Mike Crowley and Site Info

A lot has changed since this initial bio. I started YPA 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 and YouTube material. When I'm not posting here, you can find more of my material at FilmObsessive and TVobsessive

Never did I think 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 changed. I learned from watching movies, especially with the same people, how criticism isn't about finding the flaws but the beauty in art. When art fails, the critic suggests how it can be improved so the artist can hone their craft. Like working any job, you don't get good at it until you've done it for a while. I continue to hone the craft of critique each day.

The idea of You'll Probably Agree is to create a fun environment where people can hang out and 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 and shot and spliced 16mm films. I existed before the digital era. Over the years, I used filmmaking as a means of business and expression. Aside from my personal films, 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 worked with clients like Penny Hardaway, Charles Oakley, and, of course, Roger Ebert. I've been a teacher, teaching children how to make films for six years. I've also been a director of media at one of the largest comedy clubs in the country, being responsible for delivering fifteen comedy shows within the next week while directing a team of camera operators and editors to help film all comedy shows, sketches, social media content, and podcasts.

I continue to work in film and television, making nature conservationist documentaries alongside Academy Award Nominee David McGowan. I am never done learning how to evolve with the ever-growing world of digital filmmaking, but a part of me deeply misses celluloid. Luckily, I still own a functioning Bolex. If only it were a Super 16mm Camera.

You can check out Mike’s Reel Here