Should I See It is a website for all types of film fans…from the occasional film watcher to the frequent movie goer. While Should I See It is a film review-heavy website, a focus is made on not just whether the subject film is good or not, but also takes the time to break down the pros and cons of the film in the hopes of answering the question that brought you to the site in the first place; namely, SHOULD I SEE IT?
Mike Ward, Editor/Publisher/Lead Reviewer
So, a little background if I may…
My love of film began at the age of 7 when my parents not only gave me a television, but HBO to boot. My passion for film, music, and frankly, pop culture, in general can be isolated to this one incident from my youth. After landing a dream job (for me) at the local hometown video store in my high school years, I was able to assist the store owners in seeking out, stocking, and buying independent titles and foreign films, as well as creating a store newsletter and helping develop promotions around the Academy Awards. College brought a study of film aesthetics, story development, technique, and analysis; however, I quickly realized that while this was information I took to heart and enjoyed having, that knowledge didn’t always translate to the real reason we love movies – we love the potential a film has in making us feel a wide range of possible emotions.
We love to laugh and we sometimes like a good cry. We like to be scared, riveted on the edge of our seat, and many like to have a film say something. Most of all however, we want to be entertained. The reviews found on Should I See It do feature my subjective opinion, but also keep YOU, the viewer in mind, with the hope of answering that age-old question that Mike, Pam, Jamilyn, Geoff, Russ, Ryan, Wendy, and so many others were asked every single day in that video store…
Should I See It?
THANK YOU’S:
Should I See It is the product of a lot of love and support from my tremendous family – My way too tolerant wife, Wendy, and my two amazing daughters. My parents deserve the highest of thank you’s for not only putting that TV in my room, but appeasing me and my interests all of these years.
I would personally like to thank those I worked with in that old hometown video store, Flynn’s Video. Pam and Jamilyn could not have been bigger supporters of my interest in film and I carry so many memories from working with so many dear friends I was fortunate enough to share time with. The seeds for this project may truly have been planted during those amazing 2 years.
The list could go on and on. If we’ve ever held a discussion about a film – any film of any kind whatsoever, you’ve inspired me. I love hearing what people liked and didn’t like about a movie they have seen – more so than my own viewpoint. I am not a film snob – I am open to different viewpoints and welcome them!
Finally, this site would not exist were it not for my dear friends, Andrea and Adam. Convincing me and encouraging me that this was a worthwhile endeavor for me to consider took a long time, but I finally listened. No matter what this turns into or becomes, the support and encouragement is humbling and like the friendship – so, so appreciated.
Enjoy…lots that this site could become. Let’s grow it together. Hit me up on Twitter (@shouldiseeit), join the group on Facebook (Should I See It), or leave me comments on the site. You can also E-mail me at shouldiseeit@yahoo.com.
Till the next time we talk about the movies…Be well everyone…and…
Go see or rent a movie tonight. You’ll be glad you did.
3 comments
Scott Dulin
April 24, 2011 at 6:08 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Hey Mike! – Great job with the documentary series at Miller’s so far! A big pat on the back and a hearty ‘atta boy’ for you! I enjoy your site and am delighted someone else in the Valley enjoys some of the same films I do- in particular i checked to see how you responded to ‘True Grit’ and ‘Machete’. Unfortunately there is nowhere on the East side to see many of the best difficult, demanding or disturbing films that come out- even great mainstream foreign films never play on the Eastside. It sucks. Those of us with an appetite for smaller-market quality cinema should stay in touch!
Mike Ward
April 25, 2011 at 7:25 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Scott: Thank you so much for taking the time to write those comments…I completely agree with your comments about the Eastside’s movie selection, but as I become more entrenched with this “hobby” of mine, I hope to one day find a way to have a venue in the Valley for those films you describe. There are so many wonderful films that get missed, that perhaps my ultimate goal is to bring some attention to the smaller films that I stumble onto and give them an audience.
The film series is an experiment of sorts, but one in which Lee and I knew the films would be good enough to initiate some interest and get people talking. And thus, the discussions after each film.
If this is the same Scott I shook hands with and have seen at our last two screenings, thanks for reaching out here and I welcome the chance to talk to you again soon – perhaps at “Waste Land”. If this is a Scott who I have not yet met personally, please find me at a remaining screening and let’s say hello.
I greatly appreciate the support and am always down for a chat about film. Be well and thanks again…
John H. Foote
October 29, 2011 at 4:56 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Looking for another reviewer?