It's almost a given these days that movie critics are elitist, while moviegoers are populist. When the highest-grossing films get panned by critics, what good are critics?

The author seems to be under the common misapprehension that the primary function of movie critics is to predict or reflect the popularity of the films they see. A lot of people seem to expect that, but nothing could be further from the truth.

If this were the case then critics could, and should, be replaced with audience polling.

The function of a critic, of movies or art or food or anything else, is to provide a somewhat higher level of discussion. To educate and push their readers to think just a little bit more about what they are consuming, and hopefully to raise the bar just a little bit for the artists/producers/chefs/etc.

The article only seeks to justify the function of a critic. I can't see any criticism of critics in it or suggestion that a poll would serve as well. Using the phrase 'almost a given' is a debating technique the author uses to grab our interest in his excellent analysis.

Participating in a conversation about film is a major part of the film experience. I avidly read every review available before I ever see a film and do not think this is elitist. I am not seeking a higher level of anything -- just a clear guide to the film and points to ponder. After I see the film, I read most of the reviews again, comparing my thoughts to the critic's. This is exactly what critics are for: enhancing the viewer's experience. So when the author gives us stats to back up the importance of a critic (which I already knew) -- more power to him and his calculator.

Critics usually get a prescreening of the movie and so can give people an idea of whether it is worth spending the money to see it in a theater. If you think about the cost of a movie for those making minimum wage - it is probably about half a day's takehome pay. This is not including snacks, parking, babysitter or whatever. I just don't think most movies are worth it. And of course the trailers released to promote the movie are useless. I often feel that the more a movie is hyped, the more likely I won't like it. Critics are using a different set of criteria to judge a movie's worth than the general public, I think. Obviously we all have different tastes - I know that I will never watch The Simpsons movie, no matter how bad everything else on the telly is. Likewise we have different experiences that influence us. My best friend and I have had several discussions about the merits of L.A. Confidential - I love it but she couldn't sit through it.

** I can't see any criticism of critics in it or suggestion that a poll would serve as well. **

I didn't say there was any "criticism of critics." Why don't you argue with what I posted instead of making stuff up.

My problem is that the entire premise of the article is a ridiculous straw man. I could give a flying fuck whether critical opinion aligns with box office, because it's not supposed to. Most moviegoers are 13-24 year old males, and many of the remainder are dolts who have tastes that aren't any more sophisticated. Expecting critical tastes to align with box office is like expecting McDonalds to get the best reviews from food critics because they sell the most food.

And my point, my reading-comprehension-challeng­ed friend, is that a poll WOULD serve as well, or actually much better, if that were the point. The suggestion isn't in the article because it's mine.

Sorry, perhaps I did misread your intent. I would not usually consider myself reading-challenged, and was dismayed that you seem to feel I am. You seem to have gotten yourself fairly worked up at my comment and I do apologize for causing you so much stress. No one has ever questioned my abilities in quite your patronizing manner. Hats off to your level of condecension. From now on, I will certainly do my very best to read better, think more, and refrain from conversation with you via this forum. (Or otherwise - if you turn up somewhere, I will know you by your northward-pointing nose.)