Why Movie Critics Matter

“Movie critics are held to a different standard than other critics. If a book critic were to pan a Jackie Collins novel, or a food critic were to point out that the Whopper isn’t Kobe beef, they wouldn’t be called ‘out of touch.’ Film critics, however, are expected to be cheerleaders. But criticism – reasoned, informed, independent-minded criticism – is truly the only thing protecting the consumer from the seller in the movie marketplace prior to a film’s release. That’s why studios try to marginalize serious critics.”