An alternative critical standard...

...with which I am surprised to find I sympathize.

Despite calling "The Artist" "great," [Chris] Rock noted that the film wasn't what audiences want. "['Grown Ups' is] better than The Artist' 'cause the audience says so," he said. "No film critic's going to say it, but 'Madagascar 3' is better than 'The Artist,' and it's better because it makes people feel better. That’s ultimately what it boils down to. --Noted film critic Chris Rock.