definition of critic in film

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When You Don’t Feel Like Going to the Movies and Prefer to Stream Something at Home Instead

I feel I may have been deceiving you a bit over the last few months. In my capacity as a movie critic I’ve reviewed A Quiet Place II , The Last Duel , Don’t Look Up , The Matrix Resurrections and, more recently, The Batman , The Lost City and Top Gun: Maverick . Yet I haven’t set foot in a theater during a regular movie session since March of 2020. I’ve watched all of those movies, and a few other titles, at private limited-capacity screenings, specifically organized for the press. For other movies, I’ve simply streamed them at home. 

Let me be clear: advanced press screenings and digital movie screeners aren’t a pandemic novelty. I was already watching movies for reviews that way before COVID-19 upended our lives. The difference is that in the before times I didn’t care that much if someone else was sitting next to me at the theater. If I couldn’t make it to a press screening, I would go to a regular movie session at my local Landmark or AMC theater once the movie was out.

Right now — especially since the drop of the indoor masking mandate and with coronavirus cases on the rise once again — it’s either press screenings with limited capacity or I’ll just wait until the movie is available on streaming. Yet again, my reluctance to go to the theater has increased due to the pandemic. And I’m not sure if I’ll ever return to my pre-COVID routine of going to the movies at least once a week. But that doesn’t mean I won’t be watching movies. It’s just that not all of them require the big screen.

I’ve written about the theaters vs. streaming dichotomy I’ve been having for more than two years . The idea of watching a movie at home is not exactly a new concept. We had VHS tapes, DVDs and iTunes rentals. But we’re at a point now where streaming technology, paired with bigger and higher-quality TV sets , allows us to have a quasi-moviegoing experience at home for certain titles that don’t offer that much spectacle. 

Streaming services have been vying to provide that cinematic experience for a while. Think about Netflix’s Oscar-baiting efforts with Beasts of No Nation (2015), Roma (2018), Marriage Story (2019), Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020) or Mank (2020). But also think about their popular movies like Red Notice (2021), The Adam Project (2022) or Bird Box (2018) — or something like Don’t Look Up (2021), which managed to enrage some critics, get four Oscar nominations and make it to number two on Netflix’s ranking of their Most Popular Films in English . 

Streaming services like Netflix and Apple TV+ are releasing movies — wannabe awards contenders also get a limited release in movie theaters — that end up becoming not only big trophy nominees but also winners (think about The Power of the Dog and CODA ’s spotlight during awards season this year). CODA would make history by becoming the first streaming film to win the top Oscar prize: Best Motion Picture of the Year. The intimate coming-of-age story about a teenager who’s the only hearing person in a family of deaf people makes for the perfect at-home consumption. It’s one of the types of movies that I don’t necessarily see myself seeking out at a movie theater in the future. It makes for a great date night in.

Even though it’s getting harder for me to tell people to go to the cinema — and a big part of that is the risk the pandemic poses — I still think there are movie experiences that are better served up in a theater. I saw Top Gun: Maverick last month — sitting in the front of the theater just to avoid being too close to unmasked people — and it makes for the perfect moviegoing outing. Because of the way it was shot — with actors actually flying inside of F-18 jets and relying on practical effects instead of an abundance of CGI — it’s undeniably one of the movies that justifies the extra expense, bother and risk factor of the big screen. It won’t be the same to experience it at home, which is probably why the movie opened exclusively in theaters on May 27. 

If you take a look at this year’s numbers , Top Gun: Maverick , The Batman , Jurassic World Dominion , Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Spider-Man: No Way Home — which was released in December of last year and was actually 2021’s highest-grossing movie — lead the domestic box office so far. So don’t expect to see a shortage of action and comic book movies at the cineplex in the future. There’s clearly an audience for that.

But there’s also room for Sandra Bullock’s latest rom-com The Lost City , sitting at number eight right now in terms of the domestic yearly box office gross. Since its release on March 25, the action-adventure movie has grossed $105 million. It’s now finding a second life after being released on Paramount Plus on May 10. (Long gone are the days of the 90-day window between the date a movie opened in theaters and its release for home entertainment.) The Lost City was the most-streamed movie during the weekend of May 13–15, according to Whip Media, the data analysis company for the entertainment market.

As much as I thought The Lost City made for the perfect date movie, I also think date nights that revolve around film-watching can be perfectly enjoyed at home if you’re as risk-averse as I am. I didn’t feel Bullock’s antics in the movie — as brilliant and hilarious as she is here — required the complete cinematic experience. 

Especially when the complete cinematic experience means getting out of the house, dealing with parking and risking not only possible COVID-19 exposure, but also a chatty theater-seat neighbor who doesn’t shut up or texts during the film. Somehow, during the pandemic, I developed an intolerance for inconvenient situations.

I should also mention the arthouse film that has beaten all odds: Everything Everywhere All at Once . The film has grossed more than $66 million. Variety brands the box office performance as “impressive” for an arthouse flick , adding that “those ticket sales are a positive indication that adult audiences will return to the big screen for the right movie.” The trade publication adds that older audiences have been slower to return to movie theaters compared to younger ones, which explains the box office popularity of titles like Spider-Man: No Way Home and The Batman . You could also argue that Michelle Yeoh’s movie taps into the zeitgeisty multiverse during its trendiest moment .

While big studios like Disney or Warner Bros. have returned to the model of releasing their big titles exclusively in cinemas, arthouse studios and streaming services are betting on different strategies. A24 has found success with their exclusivity in theaters with the release of Everything Everywhere All at Once but also, to a lesser degree, X , and they released Alex Garland’s ( Ex Machina ) Men that way on May 20. Searchlight Pictures is taking a different approach. They’ll be releasing their three summer films — Fire Island , Good Luck to You, Leo Grande and Not Okay — directly on Hulu. Netflix will keep its weekly release of movies during the summer months, too. In the case of the star-studded The Gray Man , it’ll premiere in select theaters on July 15 and will then be available on Netflix a week after that. And Apple TV+ will try to replicate its CODA success with a new Sundance film: Dakota Johnson’s Cha Cha Real Smooth , which premiered simultaneously in select theaters and on the streamer on June 17.

If you’re feeling like watching a movie after all this cinema talk, take a look at our 2022 Summer Movie Preview . We include everything from genre tentpoles to arthouse indie titles. And we tell you whether you’ll be able to watch them in cinemas, at home, or both. One thing is clear: there are options for everything these days. But perhaps not every single movie demands to be watched on the big screen, at least for the time being. 

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Example sentences movie critic

If you're a movie critic , it's a requirement of the job; often we see movies 24-48 hours before the review has to run.

I'm not a movie critic , but in my humble entertainment estimation, the greatest movies have the highest levels of uncertainty.

Why, for example, did each newspaper have its own movie critic , when all wrote about the same films, at the same time?

Aside from fiction, his publishing work also includes working as a movie critic , magazine editor.

One wishes he were a full-time movie critic .

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Definition of 'movie' movie

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Film Critic Law and Legal Definition

A film critic may do journalistic criticism regularly in newspapers, and other popular, mass-media. S/he may do academic criticism that is informed by film theory and published in journals. The review by a film critic can have an impact on people to decide to see or not to see a film. Poor reviews can have negative impact on the success of a film.

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Library information, what is film criticism 'film criticism' is a critical essay or book written about a film or films by an academic. it is the serious study of film--isn't it does that mean that the many reviews, writings or discussions of films that we read in newspapers or magazines or hear on radio or tv don't qualify as film criticism, citation metadata, document controls.

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The Macquarie dictionary defines the word 'criticism' as 'the act or art of analyzing and judging the quality of a literary or artistic work'. This definition suggests that any act of analysis or judgement of a film's quality could be defined as film criticism. An academic's detailed analysis of a film definitely falls within this definition. Any film review in a newspaper, magazine or on TV or radio would also fall within this definition, as a film reviewer is providing their judgement or opinion of the quality of the film being reviewed.

Reviews or discussions of film in the media can vary greatly. Many reviews are straightforward assessments and statements of a film's quality, while others focus on particular aspects of a film, such as an assessment of the film's entertainment value for a particular audience or the film's underlying meaning. Each approach or focus involves analysis and/or a judgement by the reviewer.

Whether a work of film criticism is produced for the mass media or for academic consumption, the critic is presenting their opinion of a film or a body of films. A detailed analysis of a film the length of several books will include statements of the author's opinion and arguments supporting those stated opinions--just like this piece you are reading on film criticism. A 50 word review will also feature the author's opinion and maybe some supporting arguments. Each critic judges the quality of a film, with varying rigour, and hence each criticism is subjective--a reflection of the author's views, experiences and knowledge.

A couple of years ago when I read that a new film about Vietnam called Three Seasons was about to be released, I could not wait to see it. And when I saw it, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Although the film had flaws, its visual and narrative harmony and beauty reflected my view of Vietnamese people and culture. My experiences travelling in Vietnam, my studies in film, and my view of Vietnamese culture influenced my reading of the film. A friend at the same viewing found the film slow and boring--he did not enjoy it. For me, the slow pace was an essential component of the film's meaning. Both of us brought different experiences, expectations and perspectives to our viewing of this film and our critical judgments of the film varied greatly.

So who can be described as a critic? Who is qualified? Is a critic anyone who presents an opinion of a film? If that is the case, can any discussion of a film be called 'film criticism', such as the usual discussions that occur as an audience leaves a cinema? A quick reference back to the Macquarie definition suggests that even these discussions can be defined as 'film criticism'. Each participant in the discussion will have analyzed and formed a judgement of the quality of the film just seen.

Any opinion about a film results from some level of personal analysis and assessment of the film's quality--we are all film critics and engage in film criticism whenever we discuss a film.

Joan Robinson is an award-winning emerging documentary film-maker, a recent graduate of Media and Cinema Studies at LaTrobe University and a freelance writer on film and human rights.

Robinson, Joan

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Film & Television Studies

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Reviews vs Film Criticism

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While the terms "review" and "criticism" are often used interchangeably, there are differences between them. Note how motion pictures are often referred to as "films" when discussing criticism, and "movies" when discussing reviews.

Film criticism is the study, interpretation, and evaluation of a film and its place in cinema history. Film criticism usually offers interpretation of its meaning, analysis of its structure and style, judgement of its worth by comparison with other films, and an estimation of its likely effect on viewers. Film theory (e.g. feminist, postmodernist, etc.) often informs the critical analysis of a film. Criticism may examine a particular film, or may look at a group of films in the same genre, or a director's or actor's body of work.

Film criticism differs from movie reviews in several ways: it entails both analysis and judgement; it may be published many years after a film is released; it is usually longer and more complex than a movie review. A movie review documents the critical reception of a film at its time of theatrical or dvd release. It is more "consumer-oriented," placing more emphasis on recommendation than analysis.

Reviews of feature films or mainstream films may be found in online databases, newspapers, and general interest magazines (e.g. New York Times , Village Voice , Cineaste ).

In-depth criticism and analyses of some feature films or mainstream films, foreign films, independent films, documentaries, etc. may be found in more scholarly or academic publications (e.g. Film Quarterly , Cinema Journal , Film International ).

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Meaning of "film critic" in the English dictionary

Pronunciation of film critic, grammatical category of film critic, what does film critic mean in english, film criticism, definition of film critic in the english dictionary.

The definition of film critic in the dictionary is a person who reviews films, e.g. for a newspaper, especially.

WORDS THAT RHYME WITH FILM CRITIC

Words that begin like film critic, words that end like film critic, synonyms and antonyms of film critic in the english dictionary of synonyms, words relating to «film critic», translation of «film critic» into 25 languages.

TRANSLATION OF FILM CRITIC

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FREQUENCY OF USE OF THE TERM «FILM CRITIC» OVER TIME

Examples of use in the english literature, quotes and news about film critic, 2 quotes with «film critic», 10 english books relating to «film critic», 10 news items which include the term «film critic».

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FIAF provides coverage to more than 300 academic and popular film and television journals from 1972 to the present. 

Link your search terms using the AND connector. For example: "horror films" and japanese. On the search results screen, use the options on the left toolbar to narrow your search results. To find the fulltext of the article, click on the "Check for Full Text" button and work your way through the screens. Not all articles will be online, some may only be in print, others may not be available at the UW. Articles from journals which the UW does not own can be requested via Interlibrary loan.

Additional Databases for Film Criticism

• Film & Television Literature Index with Full Text Articles on film and television theory, preservation and restoration, screenwriting & more.

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• The Critical Index, A Bibliography of Articles on Film in English, 1946-1973, Arranged by Names and Topics
• Motion Picture Directors: a bibliography of magazine and periodical articles, 1900-1972
• Projecting ethnicity and race : an annotated bibliography of studies on imagery in American film
• Research guide to Japanese film studies
• Retrospective index to film periodicals, 1930-1971
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• Home: Explore careers

Film critic

Alternative titles for this job include film reviewer, movie critic, film writer.

Film critics analyse films and produce reviews and articles for newspapers, magazines, radio, TV, social media channels and websites.

Average salary (a year)

Typical hours (a week).

Variable variable

You could work

freelance / self-employed flexibly

How to become

How to become a film critic.

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• short training courses

You can do a foundation degree, degree or postgraduate qualification in:

• film studies
• creative writing
• film and television

Courses like these will help you to develop the analysis and writing skills you'll need as a film critic.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you'll need for this job. Relevant courses include:

• A level Film Studies
• Level 3 Diploma in Journalism

You'll need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English
• funding advice
• search for courses

Apprenticeship

You can work towards this role by starting with a higher apprenticeship like a junior journalist or a senior journalist, before specialising in film reviewing and criticism.

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• guide to apprenticeships

Volunteering

Competition for jobs is strong, and you'll need to show you've got writing experience. You'll find it useful to keep examples of your published work in a portfolio.

To develop your experience and reputation you can:

• write for student and local newspapers
• create your own blog and build an online presence on social media
• submit articles to online film review channels and websites
• post video reviews online and produce podcasts

Other Routes

You may be able to do short courses, which could help you to develop your critical writing skills, as well as expand your knowledge of film and different genres.

Short courses are offered by some colleges, adult education centres, university film departments. and film organisations online. Courses include:

• film criticism
• history of cinema
• journalism skills
• cinema from other countries

It’s important to develop your own critical writing style and build up a good reputation to establish yourself as a film critic.

Career tips

You’re likely to be self-employed or work freelance as a film critic, especially when starting out, and be paid per review. Some critics write about other media, for example TV, plays and books, to supplement their income.

Further information

You can find out more about creative industry careers from Discover Creative Careers and ScreenSkills .

You can find more general information about working and training in journalism from the National Union of Journalists and National Council for the Training of Journalists .

What it takes

Skills and knowledge.

You'll need:

• knowledge of English language
• the ability to critically analyse information
• knowledge of media production and communication
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• excellent written communication skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

What you'll do, day-to-day tasks.

In this role you could:

• watch films of all genres, often several times
• make notes about scripts, music, storylines and influences
• look at technical details like camera angles, lighting and editing
• submit reviews by strict deadlines
• build up contacts with film-makers, agents and distributors
• attend film festivals, talks, previews and press conferences
• interview film-makers, actors and production staff
• research archival information about films and film-makers
• keep up to date with critical theories

Working environment

You could work at events, at a venue, from home or in an office.

Career path and progression

As an established film critic, you could combine your job with writing books on film, editing, or teaching criticism on film courses. You could also work in film archives.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships in england, journalist apprentice.

• Wage: £10,296.00 Annually
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Courses In England

Film studies.

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Criticism: Literature, Film & Drama: Film Criticism

• Literature Criticism

Film Criticism

• Drama Criticism

Film criticism is the comparison, analysis, interpretation, and/or evaluation of films.

There are two different types of publications that offer opinions about films:

• Academic criticism by film scholars that appears in scholarly journals
• Journalistic film reviews that appear in newspapers and other popular media.

The film critic tries to understand why film works, how it works, and what effects it has on people; while the film reviewer looks a film's production values and general enjoyability.

Dickinson Databases for Film Criticism

See also our Film and Film Criticism Databases List .

• Humanities Source This link opens in a new window Access journals, books and other published sources from around the world in all aspects of the humanities, including archaeology, area studies, art, classical studies, dance, film, gender studies, history, journalism, linguistics, literature, music, performing arts, philosophy, and religion. For citation searching: click "Cited References" at the top of the search screen. Coverage: late 1800s to present. Some full text.
• Humanities and Social Sciences Retrospective This link opens in a new window Search for articles from English-language periodicals on subjects including anthropology, archaeology, art, classical studies, criminal justice, environmental studies, ethics, gender studies, international relations, law, literature, music, performing arts, philosophy, political science, psychiatry, psychology, religion and sociology. Use the library's "Get It!" button to obtain materials with no direct full text link. Coverage: 1907-1984. Citations only.
• JSTOR This link opens in a new window Explore historical and recent journals, books and images in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, with some natural science coverage. Coverage: varies - historical up to 1-5 years from current date, contains primary sources. Full text.
• Project Muse This link opens in a new window Access scholarly journals and ebooks in both the humanities and social sciences. Most journals covered are up to date. Ebooks include titles in Global Cultural Studies, Poetry, Fiction & Creative Non-Fiction. Coverage: historical and current. Full text.
• Readers' Guide Full Text This link opens in a new window Search for articles in the popular press (magazines, news magazines, general interest periodicals), on topics including art, business, computers, dance, drama, education, entertainment, fashion, film & television, food, health & medicine, history, literature, news & current events, photography, popular & classical music, politics, popular culture, religion, science, sports & fitness, transportation, and travel. Coverage: 1890-1982. Some full text.

Print Resources

• The New York Times Film Reviews Call Number: REF PN1995 .N4 Film reviews from the Times, 1913-2000.
• Film Review Index by Patricia K. Hanson; Stephen L. Hanson Call Number: REF PN1995 .F513 ISBN: 0897741536

Web Resources for Film Criticism

• American Film Institute
• The Greatest Films Reviews, synopses, and historical backgrounds of several hundred films.
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• Last Updated: Jul 18, 2023 4:14 PM
• URL: https://libguides.dickinson.edu/criticism