We believe that, if you care deeply - passionately - about films, your appreciation of cinema probably lies somewhere between the only two options generally available to you at present: the review magazine/newspaper and the academic journal. Alternate Takes aims to fill that central void, providing film criticism that is in-depth, considered, challenging, yet accessible.

Unlike other film review sites, we review the new films not once, but twice. The first review is essentially an evaluation, giving away as little as possible to the potential viewers. These are graded with our own personal ratings system: a mark out of 10 compiled from two separate ones of 5 - one based on filmmaking, one on personal enjoyment. This is a review to read before you see the film.

When you return from the cinema, you can then read our Alternate Take: a longer, more in-depth examination that discusses whatever it was that we found to be most interesting about the film.

As well as this, we also provide regular features that give detailed and passionate arguments about any, and all, the areas of film that we love, hate or have just plain thought too long about.

We hope to provoke lively debate and sharing of ideas so don't hesitate to email us your ideas, congratulations and flagellations. Check back regularly to read our latest articles and reviews. Tell your friends. Spread the word.

Edited by James MacDowell. Production by Chris Williams. Words by Finn Ballard, Robert Blain, Mair Bosworth, Cindy Carlsson, Pete Falconer, Jake Finbow, Jim Holden, Tom Hughes, Neon Kelly, James MacDowell, Chris McQuain, Kevin Pearson, Tom Steward, Tim Vermeulen, James Whitfield, Victor Wong, and James Zborowski. Hosted by Pepperfish using Zeus and dioportal. Film reel graphics from Pam Roth. Copyrighted images belong to their respective owners and are used under Fair Use.

Content © Alternate Takes, 2005. All rights reserved.