A critic’s job is not an easy one. They act as a bridge between art and its audience, functioning both as an interpreter and evaluator. Since we are mostly human, our personal preferences will naturally influence our interpretation, and emotions help build connections while keeping things subjective instead of overly objective (and thankfully, avoiding monotony). However, the most respected critics are aware of this bias and strive to assess a film’s technical skill, cultural relevance, and artistic accomplishments. They aren’t afraid to criticize what is flawed and advocate for improvements in pursuit of greatness.
Truthfulness matters significantly, and while it might stir discomfort, our intention isn’t to do so. Critics serve an essential role by challenging norms and fostering creative advancements, despite the occasional harsh taste. Regardless of scale – whether a high-profile Hollywood movie or a low-budget folk production – what truly matters is the integrity maintained in the industry. The ideal critic not only possesses deep understanding of media but also articulates their ideas in a way that resonates with both experts and general viewers. With this perspective, we’re examining some top-notch critics active today.
Angelica Jade Bastién
Angelica Jade Bastién, contributing to Vulture, has distinguished herself as one of the most unique and incisive critics of her time. She delves not only into the movie itself but also the broader industry context, examining factors like casting decisions and promotional tactics that shape our experience of a polished product at the end of production. While some critics may be viewed unfavorably, Bastién demonstrates an astute comprehension of the field. Her unwavering passion for top-tier TV and film productions lends her a robust and confident image.
As a fellow cinephile, I find Bastién’s writing to be refreshingly modern yet warm, almost like chatting with an old friend. She isn’t afraid to go against the mainstream, swimming her own path. On Letterboxd, she openly expressed her thoughts about the 2024 release, Anora: “Well, this didn’t quite resonate with me, folks. Mikey Madison does shine, but the film is a bit emotionally thin, its lead character lacks depth, and it could have been trimmed a bit.” Authentic and genuine.
Peter Bradshaw
Peter Bradshaw’s reviews, written since 1999 for The Guardian and Esquire, are a delightful blend of humor, critical insight, and vivid storytelling that keeps readers captivated from start to finish. His writing style eschews complex jargon yet remains sharp, enriching his articles with striking imagery and metaphors. As an accomplished film critic, Bradshaw’s deep understanding of cinema is impressive, and he frequently invites readers to explore connections between the films he reviews, fostering a shared sense of contemplation.
The unique blend of his cinematic understanding and sharp humor is evident in his articulate critique of the 2024 film Nosferatu. In essence, he ponders the Mel Brooks dilemma, which asks how much a remake should embrace black comedy, horror, and absurdity. Herzog and Eggers, it seems, have both addressed this conundrum in their own ways – Herzog with a subtle touch, and Eggers, likely, by equipping Dafoe’s character with an unusually long pipe to smoke (a possible parallel to Klaus Kinski’s disquieting tall wineglass in Herzog’s Nosferatu).
Manohla Dargis
Manohla Dargis, the New York Times’ chief film critic, is known for her incisive and succinct style, as well as her no-nonsense approach. In her own terms, she’s both stern and impartial. Dargis has a Ph.D. in cinema studies and has contributed to publications like L.A. Weekly and the LA Times. When it comes to film reviews, she leaves no detail unchecked, which can make creators nervous about what specific aspects she might critique. Her insightful analysis is highly respected by experienced movie enthusiasts who appreciate her serious tone, devoid of humor.
In her analysis, Dargis touched upon matters of sexism and gender equality within the entertainment industry. She found herself amidst criticism after appreciating the quirky aspects of the 2016 reboot of “Ghostbusters.” This backlash, she believed, stemmed from the female cast not fitting into the typical Hollywood mold that some viewers might have anticipated. As reported by LAist, Dargis commented, “I definitely believe there was a difference between having some middle-aged women who weren’t supported by a male mentor figure…
Mark Kermode
Mark Kermode, who was known for being candid and passionate, is a reliable authority on films in the UK. With a Ph.D. in English, his scholarly background and straightforward manner add depth to his commentary, infused with a touch of dry humor. His film reviews have appeared in The Observer, but he’s also well-known for his appearances on television and radio. He particularly stood out when he co-hosted the BBC Radio 5 show with Simon Mayo, now available as a podcast.
As a cinema enthusiast, I’m always in awe of Kermode’s impassioned critiques, especially when he takes on films that don’t meet his standards. The notorious case being “Sex and the City 2,” a movie that left him so frustrated, he vowed to keep calm but simply couldn’t resist. He labeled it as an “uncontrollable display of oozing opulence that made me feel queasy!” However, his fiery rants are balanced by his heartfelt praise for films he adores, particularly those in the horror genre. His unbridled love for this genre truly shines through in his reviews.
Matt Zoller Seitz
Greetings, new followers! My partner Judith & I have an arts-focused bookstore, MZS.press. We ship everywhere, and we pack with care. You can follow us at @mzspress.bsky.social. Full inventory here: mzs.press/EVERYTHING-W…
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— Matt Zoller Seitz (@mattzollerseitz.bsky.social) February 16, 2025 at 12:19 PM
In this role as editor-at-large for the esteemed website previously run by Roger Ebert, Matt Zoller Seitz continues Ebert’s tradition and carries on his legacy, using his engaging writing style. He also contributes to New York Magazine and Vulture, and has even established his own blog called The House Next Door. His expertise in film is evident through his precise technical analysis, while he effectively expresses the emotional resonance of a movie with stunning prose.
2013’s “Man of Steel” was highly praised by fans who found Seitz’s review, “…one of the finest pieces of writing and best analysis of Zack Snyder’s take on the DC Universe.” After producing a five-part video essay titled “Wes Anderson: The Substance of Style,”, Seitz went on to create the highly successful book, “The Wes Anderson Collection“, which redefined and popularized the design and consumption of pictorial criticism.
Emily Nussbaum
Emily Nussbaum, widely recognized as one of the best TV critics ever, received a Pulitzer Prize in 2016 while working at The New Yorker. This was during what is often considered the most influential era in modern television history, encompassing hit cable shows such as Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones, which captivated audiences nationwide, to the streaming revolution that fundamentally altered television as we knew it.
Nussbaum skillfully connects intellectual and popular culture through her critiques, standing out as one of the few esteemed critics who delves into profound, thoughtful discussions about shows like “Vanderpump Rules,” “Broad City,” and “Inside Amy Schumer” – reality television and ribald comedy series. Moreover, she is open to change her views, as demonstrated in her piece on “BoJack Horseman.” In this work, she notes, “It was yet another show about a middle-aged character, albeit a horse, who made poor decisions. It was another harsh portrayal of the negative aspects of fame. It was another streaming drama: the latest adult animated dark comedy that satirizes itself as a sitcom.
With a twist of irony, it took me far too long to realize that this show, surprisingly shrewd and heartfelt with a touch of comedic absurdity, was one of the best TV series I’ve encountered.
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2025-02-22 19:33