I found an interesting quote from an entertainment biz article reporting on a study about the qualitative differences between critically praised films and films that are actually popular with the filmgoing public.
Source: http://movies.yahoo.com/mv/news/ap/20070817/118740672000.html
Such thinking and Simonton’s research prove something awards expert Tom O’Neil has long suspected: “Critics are supposed to be guiding American moviegoers. This study proves they’re taking their own esoteric side trip.”
“Critics are academic types who want to prove how smart they are. They’re professional grouches who think a critic’s job is to be critical,” said O’Neil, columnist for theenvelope.com Web site. “Unfortunately, great critics tend to be social misfits with extraordinary powers of observation. Being misfits, they tend to bash sentimental movies because they remind them of a loving, nurturing world to which they do not belong.”