ABOUT CineMuseFilms
ABOUT film reviews
Reading film reviews is like joining a busy conversation. Most of the talk is about plot descriptions, casting, acting and production details. My reviews are more interested in a film’s context, theme, genre, originality, and how cinematic techniques help or hinder the film’s message.. Film criticism contributes to film literacy and enjoyment of the artform. There are many different ways to review a film, and none are right or wrong. Reading a variety of reviews expands our understanding and enhances the visual pleasures of cinema.
If you are interested in theoretical discourse around film criticism, you might enjoy my essay entitled “What is Film Criticism?”.
ABOUT me
My love of 
film spans several decades during which time I’ve had many careers and helped raise three much-loved children. I’ve had military and public service, and have been a senior academic and a professional photographer. I have three Bachelor degrees (in sociology, psychology, media and communications) two Master degrees and a Doctorate in politics. I’m currently doing a MA in film studies. Please forgive me if I sometimes sound a bit academic; I try not to. I’m telling you all this because our background shapes how we see films and it might help to know where I’m coming from.
ABOUT my blogs
With so many movie eras, niches and waves out there, why does this blog emphasise current movies? Film is one of the most hyper-linked artforms on the planet; every film is connected in some way to every other film through technology, culture, theme or history. You can jump into the vast ocean of film anywhere you like and there is a label for every taste: the silent era, Hollywood classics, the post-modern, European avant-garde, and so on. I enjoy watching the crest of new waves coming onto the shore, pushed by everything behind them. They are the current films.
I publish weeky with reviews of about 500 words. I use a five-star rating system based on a film’s narrative coherance, emotional impact, cinematography, and overall significance as a cultural artefact. The ratings are relative to other similar films in the same genre. My reviews pull no punches and do no favours. They are my opinions and mine alone. All feedback is welcome and thank you for visiting.
Richard Alaba, PhD
Member of the Australian Film Critics Association
Also author of eBikers Diary, a blogsite with information on eBike tours for senior riders.
Hi CineMuse. A different blog, but I’ll reply in the hope that you answer this as well.
I believe you take a U3A film appreciation group in the Manly area? I too lead a U3A film appreciation group though in the Endeavour region. A couple of fellow leaders were responsible for recommending your blog and I haven’t looked back because your insights help to inform the judgements I make about any particular film we happen to be discussing.
As a leader involved in Cinema and the older viewer, I have a request. Would it be possible for you to talk to my group (just a one-off) later in the second semester? We’d really value your comments and you’d be assured of an audience. There are fifteen in the group (when we’re all in attendance) and I’m sure I could encourage a couple of extras. Not too many because space is limited in the School of Arts Activity Room as I’m sure you know.
The course coordinator was going to make this request on my behalf, but I thought I’d take advantage of our online connection, as tenuous as that may be.
My fingers are crossed in anticipation of a response.
Regards,
Anita Spinks
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Sounds good to me. Am in Newcastle on an ebike tour today (see my new blog ebikerdiary.com) so can you email a contact so you can tell me more.
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That’s great!! Thank you. Will do.
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Excellent blog! I often review movies from all decades. So I think you might like my blog.
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Thank you. I will visit yours asap.
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Hi Richard, Thank you for your follow, hence why you find me here. I am intrigued by your take on film reviews…I am not much of a film watcher myself I generally have my head in a book..ha ha but saying that some of the few I have watched over the years appear on your list of reviews. Have a lovely day 🙂
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Lovely to hear from you blondieaka and welcome. Film adaptations of books are more the norm than the exception, so no doubt you’ll find many films here that echo a source literary text.
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I nominated you for a Travel tag! Check out my post for May 9th for details. https://prettyplusandproud.wordpress.com/
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Much appreciated Ena.
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Hey Richard! Just a quick shout-out from LA. We stumbled across your blog love your reviews — keep ’em coming!
All the best,
Forrest and Abigail
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Lovely to see you here; your own script writing project is fascinating. Good luck with it, and thanks for commenting.
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I am impressed with your writing! I thoroughly enjoy your blog!
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Thanks for your kind comment Henry; hope to see more of you here. You certainly have anime thoroughly covered on your excellent blog.
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Hi Richard
It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance here through the WP platform. I thoroughly enjoy your insightful reviews. It’s always nice to find a fellow Australian. 😊
Cheers, Jolene
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I’m delighted to meet you Jolene. I’m also pleased to find your interesting blog. Thanks for visiting.
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