Mike Crowley and Site Info

I started You'll Probably Agree as a semi-passion. Now, it has blossomed into a true review hub. I cover all the latest blockbusters and art house flicks here, from written reviews to podcast discussions. When I'm not posting here, you can find more of my material at FilmObsessive and TVobsessive. I never thought I wanted to be a critic. That changed when I interned at Ebert Presents At The Movies. My perception of the curmudgeon snob critic had shifted. I learned from watching movies, especially with the same people, that criticism isn't about finding flaws, but rather about appreciating the beauty in art. When art fails, the critic suggests ways to improve it, allowing the artist to hone their craft. Like working any job, you don't get good at it until you've done it for a while. That's why I continue to cover movies daily to improve as a writer and podcaster.

The idea of You'll Probably Agree is to create a fun environment where people can talk about movies; what better place to resemble that than a bar where nobody's opinion is above anyone else's? Whether you're sober or drunk, you never know which way a conversation will go in a pub. So, which way do my reviews go? Do you agree with them? Do you not? Let's grab a drink and talk about it.

Aside from my work as a film critic, I've been making movies since I was thirteen. I began interning at my local cable access station, where I shot and spliced 16mm films. Over the years, I used filmmaking as a means of business and expression. I have worked as an Assistant Camera, Director of Photography, Editor, Gaffer, and Grip, and started as a Production Assistant in projects ranging from big to small-budget feature-length films. Short films, music videos, corporate videos, television shows, and documentaries. For some time, when not in Chicago, I worked at the historic Raleigh Studios as a screenwriting intern.

I've shot pilots for Penny Hardaway, Charles Oakley, and, of course, Roger Ebert. I've been a teacher, showing children how to make films. I've also been a director of media at one of the largest comedy clubs in the country, being responsible for directing a team of videographers to deliver fifteen comedy shows within the next week.

I continue to work in film and television, creating nature conservation documentaries alongside Academy Award Nominee David McGowan at Ravenswood Media. Currently, with Ravenswood, I'm assisting from the United States with a filmmaking program that Mr. McGowan is holding in Uganda. I help develop the syllabus and teach students documentary filmmaking techniques, planning, editing, and structure, via Zoom.

I am never done learning how to evolve. Technology shifts as the demand for high-production-value videos increases. I make it a priority to rise to the challenge of producing the best videos I can in a rapidly evolving market, while also analyzing films in my spare time.

You can check out Mike’s Reel below.