Twist and Shout!

There's nothing more satisfying than seeing a fresh new genre movie without knowing too much about it in terms of plot or storyline, only to be blown away by a fine twist ending that you DIDN'T see coming. Okay, so maybe I am exaggerating slightly as there are more satisfying experiences but I think you get my point. Anyway, my point being is that why do reviewers, whether mainstream or niche, feel the need to broadcast the fact that there is a twist coming?


I find it incredibly frustrating watching a movie knowing that there is a twist coming, surely the impact is increased when you are unaware and it takes you by surprise. I know that sometimes distribution companies use these twists or shock endings as a major selling point, for example The Sixth Sense or even Saw V with its You Won't Believe How It Ends tagline, but I do believe that it is possible to sell or promote a movie without taking this surprise away from the viewer.


Personally speaking I am never ever happy with my reviews, just ask my wife who will testify to this, but I do try to take pride in the fact that I will never reveal too much with regards to a movie's plot and I will never make mention of the ending of a film. This is something I have honed over the years and I have tried my utmost to adhere to. A review should whet the appetite, or warn you off as the case may be, it should never be a scene by scene recap. Why would I want to watch the damn thing if I know what is going to happen?


Now there are thousands of review sites/mags etc out there so you are bound to find differing opinions on everything. However I tend to stick to reviewers that I trust the opinion of, which I grant you is a fairly small list, and I only read the review if it is something I have no plan on reviewing myself. It is possible to review the movie, I suggest reading the definition of the word review, without resorting to lazy writing. Four paragraphs of plot reveals and one that is a brief summation does not constitute a review.


Before people throw their toys out of their playpen I should clarify that the above rant is directed towards reviews of new releases. I would never expect a review or look back of an older movie to necessarily keep the lid on twists and turns that are everyday knowledge. Time will almost definitely always reveal spoilers. Maybe I am alone in taking enjoyment of the unknown when it comes to movies? Maybe people feel safe knowing exactly what to expect?


As is always the case opinions are like assholes, we all have one but some make more noise than others. Just have the decency to warn someone before you let rip in their face.