Movie Reviews

Film criticism is the analysis and evaluation of films and the film medium.

The concept of film criticism is often used interchangeably with the concept of film reviews. The difference is that "review" implies a recommendation that is aimed at consumers, whereas "film criticism" implies a more complex analysis and judgment.

In general, film criticism can be divided into two categories: journalistic criticism found regularly in newspapers, magazines and other popular mass-media outlets; and academic criticism by film scholars who are informed by film theory and are published in academic journals.

Film was introduced in the late 19th century, but criticism for the craft didn't emerge until the early 1900s. The first paper to serve as a critique of film came out of The Optical Lantern and Cinematograph Journal, then the Bioscope followed it in 1908. It wasn't until the 1920s that critics started analyzing film for its merit and value as more than just entertainment, giving viewers a place where they could better understand the stories. In the 1930s, film developed its place at the attention of the public, developing concepts of stardom and celebrity among the actors in film. This led to a rise in obsession with critics as well, so they were often seen on the red carpets and major events with the actors.

It was in the 1940s that new forms of critics emerged. One form that came out of it approached the format of essays, analyzing films with a distinctive charm and style to persuade their side of the argument. It was the emergence of these styles that brought film criticism to the mainstream, gaining the attention of many popular magazines; this made film reviews and critiques an eventual staple among most print media. As the decades passed, the fame for critics grew and gave rise to household names among the craft like James Agee, Andrew Sarris, Pauline Kael and in modern times Rogert Ebert and Peter Travers.

Film critics working for newspapers, magazines, broadcast media, and online publications, mainly review new releases, although also review older films. An important task for these reviews to inform readers on whether or not they would want to see the film. A film review will typically explain the premise of the film before discussing its merits. The verdict is often summarised with a star rating.

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Wikipedia