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Shane's Critic Corner

Let's all go to the Movies!

Movies have always been a huge part of my life, not just as entertainment, but as a way to connect, reflect, and feel something real. I think everyone has the potential to find that one film or scene that sticks with them. Whether it's an explosion-filled blockbuster, a quiet character study, or an animated tale that surprises you with depth, there's something out there for everyone.

What I love most is when a movie leaves a mark. You close your laptop or walk out of the theater and carry it with you. Maybe it's a scene you keep replaying in your head, a line that hits just right, or even a feeling you can't explain but can't shake either.

For me, the best films don't just tell you what to think or feel, they create space for you to bring your own meaning. I love stories that invite you in and let you wrestle with them a bit. That's why I'm drawn to movies that are often open to interpretation, and trust you to meet them halfway.

What makes a good movie to me?

  • Strong Character Arcs: Not necessarily "good" characters, but ones who evolve, who get broken down, who reveal something true about being human.
  • Visual intention: Every frame should be doing something, whether it's mood, symbolism, or just emotional texture. A great movie doesn't waste its camera.
  • Sound and silence: Music swells, dialogue cuts, ambient noise, these things are more than background. They shape the emotional landscape.
  • Theme and subtext: A film with nothing under the surface might entertain me, but it won't stay with me. Give me layers. Give me questions.