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In the case of movies, the reason reviews often are negative is that films often are bad, or at least mediocre, says Nimocks, the What's Up editor. "A very good movie is a very rare occurrence," she said. "An OK movie is more likely to happen. I think we should be critical of Hollywood because I think Hollywood underestimates movie-goers in general. Consumers of movies deserve the same critical standards as do consumers of anything else."

Orla Swift, The N&O's theater critic, says she brings the same level of expectations to local performances that she would to Broadway theater. "I am absolutely critical. If the show is not well done, I will say it," she told a group of readers earlier this year. "I judge every play on its merits. I've been to New York and I'm judging the plays on the same basis as I do in New York."

What should separate our critics' opinions from yours or mine is how well they support their judgments. That's where experience and knowledge of the medium come in. You should expect a movie review to discuss acting and directing, yes, but also screen-writing, cinematography and other elements of the art -- which Lindsey's reviews typically do. A critic should bring context and history to a review, employing the expertise developed from years of studying the medium.

What I worry about is that so much time spent in theaters or music halls can jade the senses, so that an intolerance for the less-than-perfect might shape expectations different than mine. Lindsey acknowledges that going to the movies for a living can be too much of a good thing, "It's hard when you're watching a movie and you so don't care about it," he said. "The thing that keeps you going is that there are movies you go to and they take you by surprise. And you do want to say something about it."

Any recommendations? Yes, "The Proposition," an Australian Western released in June, which Lindsey called "scabby, skeevy, seedy, grimy, dirty and amazing right to the last frame."

Hmm. I think I'll pass.

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