This research and commentary will explore many of the misconceptions held by the general public regarding the actual purpose of entertainment critics. By giving a brief history of contemporary criticism, and by citing influential works by important writers in the field, the presentation will provide analysis of the current status of criticism, with hopes of deconstructing the "us vs. them" attitude that many general audiences currently hold towards critics. In addition, the presentation will explore many of the flaws in modern-day critical writing, including how the advent of the internet and aggregate sites like Rotten Tomatoes changed the standards to which critics are held. Finally, the presentation will explore the "critical triangle", the unstable relationship between artist, critic, and audience. This information will be prepared and presented by a student with several years' experience writing criticism professionally.