What most influences your decision to watch a film?

[Soubriquet]

What influences you to watch a film?

The plot? The actors? Or a mix?

For me, it’s a mix.

Sometimes I’ll see a plot of a film and think oooooo, other times, I’ll see a specific actor in a film and watch it just for that reason, without caring about the plot

Director
Actors
Plot summary
Style / aesthetic
Reviews / recommendations from people whose opinions I trust

I'm at a stage in my life where I will only go to see a film if it has fishermen singing outside a pub or several mature people doing something gentle in a country house.

Cast
Plot
Location - where the film is set

If I haven’t seen it before (I’ve watched a lot of films), subject matter and actors.

I never watch the whole trailer as half the time it gives the entire movie plot away. It often makes me read the book before the movie comes out and then I will probably watch it.

Directors play a part as do actors. My sister has one of those annual passes and when they had young children my Mum would babysit and her and BIL would watch 3 movies and eat dinner out in one day. She still goes to the cinema on this pass but the children are now adults. She recommends a lot to me as we have very similar taste.

I don't give a shit about the opinions of professional critics. They are not me.

Whether or not I can be bothered to look for the remote control to change the channel

Reviews / recommendations from people whose opinions I trust

or

the 'blurb' containing words like 'light hearted' rather than 'action packed' or 'fantasy' or 'psychological thriller'

I like my entertainment to be not to deep or hard work.

I have no idea who the directors might be.
Some cast lists will make me think 'This is probably worth a watch'

90 minutes or less.

Doesn't have Olivia Colman.

No trans characters/actors/actresses.

Ideally sea/water isn't a theme.

No zombies.

It's quite a struggle these days to find a film without Olivia Colman.

It is indeed 😂

Genre - mostly horror
Director - Blumhouse over anyone
Actors
Plot

Is it free?
Have I heard of any of the actors in it?
Is it short enough to hold my limited attention span?

All of the above, and I might give it a go. If it’s described as “quirky” or “heartwarming” or “one man’s/woman’s journey into…”, then it’s a no. Oh, and any sort of film set in a grim, dystopian future populated by leather-clad teen thugs wearing eyeliner can get in the bin as well.

If the names Adam Sandler, Adam Devine, Andy Samburg Jason Sudeikis or Ed Helms appear in the cast list, it’s a no from me

You'd love Tuner

You've forgotten Jim Carey

I dunno, Liar Liar is a classic

Actors, story or theme. Any indication that it isn't a mindless blockbuster. Unless I'm in the mood for a mindless Blockbuster.

I currently want to see Tony because I have a crush on Dominic Sessa and loved Kitchen Confidential.

I also want to see The Social Reckoning as its subject is so important right now. Toy Story 5 for similar reasons.

I like slightly weird, slow-burn type films so usually look for directors. Also if its based on a true story about a subject I'm interested in then I'll give it a go.

I like Yes Man. But I still don't feel entirely comfortable watching him!