Mike on March 30, 2008 at 3:22am

1) Directing + Art Directing
2) Solid Story
3) Reliant story tie back (Story elements introduced at the beginning of the movie then tied back or referenced at the end)
4) Consistency ( various rules established in "the universe" are consistent and followed)
5) Acting (body language, facial expressions, tone and believability)
6) Sound Track ( OST or VA sets mood/energy )
7) Character development (ability to develop believable characters u care about)

thats all i can think of right now...... :D

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Permalink Reply by Tyler from Georgia on March 30, 2008 at 8:29am

I like Rob's answer, and that may be the only important thing. But that would end this discussion right now, so I'll continue. lmikel, I was completely into your list, but I'm curious about a couple of things. It's interesting that you would put soundtrack up there. I'm not disagreeing, but there are some great, albeit old, movies that have no sound. Well, I can only think of "It Happened One Night", but I'm sure there are a few others. Also, I think it's cool when the movie breaks its own rules just for the sake of surprising the audience. The movie says "Oh, that can't be done. It would mean inevitable death!" and then the lead does it anyway. This, of course, has to be done very carefully. Anyway, I'm just playing devil's advocate.

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Permalink Reply by Pumpkin Matt on March 30, 2008 at 11:29am

1. acting
2. interesting/engrossing story
3. character depth
4. well written dialogue
5. a montage somewhere
6. good cinematography
7. visually pleasing
8. memorable events
9. a defined/decided style
10. it just has to be a good idea

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Permalink Reply by Tyler from Georgia on April 4, 2008 at 10:51pm

Just to decrease the obvious tension, name the top five you can think of.

Also, I've noticed technical aspects in several lists. Is that necessary? While you don't want to do a bad job, there may be some good movies without good technical attributes. Just playing devil's advocate.

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Permalink Reply by jasonbabyjesus on April 4, 2008 at 11:10pm

I think the viewer is a huge part of the equation concerning what makes the movie "good." A lot of the times when people point out "bad" things in a movie, it is pretty much reflecting their own personal bias or hang-ups.

That being said, I feel that some of the most important elements to making a good movie require the people involved to put their hearts into the process and genuinely enjoy what they are doing.

As long as everyone who plays a role (from Director to Actor to Key Grip etc.) is working towards telling the part of a story they consider to be important, and the filmmakers don't sacrifice the extremely vital aspects of the characters (our closest human connection to the film itself) for the sake of CGI etc. (eat me, fanboys!) then odds are the movie will produce some "good," admirable qualities.

Just remember that a lot of is is relative.

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Permalink Reply by Tyler from Georgia on April 5, 2008 at 12:06am

That makes a lot of sense, and I tend to lean towards the "it depends on the viewer" standpoint. But, as official devil's advocate, I must ask: what about "Meet the Spartans"? I bet the directors enjoyed that and put their hearts into it. all that means is they have weird hearts.

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Permalink Reply by PREÐATOR on April 4, 2008 at 11:14pm

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Permalink Reply by Tyler from Georgia on April 5, 2008 at 12:06am

I must agree. guns, black people, and cross-dressing are all required.

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Permalink Reply by Deadpool on April 4, 2008 at 11:28pm

Boobies.......

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