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 is a business entrepreneur and film critic. She is an actress, model and has appeared in two films. Ms. Kaplan has a background in product brand management and media consulting. She is past President and Chairman of the Women’s Board of United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Chicago. She has created and produced numerous media events.

David Kaplan is a film critic. His movie reviews appear regularly in several newspapers. He is CEO and founder of Movienotes, a media advertising company. Mr. Kaplan is currently working on various television entities and new print venues for Kaplan vs. Kaplan. He is a media consultant and script writer for shows that have aired nationwide on the CNBC Network. He currently resides in Chicago with his wife and daughter.