Why this rating scale?

This is the rating scale we were using until very recently -

• Must see - on the big screen
• Watch for sure, preferably in theatre
• Wait for video release
• Watch if you have nothing better to do
• Switch channels if it's on cable!

"Why such a verbose scale?" many ask. Well, mainly my dad. But then, like they make dads, mine is also equal to many, in many ways. "Can't you give me a number? Use decimals if you like."

Well, because I never understood what those numbers meant. E.g., what is a 3/5? Supposed to be the middle rating if there are no decimals, but it is actually equal to 60%. Some ratings are accompanied by a "1=Don't bother, 2=Just ok, so on and so forth". I understand these better. Though my problem with 3/5 remains. And might as well have the words as the rating itself, right?

I always thought a review should tell me whether I should watch a movie or not. So, why not have the scale do exactly that.

Also, I've always wanted to tell what I liked/didn't like in a movie. Maybe not-the-best music spoils your experience but it doesn't bother me much even if I don't like the music. Thus came the idea of having detailed (department-wise) ratings. So that readers can see at a glance what I liked and didn't and if that'd bother them. This is exactly why working out an average for the detailed rating might not always take you to a corresponding numerical rating in the scale above. Besides, if you really, really want a 'how many stars' rating, work to get it. sadistic laughter

I take pride in giving you an action point.

As conceited as that sounds, over time, the mighty have had to fall and recognize the limitations of their rating scale. To correct that...no! you don't get a '2.5 out of 5' tickets image...I've added a couple more actions you can take, as so -

• Must see - on the big screen
• Watch for sure, preferably in theatre
• Really keen? Watch on screen
• Watch on DVD
• Movie buffs - rent a DVD
• Watch if you have nothing better to do
• Switch channels if it's on cable!

* This rating has taken effect retrospectively. To check out the impact in one glance, see the appended table at the end of this post.

This is mainly to accommodate the non cine-maniacs, for whom watching movies is not a religion. So, if you are not a movie buff, you know you can skip that trip to the theatre/DVD store/website.

If you love the scale as much as I do, may I have some tips on how to convince my dad about it?

ps. Cinematography, production design, sound design, editing, etc are left out of the detailed rating because I would never want to claim that I can pay attention to all these departments in one go. Certainly not enough to grade them.

Revised ratings: The negative connotation that 'Wait for video release' could be construed as having was unintentional. So its now the more positive "Watch on DVD". As you might notice, I generally tend to mark a movie up when a movie fell between two ratings. I've generally given it the benefit of doubt. The exceptions show in the last two cases. I admit I was a little harsh on 'Metro' and 'Jab we met'.

- meetu, a part of the audience