Film Reviewer, Emma Flanagan

What is a good film, and how do you show that in a film review? If one person's film meat is another filmgoer's poison, how do you differentiate between "quality cinema" and a popcorn movie? How long is a piece of string?

When I write a review, I answer two questions: what is the film about and what is my response to it? For me, the best films are those with a clear story, ones that pose a question at the start which is answered by the end.

My favourite films? ... that's a toughie. Can't do a "Top 20" or even 50, because the variety of films and the reasons I like them, are too wide-ranging but here are a few selected at random, and why I like 'em:

Groundhog Day (Harold Ramis, 1993) - Actually this is my No. 1; a brilliant conceit pulled off magnificently by the dead-pan Bill Murray. All kinds of existential overtones if you want to find them, but just a fun ride if you want to leave all that deep & meaningful stuff alone. The General (Clyde Bruckman & Buster Keaton, 1927) - Buster Keaton, master of deadpan humor, shows how to save the gal and the day.
Igby Goes Down (Burr Steers, 2002) - Cast-perfect, family dysfunction at its classiest.
Lord of the Rings Trilogy (Peter Jackson, 2001, 2002, 2003) - Needs to be seen as one film in 3 episodes. The first is the best, but the best line has to be that of Mirando Otto's in the third as she slays the evil beast. Top entertainment.
Master & Commander: The Far Side of the World (Peter Weir, 2003) - How to do historical adaptation properly. Full of abstract ideas, yet with meticulous attention to production detail. Plenty of action and a great performance by Russell Crowe. Pure class.
Citizen Kane (Orson Wells, 1941) - Scale, pathos, groundbreaking cinematography and all the better for being in black and white.
It's A Wonderful Life (Frank Capra, 1946) At first glance a celebration of the American small town family headed by Mr Decent, James Stewart. On closer inspection, all kinds of incisive observations about human nature, mental illness and women's role in society abound in this witty film.
The Accidental Tourist (Lawrence Kasdan, 1988) - Geena Davies sparkles as Muriel, the woman who may be just what grieving Macon (William Hurt) needs. Chock full of subtle humour which rewards on repeat viewing.
Mad Max (George Miller, 1979) - A top first feature. Dr Miller shows how to make a great action film on a tiny budget.
The Long Kiss Goodnight (Renny Harlin, 1996) - Fun galore as sweet small-town gal Geena Davis discovers her lost memory and with it her kick-butt assassin past.
The Big Chill (Lawrence Kasdan, 1983) - How far you've come in the years since you left your '60s student idealist past is well-examined with the best rockin' soundtrack.
Pixar Films - all of the features, starting with Toy Story (John Lasseter, 1995) Because it's always about the story.
James Bond Films (Various, 1962 onwards) Okay, okay, so it's not always about the story ...

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