The Evolution of Modern Film Criticism: Balancing Fan Expectations and Artistic Intentions

The Shift in Modern Film Criticism

Modern film criticism has seen a noticeable shift from evaluating technical qualities and writing to focusing on whether a movie aligns with fans' imagined narratives. This trend often results in critiques that rant about deviations from fan fiction rather than assessing the film's actual merits. Critics sometimes express a desire for movies to be something entirely different, rather than judging them on their own terms.

A prime example of this is Christopher Nolan’s *The Dark Knight*. Despite being a cinematic masterpiece, some critics and fans criticize it for not being a 100% faithful recreation of the comics. Nolan had different intentions, aiming to create a unique interpretation of Batman. Similarly, fans of *Godzilla x Kong* wished for a dark and gritty tone akin to *Godzilla: Minus One*, even though that was never Legendary's intention. This highlights the disconnect between fan expectations and the filmmaker's vision.

The Legacy of Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert, a notable and revered film critic, emphasized the importance of understanding the screenwriter's or director's intentions and the film's purpose. His reviews reflected the heart of theater and cinema, recognizing the diverse purposes of films. Ebert's approach was to help viewers discern what they could gain from a movie, not just dictate what to watch.

Ebert’s philosophy contrasts starkly with the modern trend where critics are accused of stifling creativity in the film industry. Today’s critics often focus on personal or cultural biases rather than objective analysis. This has led to a film industry perceived as lacking creativity, with a heavy reliance on remakes and sequels rather than original content.

Challenges in the Modern Film Industry

The current state of the film industry faces numerous challenges, including issues with creativity and production. For instance, the new *Blade* movie has faced significant setbacks, such as directors walking off set, raising concerns about its quality. Similarly, the *Mad Max: Furiosa* prequel has been criticized for not including actors from the previous film, leading to concerns about continuity.

There is also a belief that the film industry overlooks many historical accounts in the U.S. that could make great movies. This oversight suggests a missed opportunity to diversify the narratives portrayed in cinema, potentially enriching the industry with fresh, untold stories.

The Role of Online Critics

The advent of the Internet has democratized film criticism, allowing everyone to express their opinions. This has led to a mix of knowledgeable and poor-quality critiques. Some argue that familiarity with silent films is essential for a credible opinion on movies, given their historical significance. However, the proliferation of online critics means that not all opinions are informed or valuable.

Fandom criticism often focuses on unmet expectations rather than the creator's intentions. Critics might unfairly review a film for not fulfilling expectations it never aimed to meet. This trend is exacerbated by anti-woke film critics who focus more on culture wars than on the quality of the film. These critics often react negatively to prominent minority or female characters, labeling female leads as "Mary Sues."

Balancing Criticism and Creativity

There is a sentiment that modern film criticism can be biased by personal or cultural biases rather than objective analysis. This bias can stifle creativity, as filmmakers might feel pressured to conform to critics' expectations rather than pursue their artistic vision. The wide range of opinions available online further complicates the landscape, making it challenging to discern valuable critiques from uninformed ones.

The evolution of film criticism reflects broader changes in media consumption and cultural discourse. While the democratization of criticism has its benefits, it also poses challenges for maintaining objectivity and fostering creativity in the film industry. Balancing fan expectations with the artistic intentions of filmmakers is crucial for the continued growth and diversification of cinema.