Our Film Review Ratings Explained

Film Review Criteria

Each Film will be reviewed against the following criteria. Each criteria will be marked out of 10 and the average will be the film’s final score.

The film’s final score will determine if a film is marked ‘Avoid’, ‘Average’, ‘Recommended’, or ‘Must 'Watch''’.

The Script / Screenplay

Does the story make sense and is it coherent? Does the writing achieve what it sets out to do? If it does then 10/10

Points are lost if the story is weak, or something makes no sense, or it doesn’t achieve what was promised.

Casting

Do the casting choices work? Do the actors bring the characters to life? or does something really stand out as being odd? If everything works then 10/10.

Points are lost if something feels off or it is evident that the actors are mis-cast or not giving a damn!

Sound / Music / Score

Does the music suit the film? Does the score sound good and is it unique? Its it in the best format possible think ATMOS or similar, Is the score available to buy or stream? If yes then 10/10

Points are lost for Music not suiting the film, a lazy score that sounds like a temp score that has been adjusted slightly, and not offering the latest format depending on the release reviewed.

Visual Effects and Costumes

Do the visual effects suit the film and the budget? Are they finished? Do the costumes look good or do they stick out for the wrong reasons. 10/10 if all is well

Points are lost for shoddy looking effects, effects that are not well developed and costumes that stand out in a bad way!

Video Quality

What does the film look like on screen? Has the DP done an amazing job? Is the film presented in the best format for the production? If so, then 10/10.

Points are lost if we notice rubbish filmmaking or low quality presentation. i.e. 4K should really be a minimum people!

Film Review Ratings

Rating 1 - 2.9 'Avoid'

A rating of 1- 3 gets an ‘Avoid‘ rating from The Silver Hedgehog.
These films have something off-putting about them, We have watched them so you do not have (you’re welcome) That is, unless you really like watching low par films.

Rating 3 - 3.9 'Average'

A rating of 4 – 7 gets an ‘Average‘ rating. If these films were a colour, it would be beige.
Technically nothing is stand out and nothing is too bad either. Definitely watchable, some might say enjoyable, but not really memorable.

Rating 4 - 4.9 'Recommended'

A rating of 7- 8 gets ‘Recommended‘. These are Films that have a great storyline, or have something about them that makes them special. These films stick in your mind or challenge a perception

Rating 5 'Must Watch'

A rating of 9 -10 gets a ‘Must Watch‘. These films are technically exceptional and capture the zeitgeist. All of our criteria gel together – the script, casting, music, score, visual effects and costumes work together flawlessly.
Definitely memorable, definitely watchable, definitely talked about.