The short version
The Martini Shot publishes independent film criticism. Reviews represent the critic’s judgment after watching the work. Scores are not negotiated with studios, distributors, publicists, advertisers, streaming services, or anyone else who might prefer a different number.
Reviews and scores
Reviews use a five-star scale. The written review controls; the number is a shorthand, not a substitute for reading. For internal data portability, ratings may also be stored as a normalized 0–100 value, but the public score remains the five-star rating shown with the review.
Advertising and commercial relationships
Advertising, sponsorship, affiliate arrangements, screening access, or other commercial relationships do not give a third party approval over editorial coverage, language, conclusions, or scores. Paid placements are labeled as advertising or sponsorship and kept visually distinct from reviews.
Screeners and access
Receiving advance access, a press screening invitation, a screener, travel access, or other ordinary press accommodation does not guarantee coverage or affect a review. Any unusual material relationship that could reasonably bear on a review should be disclosed.
Authorship
Reviews are published under the byline Seamus Maguire. The byline is a pen name used consistently across the publication. Reviews are human-authored film criticism; editing and production tools may assist with ordinary publishing mechanics, but they do not replace the critic’s viewing, judgment, or authorship.
Corrections
Factual errors should be corrected promptly and transparently when material. See the Corrections Policy.