"When you see a chance, take it...."

We have a semi-annual review we have to do at work. Part of it involves an extensive check on what we've been doing with our time - what we're watching, reading, doing, etc. It's always a nice time to look back on the films that I've been seeing.

Quality is always so subjective. Yet, I felt that someone there was a quality missing from all of the big, dumb, fun movies I've been seeing. I'm sure that sounds like I've answered my own question, but I think I've decided that quality is daring.

I missed a lot of films at the theatres because for the last several months I've been involved with two film festivals and teaching film. The shorts and indies that I see worth sharing all seem to take a chance and attempt to be something greater than the sum of their parts. And when I look back to share some great film with my students, I find that what my students are numb to is often something daring at the time.

It's too simple to say heart, because it's less tangible. Give me the same story I've heard a thousand times with a new personal slant and maybe I'll still enjoy it. But I'm sure the daring inside that comes from some vulnerability that we as viewers can only feel. Show me some new digital trick nobody has done before, and I may question it as less daring and more egotistical.

Taking a chance with something feels more real. It may not catch every time, but I'd rather see those movies. They last.

j.brown