The Contra Zoom Film Technique, Explained (And 5 Examples in Movies)
The contra zoom, also known as the dolly zoom, is an iconic technique that immediately signals something unusual to the viewer.
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whatNerd Movies provides commentary, opinions, recommendations, and reviews for movies. We cover everything from classic films to modern blockbusters, from Netflix Originals to direct-to-TV hits. If it’s fantasy, science fiction, or just plain geeky, then it’s right up our alley.
Latest Articles
10 Surprisingly Controversial Movies That Were Banned
Movies can be banned for all kinds of reasons. Here are some of the most controversial movies that were banned and why.
The 11 Best Harry Potter Scenes and Moments, Ranked
The Harry Potter movies are filled with excellent moments that we still remember. Here's my take on the best scenes from the franchise.
The 15 Best Die-Hard Clone Movies (And Why They’re Worth Watching)
Die Hard was so successful that it inspired all kinds of action movies in its wake. Here are our favorites from over the years.
The 12 Best Movies About Memories, Memory Loss, and Mind Manipulation
Memory loss and mental manipulation can ramp up any movie genre to new heights. Here are the most successful examples of that.
Why Terminator 2 Is the Best Action Movie Ever Made: 5 Reasons
Even after 30 years, Terminator 2: Judgment Day remains one of the most iconic and rewatchable sci-fi action movies ever made.
What Is ILM’s StageCraft Technology? 4 Ways It’ll Revolutionize Filmmaking
Industry Light & Magic (ILM) is revolutionizing the movie and TV industries with StageCraft. Here's what's so great about it.
Every Star Trek Movie, Ranked: Which Ones Are Worth Watching?
The Star Trek movie franchise spans decades with ups and downs in quality. Which one remains the best after all this time?
The 10 Most Popular and Iconic Movies of the 30s, Ranked
When you think of the most iconic 30s movie, what comes to mind? Here are our picks for decade-defining movies from the 30s!
The 7 Best Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Movies, Ranked
The Rock may not be the best actor in Hollywood, but he's certainly one of the most iconic, recognizable, and likable in Hollywood.
Every James Cameron Movie, Ranked: Which One Is His Best?
Movie director James Cameron has had quite an influence on cinema over the years, due to the iconic blockbusters he's created.
The 10 Best Ridley Scott Movies, Ranked
Ridley Scott is one of the greatest filmmakers in cinema history. How many of his incredible movies have you seen or recognize?
The 10 Best Characters in Blade Runner, Ranked (And Why They’re Great)
The Blade Runner franchise has some of the best characters in science fiction. Here's what makes them stand out in the genre.
The 10 Best Movies That Explore Father-Daughter Relationships
These amazing movies bring all-new insight to one of the most important emotional connections: the father-daughter relationship.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 8 Greatest Movie Scenes, Ranked
As the most iconic action movie star in cinema history, Arnold Schwarzenegger has given us so many iconic movie scenes.
The 12 Best Movies About Gods, Goddesses, and Other Deities
When a movie centers on a god or other kind of deity, it immediately raises the stakes and makes the whole narrative more interesting.
The 8 Best Batman Scenes and Moments in Cinema, Ranked
Despite many ups and downs, the live-action Batman movies have given us plenty of amazing scenes. Here are some of our favorites.
The 12 Best Psychological Horror Movies, Twisted and Disturbed
What's scarier than aliens, slashers, and monsters? Sometimes, the greatest horrors are those that warp your mind and twist your sanity.
The 14 Best Christmas Movie Characters Ever, Ranked
One of the best parts of Christmas is getting to rewatch our favorite Christmas movies and our favorite Christmas characters once again!
The 10 Best Movies About Executing the Perfect Crime or Heist
There's something so satisfying about watching a person (or group) execute an intricate plan and pull off the perfect crime.