“The best Critics of something are people who love it who are willing to acknowledge the flaws.”

– Council of Geeks

When I started The Silver Hedgehog I wrote about my experiences and simply ranked a post or review out of 5 stars. This was my honest subjective thinking on how that place or item ranked in my mind.
As the site has grown I feel it is important to develop a thought process and rational that offers consistency to those ratings simple than give something say 5 stars just because I liked it.

Each category will eventually have its own framework and rating system that will bring consistency to all Silver Hedgehog reviews. I am starting with Film Reviews and will move on to Days Out and Products…

I hope you like my ranking system, and as ever if you have any suggestions drop a comment onto one of the reviews, or via social media.

S.H

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 See’.

  • 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!

Ratings

Rating 1 -3

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 4 – 7

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 7 – 8

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 9 – 10

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.

Day's Out Review Criteria

Each Day Out/Attraction will be reviewed against the following criteria.  Each criteria will be marked out of 10 and the average will be the final score.

The  final score will determine if a Day Out/Attraction is marked ‘Avoid’, ‘Average’, ‘Recommended’, or ‘Must Visit’.

  • Value For Money

    Maximum 10 points  represents the attraction has excellent Value for money.
    Is the entry price fare? Can you get money of discounts or coupons that are not gimmicks.
    is it expensive for what you get?
    How fairly priced are the on site refreshments / cafe?

    Points are lost or gained for anything we spot the affects the value for money negatively

  • Visit Experience

    Maximum 10 points are on offer for a top notch experience

    We conciser if the attraction will it keep you or your family entertained or is the experience over too quick?
    Did the visit go as advertised, or are they promising more than delivered?
    is it easy to get to? of is it a mission to find
    How easy it to book tickets? is there a queue and is it well managed?
    what about the staff are the welcoming and supportive?

    Points are lost for anything negative we spot

  • Attraction Facilities

    Maximum of 10 points for the best facilities on offer

    We consider if the parking ok, and if it is near to the Attraction
    Restaurant of coffee shop and the quality on offer
    Are there suitable ‘Clean’ Toilets
    What about Disabled access,

    Points are lost for sub par facilities.

Ratings

Rating 1 -3

A rating of 1- 3 gets an ‘Avoid‘ rating from The Silver Hedgehog.
These Products score very low across our criteria, If you visit you have been warned!

Rating 4 – 7

A rating of 4 – 7 gets an ‘Average‘ rating.
Technically nothing is stand out and nothing is too bad either.  Enjoyable, but not really memorable.

Rating 7 – 8

A rating of 7- 8 gets ‘Recommended‘.
These are attractions that score well across our criteria, they provide a great day out and are memorable. So good we recommend it

Rating 9 – 10

A rating of 9 -10 gets a ‘Must Visit‘.
These Attractions are technically exceptional . All of our criteria gel together flawlessly.

Fantastic experience, Fantastic facilities, Fantastic value, These attractions make great memories and are so good they get the elusive must visit accolade.

Product Review Criteria

Each Product will be reviewed against the following criteria.  Each criteria will be marked out of 10 and the average will be the final score.

The  final score will determine if a Product is marked ‘Avoid’, ‘Average’, ‘Recommended’, or ‘Must Buy’.

  • Value For Money

    Maximum 10 points  represents the product has excellent Value for money.
    Is the price fair? or does it feel like rip off pricing?
    We also consider costs of ownership and other any hidden costs.

    Points are lost or gained for anything we spot the affects the value for money negatively

  • Quality

    Maximum 10 points are on offer for a product exhibiting top notch quality.

    Is it built for the job it was intended for? Does it look like it will last?

    Or is it flimsy, shoddily made.

    Points are lost for anything negative we spot

  • User Experience

    Maximum of 10 points for the best user experience.

    Is the product easy to use? Does it need instructions and are they included?

    Points are lost for a poor user experience and anything that detracts from our experience of the product.

Ratings

Rating 1 -3

A rating of 1- 3 gets an ‘Avoid‘ rating from The Silver Hedgehog.
These attractions score very low across our criteria.  As the product falls short in our expectations we are not comfortable recommending it.

Rating 4 – 7

A rating of 4 – 7 gets an ‘Average‘ rating.
Technically nothing is stand out and nothing is too bad either.  Run of the mill Products, do the job intended but nothing stand out.

Rating 7 – 8

A rating of 7- 8 gets ‘Recommended‘.
These are Products that score well across our criteria, Our experience with the product has been great and this makes us comfortable putting a recommended marker for the world to see.

Rating 9 – 10

A rating of 9 -10 gets a ‘Must Buy‘.
These Products are technically exceptional . All of our criteria gel together flawlessly.

Fantastic experience, Fantastic value for money, Fantastic quality, These are truly excellent products and we have no problem issuing ‘ Must Buy’  accolade

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