Projects that combine genres, storytelling techniques and perspectives into one cohesive narrative. These works not only succeed in developing their themes but they do so in a way that strongly resonates with me. Beyond that, their discussions of the ideas present cause me to observe them from an entirely new angle. Simply put, they are one-of-a-kind.
9/10 = the visionaries
These are works that challenge conventions and pushes boundaries through their presentation and what they discuss. They seamlessly switch between genres, perspectives, and themes. They bring a remarkable level of insight into their subject matter. With projects in this category, there are a few aspects of their narrative that could be improved but they nonetheless succeed where legions of others fall short. These are what I would consider “all-timers”.
8/10 = the heavyweights
The reach these works have is massive; the amount of topics they lend their perspective to is genuinely impressive. Projects in this category generally excel across the board; they’re masters of many trades. The stories they tell are meaningful, creative, and impactful, though there are more than a few facets within their stories and their presentation of them that can be improved. Despite this, these works are, in their own way, standard-bearers for their contemporaries.
7/10 = the benchmarks for their specific genre
There are boundaries to how far these works are willing to explore but they excel within their limits. When it involves their themes and presentation, projects in this category think outside the box to a certain extent but they don’t fully commit to this approach. All the same, these works are recommended, just not as highly as they could’ve been.
6/10 = my default rating
Projects that show potential early on fall in this category. Most of the time, though, the works here are the ones that show little growth beyond their potential. They are enjoyable and entertaining but offer next to nothing substantial about the topics they discuss. These are the "turn-your-brain-off" shows and films.
5/10 = the carbon copies
They follow a rhythm and pattern that are identical to similar works. They make very little effort to deviate from what you'd expect from their genre. Works in this category are a dime a dozen.
4/10 = the underachievers
These are works that show potential (and, sometimes, a few unique features) but their shortcomings prevent this potential from being fully realized. There is a genuine effort to explore various topics and develop its subject matter but it's rarely handled correctly. Whatever strengths these works display are overshadowed by their weaknesses.
3/10 = the dumpster fires
It's one thing to be predictable, to be consumed by cliches and stereotypes. It's another thing entirely to try connecting overused and poorly developed ideas into a narrative. When you combine these two things, the result is this category. You'd be hard-pressed to find redeemable qualities here.
2/10 = The bottom of the barrel
These are works without creativity, nuance, or purpose. If there is any effort applied here, it's barely present. Whatever enjoyment that can be derived from these works is ironic.
1/10 = Below the bottom of the barrel
These works hold a special place in my heart. The lack of anything salvageable is mesmerizing to watch. Simply put, they are untouchable.
