FAQs
Why use a star rating?
I know, haven’t we had enough of rating art?
Giving any work of art requires a lot of thought. Who is anyone to slap a subjective number on anything? On the other hand, we all have to sometimes.
Ratings are part of the system. Consumers are used to it, and big rating sites like Rotten Tomatoes and its Tomatometer are built on it.
But it doesn’t have to be a reductive exercise. Every film or theatre production has a team and history behind it, and their aim is unlikely to produce a masterpiece or disaster. We’re all on a journey into film and theatre—that means making and critiquing.
I find a star rating to be a valuable focus for a singular review, while that shouldn’t be used to draw a direct comparison or judgment of quality between any other film. Just picking two totally made-up examples: a one-star Plan 9 From Outer Space and a one-star Cats doesn’t mean they are equal. Not just because only one features singing cats, either.
To find what we hope is a fair analysis, balance the rating, the verdict and the full review together. Then join in the comments.
What theatre productions do you review?
This is, first and foremost, a film blog, but there’s a lot of love for theatre. The compromise is theatre productions with film stars are included.
Who is Matt?
Matt Goddard is a filmmaker, reviewer and journalist. He’s the editor-in-chief of Mattamovies and the pop culture sites Jokerside and Jokershorts. His film and TV bylines include the Guardian, Daily Mirror, We Got This Covered, Game Rant and FILMHOUNDS.
See more on Matt’s filmmaking at IMDb.
Read Matt’s pop culture work at Muck Rack.
Do the reviews have spoilers?
This site isn’t a fan of spoilers, but they are tricky. The most a review is likely to spoil a new film is if the film blurb goes a bit too far into the narrative. If there is a real need for dramatic spoilers, this will be boxed out with a big neon sign.
If you’d prefer to go into a film completely unaware, we recommend bookmarking a review, watching the film and then joining the discussion after you’ve caught up.
Do you only review new films?
Mattamovies concentrates on movies fresh to screens and streaming since 2024. But film being film, some classics will be creeping in, especially if there’s a re-release.
Will you cover our new film?
Mattamovies wants to promote and debate all of film, so if you’d like your film featured or reviewed, do get in touch. I can’t guarantee a response or coverage but it’ll be great to make contact at: reviews@mattamovies.com.
How can we get in touch?
For any movie or theatre-related content, drop us a quick and concise email at reviews@mattamovies.com.