About Me

My name is Andrew Reynoso, and I am a massive fan of modern day films. I have spent my life loving both the colossal blockbusters produced by studios and the smaller films that come from passionate directors. The Lord of the Rings and The Avengers are two blockbusters that hold a special place in my heart, while other films like La La Land and The Imitation Game have blown me away even though the theaters were almost empty. At the same time, I have spent the past few years concerned with the direction these films are headed. Film Shot is a place where we can discuss both the flaws and successes of Hollywood. We can praise and critique the use of CGI in films,  examine the benefits and drawbacks of cinematic universes, or discuss other topics relevant to modern entertainment. Television is also open to our discussions: so long as it was shot with a camera, and has a story, it’s fair game. I may occasionally reference other mediums, such as literature or video games, but my writing will almost always be tailored towards the film industry. At the same time, my content does not cover every genre or film that comes out. Instead I provide my perspective on the films that I believe are important. I will not review or discuss films such as We Bought a Zoo, instead, I will try to discuss films that are important to the industry I love.

On Facts and Opinions:

I take special care to distinguish my facts from opinions, and I ask that anyone commenting do the same. I see the confusion of facts and opinions everywhere online, with some people questioning facts as if they are open to interpretation, while others stand by their opinions as if they are indisputable. I will often say “in my opinion” or “to me” before stating a praise or complaint about a film. I do this to create an environment where everyone’s opinion is valid, and the facts are irrefutable.

My Rating System:

I avoid the number system and the grade level system for two reasons. For one, I feel they are too arbitrary. Most of the people who read my reviews will walk away with the rating fresh in their minds, and I don’t want that rating to be “7.8, and too much water”. I also take issue with the number of ratings each system allows. A typical number system can allow for one hundred possible ratings, while a grade level system can allow as much as fifteen. The star system on the other hand, also falls under the same complaint as the number system. Sure, a film may receive 4 out of 5 stars, but what does that really say about it? I don’t believe you can properly rate a film with an imaginary measurement. To give a good impression of a film, I use words to define them. I have seven ratings, ranging from awful to masterpiece.

Awful:

This rating is reserved for films that were horribly conceived, between terrible direction, horrid acting, and a depressing screenplay. I hope to rarely use this rating, because it is saved for the worst of the worst. Batman and Robin and Norm of the North are the films that would receive this rating. Never see a film with this rating, unless you actively seek an experience you cannot un-see, in the worst possible way.

Bad:

This rating is for films that may have a positive quality here or there, but are still largely misguided. Poor direction and sloppy screenwriting are on full display here, but the occasional laugh or moment of spectacle save it from being awful. I would not recommend seeing this film, but you will be able to survive it if you do.

Okay:

This rating is designed for films that don’t warrant a second viewing, but didn’t present a terrible experience either. A film that has moments of amazement and moments of horror (from a quality perspective) is likely to receive this rating, as are films that didn’t wow or disgust me. I still wouldn’t recommend seeing this film for the sake of seeing it, but if you find yourself in the theater you will be able to weather the experience.

Good:

This rating is for films that didn’t knock my socks off, but presented an enjoyable experience. I likely won’t remember this film, but it still presented entertaining characters, a well-crafted plot, and capable direction. I would recommend seeing this with the knowledge that it will entertain you, but it will not stick with you.

Strong:

If a film receives this rating, it was very well done and impressively well-crafted. Solid characters, and interesting plot, and skillful direction are all on display, but as are a few notable flaws. This film would likely be worthy of receiving my next highest rating, but it is typically held back by a weak villain or a shallow plotline. I would recommend seeing this film, but I also acknowledge that it has a fair amount of problems.

Fantastic:

Films that have shown a great balance of story, character, and direction. If a film receives this rating, I loved it. It blew me away and provided an amazing cinematic experience. It may have a slight flaw here or there, or it may provide a theme or premise that is slightly repetitive, but its execution easily makes up for that. I highly recommend seeing this film, as I believe it should be seen by almost everyone.

Masterpiece:

This rating is reserved for films that have amazed me in every way possible, and stand out as an example of brilliance. Even a film that receives this rating may have a problem, but those problems are likely so insignificant that I failed to notice or care about them. It presents a near perfect balance of story, character, and direction, never feeling lost or misguided. If a film receives this rating, it has received my highest possible recommendation.

Types of Content:

I provide several types of content, each with a different purpose.

Why It Worked So Well:

This is designed to look at great films and examine why each one was so successful.

What to Expect:

To predict the strengths and weaknesses of a future film, I look back at the history of the cast and crew. I may also look at broader trends in Hollywood from a more economic perspective, but either way, this is where I predict what I think will happen next in the film industry.

Reviews:

This is where I will review the latest films or television shows, and give my honest thoughts.

What Could Be Learned:

Here I will offer solutions to problems in film by referencing  other properties. If a cinematic universe has lost its way, I may reference another and explain what the second did better than the first, and how the first could refocus itself.

Lists:

Here, I rank certain properties or films, while also taking a step back to examine what they all have in common.

Editorials:

If I ever want to make an argument that other mediums do not allow, I will post them here. This is where you can find my broader-scale content that touches on Hollywood without focusing on a specific example like a film or television show.

These types of content are not set in stone. Others may come in time, and the ones that exist are subject to change. But my content will always be focused on the problems and successes in the entertainment industry.

You can also find me on Twitter:

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