What Makes a Great Movie?

Filmmakers know that they won’t always have their audience’s undivided attention. So they do things like repeat character names or use incidental music to highlight really important plot points. They do this because they want you to focus, and they know that it’s fun for audiences to make connections on their own that add up to a bigger whole.

Bong Joon-ho proved that he’s more than just an animated genius with this sci-fi drama about a trainload of peasants who revolt against their overlords. Tilda Swinton, Octavia Spencer and John Hurt join the superstar Korean actor for this epic, visually striking allegory of the modern world.

A well-written script is the foundation of any movie. It’s what sets the tone and keeps viewers hooked throughout the entire experience. And a good script requires excellent acting to give life to the characters on screen and elicit a strong emotional response from viewers.

The last thing any film needs is for it to feel rushed or unfinished. That’s why a great director knows how to pace their film and how to build a sense of suspense. And they do this by keeping the action moving and ensuring that the story is well-structured and engaging.

This week’s releases include a heist thriller starring Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy and a powerful documentary about the roots of racism in America. Plus, Jamie Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones star in an Amazon Original about a handshake deal gone wrong.