Some notes on rating films

Exceptional: Essential viewing. [9-10/10]
An example of what I consider the best/most rewarding cinematic experience. Masterpiece or near-masterpiece.

Great: Highly recommended. [7.5-9/10]
Not quite the staggering, mind-blowing experience of a -rated film, but great cinema nonetheless. I never expect a film to be better than this.

Good: Recommended. [6-7/10]
A perfectly solid film. Not everyone will love it, but it is a fine example of its time/genre/&c. I appreciate it without being wild about it. I would recommend s and up to anyone.

Of interest: Recommended with caution. [5-6/10]
Some problematic aspects, but people with an interest in the genre/movement/director/&c should definitely check this out. Could be good but unremarkable, an interesting failure, or a quality film that does not resonate with me.

Mediocre: Not recommended. [4-5/10]
Bland or uninspired filmmaking, not very rewarding, but a decent way to pass the time.

Bad: Recommended against. [1-3/10]
This is my only negative rating. I watch so few bad films. They all deserve to be lumped together. There is no degree of badness. Bad is bad. Don’t bother with these!

Ie: NO STARS for bad films. ANY stars indicates some worth.