Criticising the critics

If there was a review of reviewers, many of the film, music and TV reviewers I've read in magazines and on the net would score 2/5 at best and minus five at worst. Is there anyone out there prepared to give anything a fair and decently written review, regardless of whether they think its good or bad? Or are they so wrapped up in the fact they get something for nothing that they can't be bothered to do their job properly?

My mum went to see The Da Vinci Code the other week. She'd seen all the reviews that said it wasn't good, but still it didn't deter her from going to watch it with her friend. They both loved it, and had clearly paid more attention to the film than a number of the critics did, if my mum's detailed analysis was anything to go by.

My mum's experience just goes to show you that you should take most reviews of something with a big pinch of salt and go and experience it for yourself. After all, it is us that go and pay money for the CD. We are the ones that stand in the queue for hours waiting to get tickets for that big gig (only to find that the bulk of them have been bought up and being sold on ebay two hours later). We're the ones that truly show our respect and adulation for the actors, musicians, directors and authors on the scene. And, we are also the ones that are buying the newspapers and magazines that are paying the critics wages. Maybe if the critics were made to pay for the things they reviewed, they would do their job better. Not only that, they would probably also regain their love of music, films, books or television. In the case of a good number of them its clear that they've lost that love, the very reason that they went into the job in the first place. Until that time comes, I say screw the critics! If you think its good, or indeed bad, go with what you think and don't let anyone tell you otherwise!