With the torrent of conspiracy theories about critics and journalists lately (especially in video games) and the absolutely depressing way they've been demonized as a scourge to freedom of expression, I thought it'd be nice to lighten the mood a little.
Which critics and journalists do you enjoy? Are there people that can genuinely motivate you to purchase an item, or steer clear of it? I am lumping critics and journalists together because there is a lot of overlap between criticism and journalism and it's not uncommon for people to be involved in both.
I'll drop a few of my favourites to start.
George Weidman (Super Bunnyhop): My personal favourite game critic currently. His style is both very insightful and easy to digest. He isn't afraid to dig deep into a game mechanically, aesthetically or stylistically to pinpoint what makes them so good or what makes them failures. His "Critical Close-Up" series is essentially a series of video essays (mostly on Metal Gear Solid) that really do not fool around. But at the same time he doesn't come off as pretentious, he trusts that the viewer is on the same level as he is and his critique always seems very sincere.
Charlie Brooker: Cited as one of Yahtzee's biggest influences, Charlie Brooker is a former games journalist that has recently blossomed into a beautiful butterfly (or hybrid of comedian, writer, newspaper columnist, that works too).
He is best known these days for two things. First, presenting a series of comedic review shows ending in -Wipe (Screenwipe dealt with television, Newswipe dealt with journalism, Gameswipe dealt with video games and his annual end-of-year "-Wipes" deal with all of them). Secondly he is the creator of the critically acclaimed "Black Mirror" series, of which he wrote most of the episodes. I highly recommend a large bulk of his material. It might be hard to keep track of so I made a summary:
Anthony Fantano (The Needle Drop): My favourite music reviewer. Has an extremely eclectic taste and very informed opinions, but also a laid-back and rather gentle style that doesn't take itself too seriously. His personality is quite infectious and even when we have different opinions, he's hard for me not to like. If he recommends an album I will probably give it a listen.
If you want a critic that isn't as pretentious as those on Pitchfork and isn't as sycophantic as those writing for more mainstream publications, check him out.
Mark Kermode: Like the other critics I mentioned, Mark Kermode mixes a substantial level of insight and honesty with a dry sense of wit. He gives credit where credit is due but also doesn't go light on films that he genuinely dislikes. He's also very entertaining to watch/listen to, at least for me. The way he plays off radio host Simon Mayo cracks me up, especially when he gets melodramatic.
So yeah, who are your favourites? I'm genuinely curious.
Which critics and journalists do you enjoy? Are there people that can genuinely motivate you to purchase an item, or steer clear of it? I am lumping critics and journalists together because there is a lot of overlap between criticism and journalism and it's not uncommon for people to be involved in both.
I'll drop a few of my favourites to start.
George Weidman (Super Bunnyhop): My personal favourite game critic currently. His style is both very insightful and easy to digest. He isn't afraid to dig deep into a game mechanically, aesthetically or stylistically to pinpoint what makes them so good or what makes them failures. His "Critical Close-Up" series is essentially a series of video essays (mostly on Metal Gear Solid) that really do not fool around. But at the same time he doesn't come off as pretentious, he trusts that the viewer is on the same level as he is and his critique always seems very sincere.
Charlie Brooker: Cited as one of Yahtzee's biggest influences, Charlie Brooker is a former games journalist that has recently blossomed into a beautiful butterfly (or hybrid of comedian, writer, newspaper columnist, that works too).
He is best known these days for two things. First, presenting a series of comedic review shows ending in -Wipe (Screenwipe dealt with television, Newswipe dealt with journalism, Gameswipe dealt with video games and his annual end-of-year "-Wipes" deal with all of them). Secondly he is the creator of the critically acclaimed "Black Mirror" series, of which he wrote most of the episodes. I highly recommend a large bulk of his material. It might be hard to keep track of so I made a summary:
- Screenwipe (comedic TV review show)
- Newswipe (comedic show that looks at journalism. VERY recommended for people with genuine concerns about ethics in journalism these days.)
- Gameswipe (a special that took a look at video games)
- How TV Ruined Your Life (a TV review show similar to Screenwipe but presented in a more thematic fashion)
- *insert year here* Wipe (an annual review show that is a mixture of all of the above)
- Weekly Wipe (a short series of weekly episodes that is similar to the annual Wipes)
- Dead Set (drama series set in the Big Brother house during a zombie apocalypse)
- Black Mirror (anthology series similar to The Twilight Zone focussed on a satirical view of the dangers of technology)
- Newswipe (comedic show that looks at journalism. VERY recommended for people with genuine concerns about ethics in journalism these days.)
- Gameswipe (a special that took a look at video games)
- How TV Ruined Your Life (a TV review show similar to Screenwipe but presented in a more thematic fashion)
- *insert year here* Wipe (an annual review show that is a mixture of all of the above)
- Weekly Wipe (a short series of weekly episodes that is similar to the annual Wipes)
- Dead Set (drama series set in the Big Brother house during a zombie apocalypse)
- Black Mirror (anthology series similar to The Twilight Zone focussed on a satirical view of the dangers of technology)
Anthony Fantano (The Needle Drop): My favourite music reviewer. Has an extremely eclectic taste and very informed opinions, but also a laid-back and rather gentle style that doesn't take itself too seriously. His personality is quite infectious and even when we have different opinions, he's hard for me not to like. If he recommends an album I will probably give it a listen.
If you want a critic that isn't as pretentious as those on Pitchfork and isn't as sycophantic as those writing for more mainstream publications, check him out.
Mark Kermode: Like the other critics I mentioned, Mark Kermode mixes a substantial level of insight and honesty with a dry sense of wit. He gives credit where credit is due but also doesn't go light on films that he genuinely dislikes. He's also very entertaining to watch/listen to, at least for me. The way he plays off radio host Simon Mayo cracks me up, especially when he gets melodramatic.
So yeah, who are your favourites? I'm genuinely curious.
