What makes a movie tick.
Powerful story elements all working together seamlessly.
Interesting characters that the audience can relate to involved in some kind of fascinating journey. That journey may be a romance, action, adventure, drama, or horror but it is something ALL of humanity can connect to in some way.
Strong conflict that challenges the individual and produces some kind of change.
Cool scenes that unfold like a blooming rose to reveal something remarkable.
Dialog that husbands will whisper to their wives like "As you wish" or that teenagers will spout to their friends... "I'll be back." Fisherman will jokingly say, "We're going to need a bigger boat." And an entire generation can laugh when they hear "I'm not dead yet."
Great visuals that say a thousand words.
And fantastic moments that allow us to willing suspend our disbelief but that aren't......... stupid.
