The End
Posted by martinteller on March 26, 2016
It’s time for me to pack it in. This blog has run its course. Not only am I watching fewer (way fewer) films than I used to, but I write about them even less. Writing about them has become a burden rather than a joy. When I sit down with a movie, I feel this neurotic urge to take mental notes, like I should start composing a review in my head because really I ought to be writing about it. And that gets in the way of experiencing the damn thing. So I think it’s best to end it. By officially putting a period on this paragraph, those voices in the back of my mind can quit nagging me about the next one. Not having to think about whether or not I’m going to review a film will help me enjoy the act of watching them more.
I put over 13 years into this thing. For about two, maybe three of them I think I actually did some pretty decent reviews. According to my spreadsheet, there are over 5700 reviews on this blog. Out of those, there are maybe 50 I’m pretty proud of. Not a great ratio, but I’ll take it. It was really nice to know that a few people were out there reading my stuff. There’s an ocean of movie review blogs out there, and I have no illusions… mine will quickly be forgotten by the handful of people who noticed it. As it should be. It was just me voicing my opinions on movies, which I never really knew much about anyway. I know what I like, and every once in a while I could articulate the reasons why.
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Martin Teller's Movie Reviews 
Paul S said
I’m sorry to see you go.
You take it easy brother!
martinteller said
You too!
erik said
been reading your blog for the past few years. sad to see it go but seemed increasingly evident. will miss your reviews, have fun with life though fam.
martinteller said
Thank you very much!
Caz said
Sorry to see you leave the film blogging world!
martinteller said
And part of me is sorry to leave it, but it feels like time. Thanks!
Claire Nau said
Is the site going to stay up? So I can still read old reviews?
Sent from my iPhone
>
martinteller said
It will!
clydeumney said
I’ll be sad to see this go. I always enjoyed watching a film and catching up on your reviews. But I totally know what you mean about not wanting to make film watching into a chore. I still write reviews, but I worry so much less about when i get them up, and worry more about having something to say. So I’m with you.
Glad for you and making the right choice, but on a selfish level, I’ll be sad to see them go. Enjoy, though!
martinteller said
Thanks very much!
Evan said
Martin, I’ve been reading and enjoying your reviews for ten years. You’ve always been very modest, but I think you evolved into a really insightful and knowledgeable critic with a unique voice and perspective. You’ve also seen and written about more hard to see classic movies than any non-professional critic I’ve ever come across. I’m sorry to see you retire, but it also seems clear that you are a lot happier now than you’ve been in some time. It appeared that when this blog was most active was perhaps when your personal life was at its least happy. Movies can be a wonderful escape from our lives. A chance to learn about and embrace humanity without all of the messy trappings of actual human relationships. They’re still no true replacement for the real thing though and I’m glad things seem to be going well. Thank you for the many reviews and the countless hours I’ve spent on your website!
martinteller said
Thank you, Evan! Very insightful comments. The worse my (first) marriage got, the better my writing became, as I retreated further into the world of movies… and this blog. I’m living a fuller and happier life now, but my interest in cinema has diminished as a result.
Sarah C said
congratulations on such a fantastic achievement Martin – 13 years of reviews generously sharing your insight, knowledge and enthusiasm for cinema with the rest of the world. You’ve introduced me (and my family!) to films I would never have discovered. To me your blog is the spirit of what the world wide web should be. A big thanks from me in the UK and good luck 🙂
martinteller said
You’re welcome, and thank you for such kind words! I hope you and your family keep discovering new films!
JC said
Just stopping by to say I miss the blog, sir!
martinteller said
Thanks! Occasionally I miss it myself.
Martin Paule said
Having only belatedly stumbled upon your blog, Martin, your labor of love that devolved into a chore will live on I suppose until there is no Word Press. Until that eventuality, late arrivers like me can still partake of your perceptive reviews. Thanks.
martinteller said
Thank you so much for the kind words! I have no intention of taking the blog down, so yes, I imagine it will be here as long as WordPress continues to host it for free.
Movie Sub Indo said
Nice Post! Thanks Guy
Anonymous said
Just happened to stumble on your review of “Female on the beach” (Joan Crawford). You really summed up well what I thought of this movie. I laughed at your comments and agree that I like this amusing Joan Crawford movie.
martinteller said
Thanks! I’m so fond of that nutty movie!
Anonymous said
Hey! You should contine writing. You are good at what you do.
martinteller said
Thank you! I really appreciate that! However, I have no plans to continue the blog at this time. Honestly, I watch very few movies these days.