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In this FAQ I've tried to answer as many likely questions as possible. However, if you cannot find what you're looking for, you can contact me using the form on the Contact page.
What is the purpose of this site?
FilmJudge is a UK based film review site. It features reviews of the latest UK cinema releases, as well as reviews of films currently available to enjoy at home. The site also provides the latest film news and the UK Top 10 box office listings.
Who writes the reviews?
My name is David Mercier, I am responsible for all the reviews and Features. I set up FilmJudge in January 2006 and I review around 200+ films a year, as well as writing monthly Features. I am a member of the Internet Entertainment Writers Association.
Why should I read your reviews?
Any film review is merely an expression of opinion, and mine are no different in that respect. I try to make sure my reviews are accessible too, as there's nothing more frustrating than a review you need a PhD in film to understand. Also, because this site is independent there is no benefit to me in offering a good review of a bad film, or vice versa.
What do you look for in a film?
This is the sort of question that tempts me to write a handsome thesis. I should say that I think there's an inherent risk in looking for something in a film before you see it. Doing so puts you in a position whereby you're effectively pre-judging the film, and are therefore in danger of being negative about it because it doesn't meet your specific expectations. However, there's no denying that everybody does this to some degree. Personally, I look for films to engross me. This sounds like a vague answer, but it's also a vague question. Films can do this in any number of ways - they can excite me, make me laugh, make me emotional or frighten me. It doesn't really matter how they do it, but for me the mark of a bad film is one that I don't care I'm watching, whatever good qualities it may well have. My admiration for films extends to both their storytelling and artistic qualities; I'm not someone who thinks they can only have one or the other. Finally, I should make it very clear that I watch so many films because of the wonderful qualities they can possess, not because I derive joy from ripping them apart.
How does your rating system work?
It's very simple - all films are graded out of 5 and given a star rating following these basic descriptions:
This should give you a rough idea of what the review is likely to consist of. Naturally, the full review is essential reading if you are interested in a particular film, but the star rating is a useful gauge in itself.
Why don't you use the 12A certificate?
It's merely an issue of practicality. The 12A certificate is essentially temporary, and only applies to a film during its time in the cinema. The majority of 12A films are re-categorised as 12 once they appear on the home cinema market, so to save me having to change every single film once its cinematic run has concluded I show all 12A releases as 12.
Why don't you review Bollywood or Indian films?
Indian films are regularly in the Top 10 chart in the UK, but there are several reasons why I don't review them. The first one is simply that showings are relatively rare anywhere close to where I live. Secondly, and more importantly, I can count the number of Indian films I've seen on my fingers, whereas the number of European and Western films I've seen runs into the thousands. It just wouldn't be right for me to offer my opinion on films I know nothing about.
What's with the 'Best Picture Winner' banner?
It's as you might expect - the films with that little banner under their star rating won the Best Picture Academy Award (Oscar), in the year they were nominated. However, that banner also serves another purpose, as clicking it will direct you to a page listing all the Best Picture winners throughout history. I'm in the process of adding to it regularly, and in time FilmJudge will offer a review of every Best Picture winner in existence.
What is the 'Feature' part of the site?
The Feature is a monthly article I write about the film industry. Topics range from upcoming films, festivals and awards, to in-depth examinations of particular films, genres and bodies of work.
What is the 'FilmJudge Blog'?
The FilmJudge Blog allows you to post your own comments on films, and on my reviews and features. I also use it to keep people informed about upcoming reviews.
Can I replicate or copy some of your reviews onto my site?
No, all the content and reviews are my property and cannot be copied without my expressed permission.
Can I put a link to FilmJudge on my site?
Please do, it's what keeps the internet going. Should you desire a "button" rather than a plain link, feel free to save and use the image below.
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