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“…as a critic I’d give myself three out of five stars.”

Along with tax auditors, parking meter attendants and totalitarian dictators, film critics rank among the world’s most hated types of persons.  I should know since I’ve dabbled in this profession on occasion.  Honestly, it’s how I began my career more than a decade ago, though I’ve never considered myself a decent critic.  In fact, as a critic I’d give myself three out of five stars.  Seriously, I’m more of a fan who enjoys championing the movies I love and bashing mundane crap when it’s deserved.  However, having worked on both sides as a critic and a filmmaker, this also makes me perhaps one of the most qualified human beings on the planet earth to review a movie about film critics.

So, while it’s not exactly a roller coaster ride, or the must-see action movie of the year, or one of the years’ best films (and a quick aside to director and critic Gerald Peary, please feel free to take those quotes out of context for use in the poster or on the DVD sleeve), For the Love of Movies: The Story of American Film Criticism may finally provide critics the long overdue appreciation they deserve.  And, more importantly, finally some sense of understanding from a skeptical public.  This solid documentary is a fascinating look at the evolution of film criticism and the rise of schools of critical thought along with the vibrant personalities who emerged from the field to change the way we look at film.  Everyone from Harry Knowles to Roger Ebert to Elvis Mitchell round out a wide cross-section of critics throughout the decades chime in on the craft of film writing, and yes, the art of critiquing the movies.

The brilliance of this documentary also happens to be that it’s review-proof for those in the business of writing about film.  I mean, what film critic in their right mind is going to slam a film about critics? Genius!

I loved this film.  Zero stars.  Kidding.

Highest rating ever and a must-see.  Also kidding.

Seriously, what rating could one ever bestow upon a film in which the subject revolves around the act of rating?

by Chris Gore

(not rated yet)

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