DISQUS

Chris · 1 year ago

Our local newspaper critic is a major D-Bag (giving movies 3 and a half stars, only to rip them apart in his review), so I've really no problem with him going the way of the dinosaur. To be honest, I think the majority of print critics are wastes. It's obvious that many people don't care what a critic has to say (just look at all the terrible movies hitting #1 at the box office for proof), and most, if not all, read the column just for a greater idea what the movie is about.

As for this whole "smaller films won't have a chance without a critic" nonsense... please. It's just like you said Neil, he's whining in an attempt to justify his column. How many "smaller" films never get space in your local paper, but you knew about 'em and sought 'em out? I can think of several in just the past few months. "Diary of the Dead" recieved no ink in my paper, nor did films like "Hatchet", or even the "After Dark Horrorfest" entries. Granted yeah, I live in a smaller midwestern town, but still. If it's an argument for smaller/indie films these critics are pushin' out, then it's a weak one.

Myself, I don't listen to critics. But I enjoy reading their opinions after seeing a movie to see if they meshed with mine. But I prefer blogs and websites. It's like hearing a friend discuss a movie. Print columnists are like listening to some failed, bitter film teacher discuss a movie. At least with blogs and websites, I'm able to get a more passionate rundown of how and what the film is, good or bad, due to the fact that most times, the reviewer is somebody who is genuinely interested in the film. It's not a "job" to them. Plus I know they'll respect the genre more (wether it be horror, comedy, action, or whatever) with that mindframe.

Plus I dig the way most blogs and websites use colorful commentary to describe certain films. I mean, you can't really describe "Meet The Spartans" in a corporate newspaper as "flaming shit", now can you?

Caleb Reschar · 1 year ago

Neil,
I personally believe that the reason behind the print film critic going by the wayside is the immediate gratification that one looks for when needing a review. There have been numerous time that I have wanted to know what is good out there, not wanting to wait for the newspaper to arrive the next day, and I hop on here and make my decision on what to see that way. If you look at the demographics of people who still read the daily paper, they are not the majority that go and see movies.
Also, with online reviews, it gives us, the audience, the chance to voice our opinions on the movie as well. How often do you see a print movie critic highly praise a good comedy? Im pretty sure there were few critics that enjoyed Talladega Nights because it had little plot or character development. But the audience loved it, not because of the fine acting, but because it made you laugh. It is the reviews that you find online to be more down to earth.
Will the print critic go away, no. The reason is that there are still the minority that get their news and information solely from the daily newspaper or weekly magazine.

Caleb Reschar

emad · 1 year ago

But on the Other side of "Internet Democracy" is "Possibility of Bullshitism because of giving everyone a chance to say their opinions to everyone" i think an eligibility filter is necessary. you know,if internet becomes the General Review source(without that filter) then there is no Guaranty that a good movie will not be buried or a bad movie will not be hailed as greatest ever.
prospect of days that in them "meet the spartan"s sell more than "pan's labyrinth"s frightens me.
sorry for bad English.