The new year started with the exciting news that actor-phenom Timothée Chalamet will play folk icon Bob Dylan in a biopic directed by James Mangold. The film supposedly will focus on Dylan’s transition from folk to rock music.
What makes a bad movie? When thinking about this question, I like to contemplate a variety of factors. I consider how bad the acting is, how underdeveloped story is, and how often the director disrespects the audience’s intelligence. I also like to think about how true the movie is to its intended genre. Is the horror movie scary? Is the comedy funny? Sure, these are subjective standards. What I find funny, you may not and vice versa. However, I think the true test of how bad a movie is depends on how you react during the film. Are you constantly checking the time on your phone? Does it take multiple viewings to get through the movie?
I will be the first to admit that I have not seen the most movies about journalism, especially ones made before the 21st century. However, it is without doubt one of my favorite genres to watch, especially when done well. Well-crafted dialogue, a sharp attention to detail and charming characters are hallmarks of the genre.