[Spyder]

why shouldn't a critic/essayist have the freedom to say exactly what she thinks?

Amen! This thread alone proves her point - criticizing her looks as much as what she had to say. Debate the movie, disagree with her viewpoint, but what do her looks have to do with it?

[Enterprise]

You're right. Her looks have nothing to do with the article. Those who resort to attacking her looks have lost the argument by default.

[.38sw]

but what do her looks have to do with it?

Nothing. Absolutely nothing. But making fun of her looks is much easier than actually critiquing the review.