Betsy Relishs Movies
less picky than the pickle

Questions I've received since the inaugural issue of these pages indicate some explanations are needed (especially for those outside the East Tennesee area). First, why the title? Our local professional movie reviewers are the Knoxville News-Sentinel's Betsy Pickle and and formerly Metropulse's Movie Guru (of "Psychic Movie Predictions" fame). Both are Film Critics, which means that they talk about the directors and potential for oscars and whether the movies break new ground. This has led many locals to comment that they check the reviews "and then do the opposite". So Betsy Relishs Movies™ is a cross between "Relish's" (in warped tribute to a certain local reviewer) and "Relishes" (i.e., "enjoys").

How do we rate?

I go to movies for entertainment, period. I want to escape from the daily grind and enjoy myself. My time is limited, so I don't want to waste it. Some of the secondhand reviewers have quite different tastes. Andre, for example, was looking for Meaningful Films, but he was gracious about taking me to see blockbusters. Occasionally I have also included opinions by Gameboy for the 13-year-old male's viewpoint. In Short Takes, the Yes, No, and Maybe indicate whether I think the movie was worth the time/money, and whether I would recommend it to a friend. If you want to know the rating and showing times, see the theater schedules. If you want to know stuff about the directors and actors, read the Film Critics.

Why do I do it?

Why did I start this? I found that my co-workers, friends, and family were viewing me as the local entertainment expert--asking me (even calling long-distance to ask) what I would recommend. So here they are, personal opinions by real people. All the usual disclaimers, yada yada yada, please don't sue me!