Shaina

So, my name is Shaina. And I'm about to graduate from UGA's journalism school in a couple of weeks. I'm so excited. And I'm looking forward to working with the Walt Disney Company in August. My dreams will hopefully come true. :)

I've always been baffled by the future and I had a long discussion with my favorite roomie about life after seeing Horton Hears a Who. It was very intense. No joke.

I love movies. I probably should have gotten into the film industry in one way or another, but who knows, maybe I will one day. My favorite movies are Disney movies. I'm big on animation. And there is nothing better to me than the original cel-animation. Things just aren't what they used to be. Maybe I'm just nostalgic. I LOVE Broadway and think the movie-musicals including Sweeney Todd and Phantom of the Opera are wonderful despite what critics think. They need to be taken in their own right and are beautifully done. Now, they just need to make Wicked into a movie. Gotta love the romantic comedies: 27 Dresses & The Wedding Planner. Leonardo DiCaprio films are always a winner with me: The Departed, Blood Diamond.

If it's good. I like it. And I may get a lot of flack for this, but I LOATHE Will Ferrell films. I'm very picky about my humor and he is not where it's at. All right. I'm ready to take the beatings from the public.

I also enjoy photograhy and travel. I hope to travel around the world and document everything. And it would be so cool to do a voiceover for a cartoon character.

Click to read my Critic's Manifesto...

Inform. Entertain. Enlighten. Know their audience. Cater to diverse groups of people. Write with authority. Maintain credibility. Write fairly. Remain upfront. Listen. Be creative. Have fun.

Nowadays, critics have the difficult job of presenting their audiences with unbiased opinions on music, movies, sports, et cetera. Writing a review takes a lot of work and readers should understand that if a critic gives a negative review on their favorite book (for instance) that they shouldn't get offended; they're just doing their job. By researching, observing and analyzing, the critic is trying to provide the reader with the best information possible (maybe even at their own expense in enjoying whatever they're reviewing). It's also their job to present the information at hand in a new light, which isn't always easy. It can definitely be a challenge when you're trying to put a fresh spin on the millionth Italian restaurant review you've written.

Critcs should infiltrate their views without belittling their audience. The reader along with the subject being reviewed look to them for advice, so kindness and understanding are key elements. The critic is providing a service not force-feeding information (hopefully). Authority shouldn't equal arrogance.