Let's chose a movie after viewing the films promotional poster. These are often a good indicator of what can be expected.
The genre can't always be determined from a poster.
Agreed. A character played by a particular actor might be a good method of knowing what's in store.
Certain actors become known for certain roles. Generally if you know you enjoy their past work, you'll like them in everything.
A rarely have an interest in Scifi but have made exceptions in the past if I learn something has been popular with good reviews.
Reviews can be misleading and plain quirky I don't put my faith in reviews.
Another guide to discerning a good be movie is assortment award nods and prizes. But these are likely subject to manipulation.
I'm often taken aback by if a film I watched was so so yet takes home awards left and right.
I like to sometimes catch an actor promoting a film. Generally a clip is shown and an actor then breaks down how they pulled it off.
Knowing the source of a screenplay Is sufficient to lure me and or repel me from a variety of movies.
Novel based writing leaves me wishing more movies were based be upon nonfiction titles.
But novel generally are more inventive stories outright.
It doesn't have to be reality based in order to be made into a great film, it is what I prefer.
But letting imagination flow is always part of the film making process.
I like to leave a movie feeling like a better more thoughtful person.
Movies made purely for entertainment might just make you feel something but not necessarily feeling something. Take kids movies for example with multiple layers. You could be blown away by the superficial story yet completely miss the deeper subtext.