Plunging right in, I got to see a plethora of films. Advance screenings are getting to be a weird thing. Consider, when I saw Fast X, other critics were talking about movies I had yet to see. There’s this interesting (and if I’m being honest, annoying) spoiler infused quality to going to these things. Granted, doing this more regularly might mitigate that (I’d be seeing all the movies), but I think anyone can get my point—spoilers suck. I’ve also noticed an overall mood shift depending on whether a screening is a mix of press and the public. The latter often adds to the atmosphere in a positive way I’m sure promoters are trying to exploit to improve reviews. And I won’t lie, it kind of works.
But I’ve also noticed the kind of pretentious snobbery I’ve always abhorred in any creative circle. Being Midwestern to a fault, I do my best not to eavesdrop, but the guy sitting right in front of you boisterously talking about how much he plans on disliking a movie he hasn’t seen is telling. There’re also exit conversations overheard on the way to the parking lot, like when I heard one critic condescendingly talk another out of enjoying the movie they just left. Why do I consider this snobbery? Because the main reason for all the dislike was simply this being a horror film.
Look. Objectivity is largely a myth. People can only control their bias so much when it comes to examining art. However, if anyone is supposed to at least be making the semblance of effort, I think it’s the critics. And there are ways to acknowledge a movie, book, music, etc. isn’t your cup ‘o’ tea while admitting someone else may enjoy it. It’s the difference between admitting there’s a world outside of you and shitting in any eyes glancing elsewhere. You don’t have to give it four stars, label it a classic, and smile like a liar, but I don’t want to digress too much.
More Charm than Chuckles in Fool's Paradise | Film Obsessive
Fast X Furiously Fuels Delightfully Dumb Fun | Film Obsessive
Giving Birth to a Butterfly: A Soft Sledgehammer | Film Obsessive
Feed on the Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas | Film Obsessive
What Awaits Reading Aseptic and Faintly Sadistic - Horror Obsessive
The Boogeyman Is Enjoyably Predictable | Film Obsessive
That’s all for now. More reviews coming soon in June. In addition, a fresh paranormal article will go up over at Horror Obsessive. This time exploring Chicago’s Rosehill Cemetery. Meanwhile, revisit my old pieces on Cuba Road, Bachelor’s Grove, and The Congress Plaza. Otherwise, as work progresses on other ventures… stay safe, stay weird, and never forget, you only fail when you stop trying.