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The 9 Points System

A system for rational analysis of movie plotlines. Fill out each section of the form below to determine your own rating of any movie!

  • The Opener

    The Opener

    How well did they open the movie? Does the opening scene grip you? How is the protagonist first presented? How are the supporting characters and allies presented?

    Was the opening scene one that caught your attention and made you want to keep watching?

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    Is the main character flawed in a compelling way? Or is there something missing from the main character’s life which they need to be made “whole”?

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    Are the side characters/supporting cast driven by their own motives and needs?

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  • Entering the Fray

    Entering the Fray

    What compells the hero to get involved in the situation? What are the compelling themes, motives, and opposing forces which drive the story going forward?

    Is there compelling motive for the protagonist to be involved in the plot? Do they have motive and/or reason?

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    Is the villain or obstacle in the way of the main character compelling? Do they cause the protagonist to fear and make the goal uncertain, and reconsider their path? Do they appear to have the means, motivation, and skill to destroy the main character to achieve their own ends?

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    Is there a theme? Are the ideas of this theme discussed or developed as the story progresses?

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  • Heightened Tension

    Heightened Tension

    Does the movie compellingly move the protagonist from a bad situation to a worse situation throughout the movie? Are we as the audience drawn into more and more concern for the characters and the outcome presented in this narrative?

    The protagonist is thrown from a good situation to a worse situation, with losses that cannot be reversed. OR The protagonist achieves all, only to realize the cost and outcome was worse than they believed.

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    The protagonist experiences world-shattering loss, which causes them to despair.

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  • Revelation

    Revelation

    Compelling revelations of movie content. Does the plot have reveal information in the plot which surprises both the audience and the characters within the story? Does this revelation have a tangible impact on how the story plays out? Does the ending surprise you, or fulfill expectations in an unexpected way? This is one of the most difficult sections for stories to fulfill effectively.

    There was a revelation in this movie which changed everything.

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    There was a knock out surprise at the climax/ending of the movie.

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  • Transformation

    Transformation

    Compelling transformations of movie content. Do the characters change as a result of going through this journey? Do we as an audience have a tangible message we take away from the theme introduced earlier?

    Does the main character change as a person? Do they go through a journey of personal transformation or growth, for better or worse?

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    Does the movie have a message that is conveyed, that can be drawn from the development of the theme and the arc of the characters?

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  • Closure and Denouement

    Closure and Denouement

    The ending of the story, overall satisfaction, and last thoughts that nagged you throughout the story.

    Is the setting believable? Or does the setting/rules of the universe just not make sense?

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    Does the final image of the story leave you satisfied and reflect the character’s journey in this story?

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  • Submit

    Get Your Review!

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    Let us know the movie title

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