When we are unsure of whether to watch a film, or even if we're just curious about what 'the society' thinks of something, we look to film critics. We read their reviews and more often than not we let them influence the way we view movies and tv series. If all the critics call Westworld the new Game of Thrones, we are inclined to view it exactly that way, but if the critics call Wonder Woman a true feminist film of the new generation... well, I guess that's what people think, right?
Wrong. Critics are prejudiced and in many cases make their conclusion before they even watch the movie, especially when it comes to period drama. They're influenced by current trends, judge the acting based on the actor's popularity among their readers (if your readers come from the generation that watched Colin Firth raise to the top thanks to his mr Darcy portrayal, you probably don't want to praise any other envisions of the same role, even if they are done to high standard or even better).
And although the critics never hide the fact that they simply give their own opinions on things, they declare them with such self-righteousness and the backing of their newspaper, they throw around terms and comparisons, writers' and directors' 'signature moves' etc. in their articles with such snobbery, that you are tempted to believe that they know what they're talking about.
Not always. Sometimes they get it exactly right, and you agree with their every word - and sometimes their opinion could not be further from yours. Who's right? Whose perception of a film or a tv series is the correct one?
The most diplomatic answer would be 'no one', 'tastes differ', 'don't listen to the critics, have your own opinion', 'it's just not your/their cup of tea'. However, maybe the truth lies somewhere in between - maybe every critic gets something right, if not everything or not completely, and maybe the right way to look at a film and make your judgement is through comparing and analysing all the different parts that come into play.
Director's intent and skill, source material, acting, setting, purpose and the film's message in 21st century, the critics's personal taste, the impact on society, separate elements and a whole picture. All of these things affect the way we think about films and which ones we believe are 'great', 'good', 'mediocre' or 'a waste of time'.
Take everything you hear from other people with a pinch of salt - including what you believe yourself. Compare what you already know and think with new ideas thrown at you, think again if you still believe your first impression is the right one. Think about what you see.