In place of the usual ratings, we offer opinions on the merits of spending money for a first-run release, with separate his-and-her reviews or a discussion of a particular movie.

Why read our movie reviews when there are so many to choose from? Instead of the usual ratings, we give our opinions on the merits of spending your hard-earned money on a first-run release, with his-and-her reviews of the same film and a discussion-type format for one movie a month.

A movie is either entertaining and worth seeing now, or it's not. Our reviews advise the reader along those lines. We appeal to the frequent moviegoer who can see through the hype of many professional critics around the country. Casual moviegoers who seek our opinion can depend on honest, unbiased viewpoints.

If we think a movie is worth the price of first-run admission, we endorse it, with a "SEE IT NOW" icon.
If a film is entertaining but not necessarily worthy of the cash outlay, we advise you to "WAIT FOR VIDEO" , which can also be interpreted as waiting for second run where you can still see it on the big screen.
If a movie is really bad we will flat out tell you "DON'T BOTHER"... pick up a good book for the two hours you will waste.

We welcome your feedback via e-mail. Also,watch for our annual Oscar contest where you may or may not snare a big prize, but winners will be listed on our website as "Kaplan vs Kaplan" movie aficionados.

Jeanne Kaplan's reviews also appear in print and on the national film review website www.RottenTomatoes.com. She has been a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association since 2006, and currently sits on the Board of Directors as Treasurer. Jeanne is also on the Board of Directors for the non-profit organization Split Pillow, which funds local independent filmmakers, and is dedicated to the promotion of media literacy through their public school program "Media Start".

David Kaplan's reviews also appear in print and on the national film review website www.RottenTomatoes.com. He is founder and president of Movienotes, a Chicago-based media advertising company. He has been a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association since 2006. David currently resides in Chicago with his wife/business partner, Jeanne, and their daughter.