PROFILE STATS
- Total Profile Views:
- 15171
- Profile Views Last 7 Days:
- 7
ABOUT
- Member Since
- February 2009
- Favorite Line From A Movie
- "Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown."
- Favorite Scene From A Movie
- The opening sequence from Touch of Evil
- Favorite Movie
- Mon Oncle d'Amerique
- Favorite Actor
- Jack Nicholson
- Favorite Director
- Krzysztof Kieslowski
- Celebrity Crush
- Natalie Portman
- Favorite Critic
- Roger Ebert
- Fresh or Rotten
- fresh
BLOG ENTRIES
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 Movie Blogs
|
Like many on this site, I imagine, I read reviews of other critics just as often as I read reviews by friends. Over the years I've come to enjoy the criticism of some, dislike a few, and have one I'm not sure about. This is by no means a definitive list, and I'm sure I'm forgetting or neglecting some-- please share your thoughts, too!
THE GOOD Jonathan Rosenbaum- My favorite critic right now, Rosenbaum has been a long-standing mainstay of the American field of criticism, has an impressive array of well written, well thought out reviews to his credit, and has written some superb articles about the nature of film. His blog is fantastic, too. Mark Kermode- Lately, Kermode has become one of my favorite film critics. He's arguably the best critic in the UK and his reviews are acerbic, highly opinionated, and all of his reviews are extremely reasonable. Although I've been unable to find a site that has all his written reviews (perhaps someone can help me with this), I've checked out some of his video blogs and I imagine he is just as eloquent in print. Richard Corliss- TIME magazine's long time critic, Corliss has a reputation for highly cogent, intelligent reviews which thoroughly encapsulate their subject matter. As an aside, it was per his reccommendation I watched MON ONCLE D'AMERIQUE for the first time (my favorite movie). Here's to you, Rich. AO Scott- Not only does he share my initials, he writes outstanding reviews for my favorite newspaper ever, The New York Times. His reviews are something to look up to, with descriptions of details and nuances that would be lost to a lesser critic. His At the Movies show is great, too. THE BAD Armond White- This guy is an oddball, really puzzling. On a few of his reviews I agree (The Bad Sleep Well=Good, Fantastic Mr. Fox=Good), and his reviews indicate that they are written by someone of intelligence, but he also has panned a bafflingly large number of good movies. It's like I want to like his criticism, but when he writes negative reviews of movies like PRECIOUS and AN EDUCATION, I have to wonder what's going on in there. Peter Travers- I'm not going to give this guy too much shit cause he gets enough of it already, but he has the absolute most populist, obnoxious taste in movies (like rating Troy fresh because it's a great crib notes to Homer)-- some of his reviews just seem to provoke an immediate "Oh, come on." Victoria Alexander- Is it wrong to get so much enjoyment out of reading your least favorite critic's reviews? Because some of this lady's criticism is so apallingly bad, so retchingly devoid of taste, that it's uproariously funny. Honestly, check out her reviews, they'll make your day (Day the Earth Stood Still="far superior to the silly robot in a silver jumper B&W original). How she writes for the respected publication "Films In Review" (oldest film journal in the US, apparently) is beyond me. I'm afraid it probably involved a little bit of hanky panky behind the scenes. THE UNDECIDED Roger Ebert- A lot of you will be scratching your heads at this, and for good reason. I did a little informal survey and from 50 people who listed their favorite critics, 26 chose Ebert. That's of course, over 50%, a sizable fan club. I guess I just feel a little lukewarm about him. I often find his reviews rather smug and a tad self congragulatory, and find myself disagreeing with him on a few things (2009="a magical year for movies"? I disagree), but I must say just as often I find a few valuable insights. I need to do a little soul searching on this one, methinks. --AO |
|
|
|
|
Dr. Shovenstuff on 2/08/10 at 08:13 AM
While I would certainly put Ebert in my favorite critics (along with Kermode, incidentally) I agree that he can be quite disagreeable. I do like his style, and he certainly has a dry wit which I particularly enjoy. However sometimes he seems to throw a complete curve-ball and hate a movie which I loved (such as 'A Clockwork Orange') or love a movie I hated (I can't quite think of an example at the moment.)But yeah, good list. And of course, White does has some strange opinions and I can't bring myself to like him at all.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Dr. Shovenstuff on 2/08/10 at 08:13 AM
Thanks for the comment, Doc, I agree that Ebert can be witty-- but he does seem to have strange tastes sometimes. Kermode's great.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Dr. Shovenstuff on 2/08/10 at 08:13 AM
While I would certainly put Ebert in my favorite critics (along with Kermode, incidentally) I agree that he can be quite disagreeable. I do like his style, and he certainly has a dry wit which I particularly enjoy. However sometimes he seems to throw a complete curve-ball and hate a movie which I loved (such as 'A Clockwork Orange') or love a movie I hated (I can't quite think of an example at the moment.)But yeah, good list. And of course, White does has some strange opinions and I can't bring myself to like him at all.
1 Replies | Report Abuse
Agent Orange on 2/08/10 at 08:13 AM
Thanks for the comment, Doc, I agree that Ebert can be witty-- but he does seem to have strange tastes sometimes. Kermode's great.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
extinct on 2/08/10 at 08:29 AM
Agreed on most of that. Kermode is my favourite critic.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
extinct on 2/08/10 at 08:29 AM
cheers von wolf
0 Replies | Report Abuse
extinct on 2/08/10 at 08:29 AM
Agreed on most of that. Kermode is my favourite critic.
1 Replies | Report Abuse
Agent Orange on 2/08/10 at 08:29 AM
cheers von wolf
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Bob M. on 2/08/10 at 08:30 AM
I may be a bit of an anomoly on here but other than Ebert, only because he was on TV, I neevr pay attention to who writes the reviews I read. I read them in several papers both locally and nationally. Interestingly enough, I remember the reviews of the people who write reviews here.......
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Bob M. on 2/08/10 at 08:30 AM
having a face to associate a review with is quite helpful, I agree.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Bob M. on 2/08/10 at 08:30 AM
I may be a bit of an anomoly on here but other than Ebert, only because he was on TV, I neevr pay attention to who writes the reviews I read. I read them in several papers both locally and nationally. Interestingly enough, I remember the reviews of the people who write reviews here.......
1 Replies | Report Abuse
Agent Orange on 2/08/10 at 08:30 AM
having a face to associate a review with is quite helpful, I agree.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Escapefromalcatraz on 2/08/10 at 08:34 AM
I'll only name my favorite in this exercise, which btw is a cool idea. My favorite critic hands down is Eric Snider. Other than his affection for Anchorman (I still don't get the funny in that movie) he and I have almost identical taste. He tends to be a little more critical than most (rating my beloved Hurt Locker a B+) but he has great explanations without compromising the story - in other words, no spoilers! This sounds obvious, but you'd be amazed how many critics throw spoilers into their reviews consciously or not! So, check him out and see if you agree with his views historically. He might be someone to rely on in the future.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Escapefromalcatraz on 2/08/10 at 08:34 AM
hmm I've never heard of the guy, but methinks I will read some of his stuff. Thanks for reading :)
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Escapefromalcatraz on 2/08/10 at 08:34 AM
I'll only name my favorite in this exercise, which btw is a cool idea. My favorite critic hands down is Eric Snider. Other than his affection for Anchorman (I still don't get the funny in that movie) he and I have almost identical taste. He tends to be a little more critical than most (rating my beloved Hurt Locker a B+) but he has great explanations without compromising the story - in other words, no spoilers! This sounds obvious, but you'd be amazed how many critics throw spoilers into their reviews consciously or not! So, check him out and see if you agree with his views historically. He might be someone to rely on in the future.
1 Replies | Report Abuse
Agent Orange on 2/08/10 at 08:34 AM
hmm I've never heard of the guy, but methinks I will read some of his stuff. Thanks for reading :)
0 Replies | Report Abuse
The Stunner on 2/08/10 at 08:51 AM
some people know already who my favourite critic is. but i enjoy reading the reviews of j. hoberman too. his negative review of avatar made me laugh.i like chicago reader's dave kehr too. even when i don't agree with him, i like to read his opinions.i've never read his reviews, but i don't mind if armond white is the way he is as long as he presents his ideas in a convincing way.and i couldn't care less about ebert. many people say he's their favourite because it's the only on they know. doesn't he have a show there? but i actually prefer his reviews that go against the general consensus because it proves they're not a product of herd mentality.my least favourite is, obviously, ben lyons. i feel i could do a better job than he does. i mean, he's correspondent of the E! channel and that pretty much says it all.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
The Stunner on 2/08/10 at 08:51 AM
yeah I knew your favorite critic was rosenbaum, mine too :)j hoberman-- that review of avatar is great fun, I like contrarian opinions too Dave Kehr-- good reviewer. Haven't read too much of him, except to know that he's a great writer.ebert-- that's what I was thinking too. He's the most famous reviewer out there and he gets automatic cred for that.armond white-- I'm beginning to come around to this guy-- he writes well, and that should probably be the most important criteria in a reviewer.ben lyons-- just pathetic, and that guy who writes for Variety (I think...) isn't much better
0 Replies | Report Abuse
The Stunner on 2/08/10 at 08:51 AM
some people know already who my favourite critic is. but i enjoy reading the reviews of j. hoberman too. his negative review of avatar made me laugh.i like chicago reader's dave kehr too. even when i don't agree with him, i like to read his opinions.i've never read his reviews, but i don't mind if armond white is the way he is as long as he presents his ideas in a convincing way.and i couldn't care less about ebert. many people say he's their favourite because it's the only on they know. doesn't he have a show there? but i actually prefer his reviews that go against the general consensus because it proves they're not a product of herd mentality.my least favourite is, obviously, ben lyons. i feel i could do a better job than he does. i mean, he's correspondent of the E! channel and that pretty much says it all.
1 Replies | Report Abuse
Agent Orange on 2/08/10 at 08:51 AM
yeah I knew your favorite critic was rosenbaum, mine too :)j hoberman-- that review of avatar is great fun, I like contrarian opinions too Dave Kehr-- good reviewer. Haven't read too much of him, except to know that he's a great writer.ebert-- that's what I was thinking too. He's the most famous reviewer out there and he gets automatic cred for that.armond white-- I'm beginning to come around to this guy-- he writes well, and that should probably be the most important criteria in a reviewer.ben lyons-- just pathetic, and that guy who writes for Variety (I think...) isn't much better
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Dragon3720 on 2/08/10 at 11:53 AM
I have to say that all of my friends are my favorites.But my favorite MAJOR critic is a tie between Michael Phillips and Roger Eber.2009 had alot of good films and alot of "Good" films.But i disagree with his statement.Not a real Magical year.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Dragon3720 on 2/08/10 at 11:53 AM
Well I'd be even a little more conservative, perhaps saying "average" or even "mediocre." Don't know what Ebert was smoking when he said "magical," but it must have been good stuff.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Dragon3720 on 2/09/10 at 03:01 PM
Roger is a good critic,but mabey he ment to say that 2008 was a magical year xD
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Dragon3720 on 2/09/10 at 04:18 PM
haha :D
Report Abuse
Dragon3720 on 2/08/10 at 11:53 AM
I have to say that all of my friends are my favorites.But my favorite MAJOR critic is a tie between Michael Phillips and Roger Eber.2009 had alot of good films and alot of "Good" films.But i disagree with his statement.Not a real Magical year.
1 Replies | Report Abuse
Agent Orange on 2/08/10 at 11:53 AM
Well I'd be even a little more conservative, perhaps saying "average" or even "mediocre." Don't know what Ebert was smoking when he said "magical," but it must have been good stuff.
1 Replies | Report Abuse
Dragon3720 on 2/09/10 at 03:01 PM
Roger is a good critic,but mabey he ment to say that 2008 was a magical year xD
1 Replies | Report Abuse
Agent Orange on 2/09/10 at 04:18 PM
haha :D
Report Abuse
Parker M. on 2/08/10 at 12:07 PM
it seems every since the stroke, eberts been dishing out 4 stars everywhere. I like roeper a lot and michael phillips. Also, Rick Groen of the Globe and Mail is good. Peter Travers is decent but armond white is totally clueless, but i could understand some problems with preciousâ??way too conventional.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Parker M. on 2/08/10 at 12:07 PM
Early Ebert is really very good, and I found myself agreeing with a lot of the points he brings up about some of my favorite and least favorite movies. But lately he's lowered his standards, like Brad Z. said giving out something in the neighberhood of 20 4 star reviews this year, which if you ask me is insane.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Parker M. on 2/08/10 at 12:07 PM
it seems every since the stroke, eberts been dishing out 4 stars everywhere. I like roeper a lot and michael phillips. Also, Rick Groen of the Globe and Mail is good. Peter Travers is decent but armond white is totally clueless, but i could understand some problems with preciousâ??way too conventional.
1 Replies | Report Abuse
Agent Orange on 2/08/10 at 12:07 PM
Early Ebert is really very good, and I found myself agreeing with a lot of the points he brings up about some of my favorite and least favorite movies. But lately he's lowered his standards, like Brad Z. said giving out something in the neighberhood of 20 4 star reviews this year, which if you ask me is insane.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Spencer Samuelson on 2/08/10 at 02:02 PM
I like AO Scott and Roger Ebert a lot. I would have added Ben Lyons to the shit list.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Spencer Samuelson on 2/08/10 at 02:02 PM
yeah I've heard some negative things about him-- for one, being E!'s reviewer never sets you up for success.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Spencer Samuelson on 2/08/10 at 02:02 PM
I like AO Scott and Roger Ebert a lot. I would have added Ben Lyons to the shit list.
1 Replies | Report Abuse
Agent Orange on 2/08/10 at 02:02 PM
yeah I've heard some negative things about him-- for one, being E!'s reviewer never sets you up for success.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
tomelce on 2/08/10 at 02:28 PM
An interesting idea. There's a temptation to just list the websites I visit, but I'll go ahead and name specific critics for the sake of your idea. There's probably more, but these are the ones that spring to mind for me.THE GOODEd Gonzalez - My favorite critic by a distance, he frequently amazes me in the insightfulness of the reviews, his incisive arguments for and against the films he sees, his unwillingness to succumb to the herd mentality that plagues much criticism (his put-down of Precious is an excellent read) and the way he often nails the intangible feelings left by both the towering great pictures and those that leave a sour taste in your mouth. He doesn't write often enough as of late, but I read every review he publishes.Armond White - Though he frequently flies against the consensus, he's always good at explaining his reasons and isn't nearly as wilfully contrarian as most people - reflexively, I think - try to make out. His A.I. review, for example, is an excellent piece of criticism.Jeff Reichert & Chris Wisniewski - Two Reverse Shot who regularly look deeper into the films they see than many of their lesser counterparts. Their writing is also often dense, but deeply informative to boot.THE BADRoger Ebert - He's a great, smart blogger, but he pretty much bends over for anything, doling out 4-star ratings like confetti. He gave Avatar the max rating and then proceeded - via Twitter - to moan when it won the Golden Globe. I mean, what?Victoria Alexander - A prissy little nitwit with nothing interesting to say.Kevin McCarthy - Or Big Daddy Kev for those who exist down there at his level of intellect. I haven't subjected myself to more than five of his reviews, but I'd bet they're all as littered with spelling mistakes and all-out inanities as those few I've suffered.Peter Travers - Is essentially a quote whore.Pete Hammond - A quote-whore turned up to eleven, recycling the same dull, stupid lines of praise for numerous films so that he may be seen in trailers. He even allowed a quote that he didn't write to be attributed to him in a trailer. He's the worst kind of critic out there.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
tomelce on 2/08/10 at 02:28 PM
what you were say about Armond White is spot on-- he's a good, well-written critic, even doing bits for NPR-- but I just can't get behind him for some of the things he panned, I guess. Travers a quote whore? You nailed it.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
tomelce on 2/08/10 at 02:28 PM
An interesting idea. There's a temptation to just list the websites I visit, but I'll go ahead and name specific critics for the sake of your idea. There's probably more, but these are the ones that spring to mind for me.THE GOODEd Gonzalez - My favorite critic by a distance, he frequently amazes me in the insightfulness of the reviews, his incisive arguments for and against the films he sees, his unwillingness to succumb to the herd mentality that plagues much criticism (his put-down of Precious is an excellent read) and the way he often nails the intangible feelings left by both the towering great pictures and those that leave a sour taste in your mouth. He doesn't write often enough as of late, but I read every review he publishes.Armond White - Though he frequently flies against the consensus, he's always good at explaining his reasons and isn't nearly as wilfully contrarian as most people - reflexively, I think - try to make out. His A.I. review, for example, is an excellent piece of criticism.Jeff Reichert & Chris Wisniewski - Two Reverse Shot who regularly look deeper into the films they see than many of their lesser counterparts. Their writing is also often dense, but deeply informative to boot.THE BADRoger Ebert - He's a great, smart blogger, but he pretty much bends over for anything, doling out 4-star ratings like confetti. He gave Avatar the max rating and then proceeded - via Twitter - to moan when it won the Golden Globe. I mean, what?Victoria Alexander - A prissy little nitwit with nothing interesting to say.Kevin McCarthy - Or Big Daddy Kev for those who exist down there at his level of intellect. I haven't subjected myself to more than five of his reviews, but I'd bet they're all as littered with spelling mistakes and all-out inanities as those few I've suffered.Peter Travers - Is essentially a quote whore.Pete Hammond - A quote-whore turned up to eleven, recycling the same dull, stupid lines of praise for numerous films so that he may be seen in trailers. He even allowed a quote that he didn't write to be attributed to him in a trailer. He's the worst kind of critic out there.
1 Replies | Report Abuse
Agent Orange on 2/08/10 at 02:28 PM
what you were say about Armond White is spot on-- he's a good, well-written critic, even doing bits for NPR-- but I just can't get behind him for some of the things he panned, I guess. Travers a quote whore? You nailed it.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
piratefan60 on 2/08/10 at 05:52 PM
The only critic on this list I have heard about is Roger Ebert. I am not really into critics.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
piratefan60 on 2/08/10 at 05:52 PM
thanks for reading, anyways
0 Replies | Report Abuse
piratefan60 on 2/08/10 at 05:52 PM
The only critic on this list I have heard about is Roger Ebert. I am not really into critics.
1 Replies | Report Abuse
Agent Orange on 2/08/10 at 05:52 PM
thanks for reading, anyways
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Brad Z. on 2/08/10 at 06:04 PM
Ebert gave out over 20 4 star reviews last year. I havent probably half the movies he gave them to, but there is no way in hell that there were that many films that were, according to the rating, "perfect". Travers at least deserves credit for the fact he doesnt give that many 4 stars. Now, he gives a shitload of 3.5 stars, but a 4 star rating to me should be reserved for greatness. I will tell you that the worst reviewer I have ever come into contact with is Fiore Mastracci. He gave Nine a 9/10 because its about Italians and he is Italian. Now if that gem didnt do it for you, look at the fact that he gave Transformers 10/10. I mean, what the damn? He gives The Book of Eli a 10/10 because "it shows the positive aspect of Christianity", which, if you really ponder that cumbersome collection of 3 or 4 action scenes, its main point is the emphasis of faith as the driving aspect of man. The guy is completely driven in his reviews by an unabashed, almost Glenn Beckesque sense of conservatism that would make my southern baptist mother want to watch MSNBC. Seriously, check this guy out. He is, as he has said of movies such as "Fantastic Mr. Fox", "The Road", "Pineapple Express", and "Little Children", pure excrement in print.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Brad Z. on 2/08/10 at 06:04 PM
and that bit you say about 20 4 star reviews is EXACTLY what I wanted to say about him. It's like his standards have degenerated lately. And I got a laugh out of your description of poor Mr. Mastracci, being the "Glenn Beck" of the film reviewing world is never a good thing.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Brad Z. on 2/08/10 at 06:04 PM
Ebert gave out over 20 4 star reviews last year. I havent probably half the movies he gave them to, but there is no way in hell that there were that many films that were, according to the rating, "perfect". Travers at least deserves credit for the fact he doesnt give that many 4 stars. Now, he gives a shitload of 3.5 stars, but a 4 star rating to me should be reserved for greatness. I will tell you that the worst reviewer I have ever come into contact with is Fiore Mastracci. He gave Nine a 9/10 because its about Italians and he is Italian. Now if that gem didnt do it for you, look at the fact that he gave Transformers 10/10. I mean, what the damn? He gives The Book of Eli a 10/10 because "it shows the positive aspect of Christianity", which, if you really ponder that cumbersome collection of 3 or 4 action scenes, its main point is the emphasis of faith as the driving aspect of man. The guy is completely driven in his reviews by an unabashed, almost Glenn Beckesque sense of conservatism that would make my southern baptist mother want to watch MSNBC. Seriously, check this guy out. He is, as he has said of movies such as "Fantastic Mr. Fox", "The Road", "Pineapple Express", and "Little Children", pure excrement in print.
1 Replies | Report Abuse
Agent Orange on 2/08/10 at 06:04 PM
and that bit you say about 20 4 star reviews is EXACTLY what I wanted to say about him. It's like his standards have degenerated lately. And I got a laugh out of your description of poor Mr. Mastracci, being the "Glenn Beck" of the film reviewing world is never a good thing.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
RJ Smoove on 2/08/10 at 07:16 PM
great. i like ao scott too. and everybody hates armond white.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
RJ Smoove on 2/08/10 at 07:16 PM
when a critic has petitions floating around on the internet for his firing, you know he's got quite a popularity issue.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
RJ Smoove on 2/08/10 at 07:16 PM
great. i like ao scott too. and everybody hates armond white.
1 Replies | Report Abuse
Agent Orange on 2/08/10 at 07:16 PM
when a critic has petitions floating around on the internet for his firing, you know he's got quite a popularity issue.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
SamanthaNJ on 2/09/10 at 10:06 AM
Despite AO Scott sometimes coming off as a pompous reviewer to me, I find myself agreeing with him more often than not. :) Nice list. I'll have to check out the others mentioned.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
SamanthaNJ on 2/09/10 at 10:06 AM
well reading his reviews in the Times I can just focus on what he's saying and not how he says it. Sometimes that's helpful, but I know what you mean by the "pompous reviewer" thing.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
SamanthaNJ on 2/09/10 at 10:06 AM
Despite AO Scott sometimes coming off as a pompous reviewer to me, I find myself agreeing with him more often than not. :) Nice list. I'll have to check out the others mentioned.
1 Replies | Report Abuse
Agent Orange on 2/09/10 at 10:06 AM
well reading his reviews in the Times I can just focus on what he's saying and not how he says it. Sometimes that's helpful, but I know what you mean by the "pompous reviewer" thing.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
cjsmovies on 2/09/10 at 10:10 AM
You're right about Ebert but the way he writes and his opinions are always worth listening to. He knows more about the industry than any other critic does.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
cjsmovies on 2/09/10 at 10:10 AM
I think you may have a point there, CJ, he was in criticism while we were in short pants!
0 Replies | Report Abuse
cjsmovies on 2/09/10 at 10:10 AM
You're right about Ebert but the way he writes and his opinions are always worth listening to. He knows more about the industry than any other critic does.
1 Replies | Report Abuse
Agent Orange on 2/09/10 at 10:10 AM
I think you may have a point there, CJ, he was in criticism while we were in short pants!
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Daniel Mumby on 2/09/10 at 10:32 AM
Have to agree with several of your choices. I think Kermode is the best critic currently working, since he understands genre and has an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of films. Ebert is good, but he's been losing form since Gene Siskel stopped reining him in.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Daniel Mumby on 2/09/10 at 10:32 AM
what I've seen of him in his video reviews is great-- but I was hoping you could help me with this-- do you know where I can find his written reviews?
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Daniel Mumby on 2/09/10 at 10:32 AM
Have to agree with several of your choices. I think Kermode is the best critic currently working, since he understands genre and has an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of films. Ebert is good, but he's been losing form since Gene Siskel stopped reining him in.
1 Replies | Report Abuse
Agent Orange on 2/09/10 at 10:32 AM
what I've seen of him in his video reviews is great-- but I was hoping you could help me with this-- do you know where I can find his written reviews?
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Danetto on 2/09/10 at 10:39 AM
i do think that 2009 was a very good year for movies. maybe one of the best ever...but hey, i guess u missed a couple of good ones
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Danetto on 2/09/10 at 10:39 AM
good critics i mean of course
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Danetto on 2/09/10 at 10:39 AM
and one of the being this guy...Agent Orangehaha
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Danetto on 2/09/10 at 10:39 AM
:D
Report Abuse
Danetto on 2/09/10 at 10:39 AM
i do think that 2009 was a very good year for movies. maybe one of the best ever...but hey, i guess u missed a couple of good ones
1 Replies | Report Abuse
Danetto on 2/09/10 at 10:39 AM
good critics i mean of course
1 Replies | Report Abuse
Danetto on 2/09/10 at 10:39 AM
and one of the being this guy...Agent Orangehaha
1 Replies | Report Abuse
Agent Orange on 2/09/10 at 10:39 AM
:D
Report Abuse
FilmReviewsAndViews on 2/09/10 at 10:43 AM
I agree with the majority of the list, especially Mr Ebert who can certainly strike both hot and cold, but Kermode is an egotistical, arrogant, backward, nonsense spewing moron who occasionally does a good review, but for the most part spends his time shaking his fist at the world for moving forward too quickly (i.e. see his video blog on how to turn a 3D film back into 2D).
0 Replies | Report Abuse
FilmReviewsAndViews on 2/09/10 at 10:43 AM
haha that's quite the enmity you have for Mr. Kermode there, what did he ever do to you? Nah just kidding, I understand what it feels like to loathe a critic. You're definitely right there about Mr. Ebert, I think he's been more cold lately than hot too.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
FilmReviewsAndViews on 2/09/10 at 02:38 PM
Actually it's 'Dr. Kermode'. Yes I'm awfully pedantic.And while I'm here I'll just mention that I agree whole-heartedly that Ebert has lowered his standards somewhat recently. It's always interesting looking up certain movies, seeing that not only has Ebert reviewed them but that more often than not he's given them a positive review. He rarely seems to dislike movies these days. But I guess you can cut the guy some slack -- he's more than payed his dues; now he can sit back and actually start enjoying films.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
FilmReviewsAndViews on 2/10/10 at 03:08 AM
Is it really Dr. Kermode? Or are you pulling my leg? Wow. Great comment there about Ebert, too, he's definitely paid his dues, I guess. Maybe all these years he's felt that if he were to become a respected critic he'd have to pan some movies he liked, and now he has the balls to write favorable reviews of those same movies. I dunno.
Report Abuse
FilmReviewsAndViews on 2/09/10 at 10:43 AM
I agree with the majority of the list, especially Mr Ebert who can certainly strike both hot and cold, but Kermode is an egotistical, arrogant, backward, nonsense spewing moron who occasionally does a good review, but for the most part spends his time shaking his fist at the world for moving forward too quickly (i.e. see his video blog on how to turn a 3D film back into 2D).
1 Replies | Report Abuse
Agent Orange on 2/09/10 at 10:43 AM
haha that's quite the enmity you have for Mr. Kermode there, what did he ever do to you? Nah just kidding, I understand what it feels like to loathe a critic. You're definitely right there about Mr. Ebert, I think he's been more cold lately than hot too.
1 Replies | Report Abuse
Dr. Shovenstuff on 2/09/10 at 02:38 PM
Actually it's 'Dr. Kermode'. Yes I'm awfully pedantic.And while I'm here I'll just mention that I agree whole-heartedly that Ebert has lowered his standards somewhat recently. It's always interesting looking up certain movies, seeing that not only has Ebert reviewed them but that more often than not he's given them a positive review. He rarely seems to dislike movies these days. But I guess you can cut the guy some slack -- he's more than payed his dues; now he can sit back and actually start enjoying films.
1 Replies | Report Abuse
Agent Orange on 2/10/10 at 03:08 AM
Is it really Dr. Kermode? Or are you pulling my leg? Wow. Great comment there about Ebert, too, he's definitely paid his dues, I guess. Maybe all these years he's felt that if he were to become a respected critic he'd have to pan some movies he liked, and now he has the balls to write favorable reviews of those same movies. I dunno.
Report Abuse
JT Vincent on 2/11/10 at 09:43 AM
Clever and original blog/list thing. Agree with the Kermode comment and find what you've said about the others very well argued
0 Replies | Report Abuse
JT Vincent on 2/11/10 at 09:43 AM
Clever and original blog/list thing. Agree with the Kermode comment and find what you've said about the others very well argued
0 Replies | Report Abuse
A. Khan on 2/11/10 at 10:29 PM
I like AO Scott and Roger Ebert a lot; Corliss is okay. But I didn't expect you to pick popular critics, AO. I was expecting Pauline Kael (the greatest ever) or the New Yorker's guy.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
A. Khan on 2/11/10 at 10:29 PM
I like AO Scott and Roger Ebert a lot; Corliss is okay. But I didn't expect you to pick popular critics, AO. I was expecting Pauline Kael (the greatest ever) or the New Yorker's guy.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Psycho Manana Banana Man on 2/16/10 at 11:40 AM
Excellent entry, I love Roger Ebert Mark Kermode and Andrew Collins but hate any that give spoilers.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Psycho Manana Banana Man on 2/16/10 at 11:40 AM
Excellent entry, I love Roger Ebert Mark Kermode and Andrew Collins but hate any that give spoilers.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
MMB on 2/19/10 at 11:11 PM
Interesting. Great blog though. I wonder where you would put Spill.com on the list. And what would you think if one of these reviewer actually would make a movie themselves?
0 Replies | Report Abuse
MMB on 2/19/10 at 11:11 PM
Spill.com is great. I loved their review of 2012, hilarious. Video reviews I generally enjoy. A reviewer actually making a movie? I imagine it would turn out in the didactic style of Tarantino, drawing on a ton of different influences. Watching --good-- movies is the best way, besides actually getting your hands on a camera, to learn how to make your own.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
MMB on 2/19/10 at 11:11 PM
Interesting. Great blog though. I wonder where you would put Spill.com on the list. And what would you think if one of these reviewer actually would make a movie themselves?
1 Replies | Report Abuse
Agent Orange on 2/19/10 at 11:11 PM
Spill.com is great. I loved their review of 2012, hilarious. Video reviews I generally enjoy. A reviewer actually making a movie? I imagine it would turn out in the didactic style of Tarantino, drawing on a ton of different influences. Watching --good-- movies is the best way, besides actually getting your hands on a camera, to learn how to make your own.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Pseudonym on 2/23/10 at 10:27 AM
I like your opinion of Roger Ebert. Ebert is credible, although I don't care to hear most of what he has to say about the Horror genre. He's ultimately more powerful than credible in my opinion. If he says a movie is great? A lot of people are going to watch it based solely on his word. And, It's hard to argue with Ebert's people.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Pseudonym on 2/23/10 at 10:27 AM
it's a little disconcerting to see the mini-cult he's developed. his taste is pretty populist too, not as interesting as anyone like AO Scott or Jonathon Rosenbaum.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Pseudonym on 2/23/10 at 10:27 AM
I like your opinion of Roger Ebert. Ebert is credible, although I don't care to hear most of what he has to say about the Horror genre. He's ultimately more powerful than credible in my opinion. If he says a movie is great? A lot of people are going to watch it based solely on his word. And, It's hard to argue with Ebert's people.
1 Replies | Report Abuse
Agent Orange on 2/23/10 at 10:27 AM
it's a little disconcerting to see the mini-cult he's developed. his taste is pretty populist too, not as interesting as anyone like AO Scott or Jonathon Rosenbaum.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Mr. Burns on 3/16/10 at 10:04 AM
I love this blog post as I love film criticism (I'd love to be a film critic someday). Of course, a good reviewer is someone who writes well and intelligently making you think about movies in a different way. Agreeing with him or her has nothing to do with it. I'm pleased to see that you seem to understand that, many people don't. That's not to say that you shouldn't be able to trust a critic's opinion, but nitpicking about single movies is something one should never do. Because of this Ebert is probably my favourite critic. I used to hate him just on the principle of him being the most popular film critic. Then I read his reviews and essays and found him to be funny, articulate and intelligent. Plus, At the Movies is great. Rosenbaum, Corliss and Scott are all very good. I'd also recommend some older critics: Graham Greene, Pauline Kael and Andrew Sarris. Finally, what's your opinion of Leonard Maltin? I'm undecided with him as of now.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Mr. Burns on 3/16/10 at 10:04 AM
Hey there Burns, thanks for stopping by -- I enjoy your comments as always. At the Movies is great, but unfortunately it's coming to a close. For shame, AO Scott and that other guy were a formidable duo. Maltin -- have not read much of his criticism, at least not enough to form an opinion. As for Ebert -- I've come to the conclusion that I like him. That said, I much prefer his earlier, more iconoclastic side. Now it seems he panders far too much to his readers.
0 Replies | Report Abuse
Mr. Burns on 3/16/10 at 10:04 AM
I love this blog post as I love film criticism (I'd love to be a film critic someday). Of course, a good reviewer is someone who writes well and intelligently making you think about movies in a different way. Agreeing with him or her has nothing to do with it. I'm pleased to see that you seem to understand that, many people don't. That's not to say that you shouldn't be able to trust a critic's opinion, but nitpicking about single movies is something one should never do. Because of this Ebert is probably my favourite critic. I used to hate him just on the principle of him being the most popular film critic. Then I read his reviews and essays and found him to be funny, articulate and intelligent. Plus, At the Movies is great. Rosenbaum, Corliss and Scott are all very good. I'd also recommend some older critics: Graham Greene, Pauline Kael and Andrew Sarris. Finally, what's your opinion of Leonard Maltin? I'm undecided with him as of now.
1 Replies | Report Abuse
Agent Orange on 3/16/10 at 10:04 AM
Hey there Burns, thanks for stopping by -- I enjoy your comments as always. At the Movies is great, but unfortunately it's coming to a close. For shame, AO Scott and that other guy were a formidable duo. Maltin -- have not read much of his criticism, at least not enough to form an opinion. As for Ebert -- I've come to the conclusion that I like him. That said, I much prefer his earlier, more iconoclastic side. Now it seems he panders far too much to his readers.
0 Replies | Report Abuse