Similar to how I find new books -- by way of judging the cover -- I almost exclusively look at the cast. I have realized however that a great cast does not necessarily mean a decent movie (as my most recent viewing experience clearly demonstrates, perspective pending).
Unlike few others (I guess), I do not research movies as I select them for my Netflix queue. I simply do not have the time, and moreover, there is a distinct likelihood that I will discover a plot-line -- in internet lingo, a spoiler -- in the process. It is not worth the risk or my time.
Instead, I will mouse over the film list and see who is in it. Oh, George Clooney, this could be good. Anthony Hopkins, let's add this as well. These are grade-a film stars. They wouldn't be a part of bad movies. Wrong. Every actor makes bad movies; some worse than others.
There has to be some way of adjusting my queue selection process so that I can avoid seeing such filth. There are movies out there -- movies that I haven't seen already -- that are pretty good. How do I find them? I do not want to read summaries or watch previews. I want a hard-and-fast rule, something I can write a script for. If-then-else statements. Ands. Ors. You've got the point.
Labels: misc
