Movie critics deserve the same respect as journalist

My first online review, written about a year and a half ago, sucked.  It was more rambling than actually reviewing, as I tried to find the words to express how I felt and make it clear.  After that, I had a greater appreciation for movie critics. 

Too often, critics are hated for having an opinion that differs from the opinions of their readers.  But critics aren't supposed to tell you what to think.  If this were the case, no one would see lousy movies, and all movies would be made only by those winning the Critic's Choice Awards two weeks ago.  On the other hand many people say they never like what the critics like.  Roger Ebert was named by "Forbes" as the most marketable pundit, and his opinions make more money than Bill O'Reilly's. Those who profess to never like what the critics like would hate Pulp Fiction, the Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Star Wars series, which made Ebert's Top Ten List for their respective years. They would love films such as Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, New York Minute and the latest Olsen twins' movie (on the Worst Ten List.) 

Movie criticism has a journalistic objective.  We are to clearly inform readers what the movie is about and where its strong and weak points are; through our opinion we should help the movie-goer make an informed decision.  The goal is to help the movie-goer make his or her own decision, not to make the decision for them.  As Ebert once said, "The point is not to avoid stupid movies, but to avoid being a stupid movie-goer." 

If you're going to put two and half hours of your life into waiting in lines, watching the movie, spending money at the box office and concession, as well as having friends come with you, doesn't it make sense to read up on the critic's opinion?  Is the movie action-focused or character-driven, as emotional as advertised or cliché?  In time, you could find a critic you agree with, or at the very least, one who makes it clear whether you'll like the movie by how he describes it. 

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.