Critics criticized

As a general rule, I do not watch TV. There will be maybe one or two shows that I watch weekly, but I do not turn on the television if all it is gonna be is background noise. And I do not sit and mindlessly watch hour after hour of the idiot box 5-7 days a week like a very high percentage of America does.

However, I do watch a lot of movies. I do my best to see at least one film in the theaters every week. But, so many new movies come out all the time that I simply can't hope to watch them all. Now having said that, between Netflix, Hulu and other online movie outlets I do what I can to see as much as possible. About once a week I check out all the new movies that came out and put the ones that I want to see on a list. All the blockbusters get seen in the theater. Many of the movies with less explosions and or sub par sound tracks but phenomenal acting get seen at home.

Why do I do this? There are many reasons. I love exploring the mindsets of other people. I deeply enjoy delving into the thoughts and habits of people that are not me, empathizing with choices that they make even if they are things that I could not or would not do myself. I like seeing the director's vision of a story and maybe getting some insight into how he thinks.It is great fun watching all of the dramatic explosions in the theater or feeling the seats literally vibrating from the soundtrack. I love being entertained, taken on a non stop roller coaster of action that starts with the previews and ends with the closing credits. Some have stunning visuals, or acting so good you believe the actor IS their character. Others have great stories or philosophical/political/religious messages.

But just about every movie out there is great in some way. And every movie I watch I look forward to enjoying. Let me say that again a different way. I am predisposed to like nearly every movie I see. Yes, they nearly all have their flaws, things that keep them from being "the perfect movie".

But what in the hell is wrong with most movie critics out there? In general, they seem to only see a movie's flaws and use those to tear it to shreds. They go out of their way to tell you exactly how terrible the movie is, making anyone in their right mind question why they would spend 10-15 bucks to want to see it. The fact of the matter is most movie critics seem to be angry bitter depressed people that don't want anyone to get any enjoyment out of their movie going experience. They go into it expecting to hate it and then as soon as they find even one single thing wrong with it they pounce on that possibly minor detail and decide that they were right. Their close mindedness ruins a potentially great experience for a large number of people that somewhat foolishly trust their opinion. After all, it is their job to tell you what to expect isn't it?

Would it be so wrong if the critics were a little more open minded? There are so many details in every movie from acting, to sound, plot, visuals, overall message and many many more.  Why not touch on all of the points and give the positive as well as the negative? They could tell people why they did not like it, and then share who they think might like it. I think movie critics on the whole need to be more objective. Other people may not have the same hang-ups that they do.

Okay. Rant over for now. Thanks for listening.