Critics.
Some people hate them and avoid them altogether. They avoid all reviews and don't let responses or number of stars ruin their movie-going experience, letting their own opinions and personal experiences define whether they liked the film or not. Others wait until after they've seen a movie to read a review or watch a critique, curious about what the media thought about the film and if the critics' opinions matched or clashed with their own. Other people read and watch reviews before seeing a movie, making sure they know everything they need to know before going into the film or even letting the review help them decide if the movie is worth seeing at all.
Personally, I'm a mix the last two types of people. It just depends on the movie. If I'm really excited about a movie and am determined to see it, I'll wait until I've seen it and formed a solid opinion on it before I read or watch a review or analysis. Other times, if it's a movie I'm not as pumped to see or one that I think isn't going to be good, I'll listen to the critic to see if I'm going to be pleasantly surprised or whether I need to be prepared for disappointment, anger, or sheer stupidity. I love forming my own opinions and analysis for movies but I also love hearing what other film enthusiasts have to say.
One of my favorite places to go for film reviews is YouTube, which is home to hundreds of channels of people giving their thoughts, theories, and thorough breakdowns of a film's story, characters, themes, and production. Some of the best critics on YouTube are the ones who can do this in an entertaining, clever, high-quality, or unique way which is why I'm listing my top 5 YouTube channels for movie/TV reviews. *Warning* Since most of these channels contain language and mature subject matter (at least the discussion of it), I don't recommend them to younger viewers.
5. Screen Junkies
Screen Junkies is not the place for traditional reviews, which is why it is my lowest pick. However, it is the place to go for getting opinions and perspectives before and after you've seen a movie. Many times, when a new movie or trailer is announced, Screen Junkies will release a video of background information, an example being their video titled "WTF is Guardians of the Galaxy," which was released shortly after the trailer came out. In videos like these, you'll also get thoughts/fears/anticipation about the upcoming movie from the show's host and guests.
After a movie has come out there will typically be a reaction video discussing thoughts and theories, an example being "Jurassic World: Fun or Failure?" Once again, these videos feature more than one opinion, so you take in a lot of perspectives. If the discussion is on a regular Screen Junkies video, it can last from six to10 minutes. However, their "Movie Fights" videos last about an hour long, but cover a range of subjects. Hands down the best part of this channel are their "Honest Trailers," which are parody previews that poke fun or praise a movie in a hilarious way. Since most of the "Honest Trailers" contain spoilers, they are your reward to treat yourself after you've seen the movie (or if you don't care about spoilers, they are still fun to watch).
4. Jeremy Jahns
Jeremy Jahns is a much more traditional review channel since it features just one person (Jeremy) talking to the camera about a movie and whether it's good or not. His videos are short and to the point, while still injecting lots of humor and personality. Instead of ranking a movie with stars, numbers, or an A-F scale, he uses terms like "Buy on Blu-ray," "A good time, no alcohol required," "A good time if you're drunk," and more. With good editing, a personable host and a unique spin on reviews, Jeremy Jahns is a good place to get a quick opinion on a movie, and especially for people new to YouTube movie reviews, and need something more accessible and friendly than a 20 minute frame-by-frame analysis or heated rant over a movie's flaws.
3. BlackNerdComedy
This channel is great. Andre, the self-proclaimed black nerd, has a broad selection of videos that are rants, lists, Q&As, and of course, movie reviews. In all of his review videos, he breaks down his opinions to "the good, the bad, and the nerdy." Without spoilers, he gives his thoughts and opinions and who he recommends the movie to, if he recommends it at all. Now, be warned. Nerd is in the title of his channel so don't expect him to review "The Notebook."
Most of his reviews are of comic book movies, animated movies, nostalgic reboots, fantasy and science fiction, or other movies that people generally consider "geeky." If you don't like that, then this channel probably isn't for you. However, watch his reviews anyway. Even if you don't want to see the movie or care for the subject, you'll probably be laughing by the end of the video just because of how funny this guy is. He also offers longer reviews that include spoiler discussion and they are just as hilarious. BlackNerdComedy: geeky and hilarious.
2. Chris Stuckmann
Chris Stuckmann's setup is pretty similar to Jeremy Jahnns: Guy in front of camera giving a review. However, Stuckmann's videos are mostly longer than Jahnns's videos and that's because he goes into more. While many critics will stick with just the plot, characters, and themes, Stuckmann gives his opinions on these in addition to the actual filmmaking, meaning he'll talk about editing, cinematography, music, special effects, directing, and all other contributions that make a movie. This is a guy who is really passionate about movies and will talk about everything that a movie does right or wrong.
He does movies that are recent releases and will often do special reviews of older movies, especially if a sequel or reboot is coming out. For example, he made videos of film reviewing his favorite James Bond movies as the days led up to the release of "Spectre." In addition to analyzing all aspects of a movie, Stuckmann is entertaining to watch. He makes jokes, gets angry, and does skits to add to his reviews. Some of his best moments are when he's talking about a movie from his childhood and pretty much turns back into a little kid, reliving all of his favorite parts. If you appreciate all aspects of a movie and filmmaking and want an entertaining and intellectual review, go to Chris Stuckmann.
1. Channel Awesome
Channel Awesome is home to Doug Walker's "Nostalgia Critic" reviews. These reviews feature the Nostalgia Critic reviewing movies and TV shows you probably watched when you were little (though now he reviews recent releases in addition to old movies). His reviews are over the top, satirical, and feature skits, songs, memes, and special guests. This is mostly due to the Nostalgia Critic's character, who is essentially, a selfish, easily angered, jerk. The Nostalgia Critic also does top 11 videos. Why top 11? Because "he likes to go one step beyond." The Nostalgia Critic reviews and lists are more of a comedy show than an actual critique, which is why the channel offers more traditional reviews by Doug Walker; "Sibling Rivalry," where he and his brother Rob offer their opinions of a movie, which may or may not be the same; and TV show vlogs, where he will watch a highly requested show and do vlogs on each episode.
In addition to the YouTube channel, the website channelawesome.com has, even more, Nostalgia Critic videos and is home to even more critics and crazy characters, some of whom have their own YouTube channels worth checking out. While the Nostalgia Critic's high pitched screaming and rants aren't for everyone, I certainly find him funny and that's why Channel Awesome is my go-to place for movie reviews and opinions.