Movie critics deserve the same respect as journalist
By: Robert Neely
Issue date: 1/28/08 Section: Opinion
My mother and I had a discussion once after she read one of my negative reviews, and she stated it only made her want to see the movie more. When she saw the movie and was satisfied, then my job was done. Why? Because the weak points I mentioned were things that don't bother her in movies, while the few strong points she considered worth it. I gave her what she needed to make an informed decision.
There are a few things that make critics' views different from the rest. First, critics have seen plenty of movies. Therefore, some things appear more tired and over-used, while to the general audience, they may still be fresh to them. Second, critics have an interest in the movie. Whenever I walk into a movie knowing I will be reviewing it later, I tend to notice more details that I would have noticed if I hadn't been paying as much attention. There's nothing wrong with the more direct fun of Transformers and Die Hard 4, but not everyone has the patience, open-mind and focus to fully appreciate No Country for Old Men, a movie running at a full two hours, asking the audience for 15 minutes of attention to detail to fully understand 50 seconds of action. It makes for a great 50 seconds, but I had to watch it twice to notice what was going on. Does this sound like a movie for you? Is it worth your ticket, popcorn, drink and fits from whoever you may bring with you? Third, critics have a standard. They can't merely approve everything. On my own standard, I ask myself if this is something I couldn't find on my own DVD shelf with better quality, or if TV shows or internet connection doesn't offer me something cheaper. In short, the critic looks where there's the most for your money. Instead of looking at the good/bad standard, it is a critical review, holding the movie to a high standard. Just about any movie is at least mildly entertaining to most, but when you have many to pick from, making a drive, and spending your dollar, shouldn't you also ask for more than just a "good movie?" Doesn't a bad movie or a scene too gross ruin a date? If so, just ask a critic.
There are a few things that make critics' views different from the rest. First, critics have seen plenty of movies. Therefore, some things appear more tired and over-used, while to the general audience, they may still be fresh to them. Second, critics have an interest in the movie. Whenever I walk into a movie knowing I will be reviewing it later, I tend to notice more details that I would have noticed if I hadn't been paying as much attention. There's nothing wrong with the more direct fun of Transformers and Die Hard 4, but not everyone has the patience, open-mind and focus to fully appreciate No Country for Old Men, a movie running at a full two hours, asking the audience for 15 minutes of attention to detail to fully understand 50 seconds of action. It makes for a great 50 seconds, but I had to watch it twice to notice what was going on. Does this sound like a movie for you? Is it worth your ticket, popcorn, drink and fits from whoever you may bring with you? Third, critics have a standard. They can't merely approve everything. On my own standard, I ask myself if this is something I couldn't find on my own DVD shelf with better quality, or if TV shows or internet connection doesn't offer me something cheaper. In short, the critic looks where there's the most for your money. Instead of looking at the good/bad standard, it is a critical review, holding the movie to a high standard. Just about any movie is at least mildly entertaining to most, but when you have many to pick from, making a drive, and spending your dollar, shouldn't you also ask for more than just a "good movie?" Doesn't a bad movie or a scene too gross ruin a date? If so, just ask a critic.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Newspaper reader
posted 1/28/08 @ 11:59 PM CST
This is more of a rambling than it is a column, and your recent review of Cloverfield was more of rambling than a review.
Sean Valdez
posted 1/31/08 @ 1:54 AM CST
Some movie critics do deserve the same respect as journalists. Not you, though. You don't deserve respect from anybody. You can't even talk right. You're a bad movie critic, and a terrible edition to the Pine Log. (Continued…)
Robert Neely
posted 2/03/08 @ 12:45 AM CST
It's "terrible ADDITION" to the Pine Log, not terrible "edition." You can't even talk right. You're a bad commenter.
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