Analysis
Part 1: Blank (i)
- Contrast/Context: The sentence begins with "Even though" or a similar implied contrast. We are told that "Very few veteran critics tend to be (i) _______ the recent decade in cinema." Nonetheless, based on movie reviews, many conclude that the decade was "banner ones" (excellent).
- Logic: The "veteran critics" must hold a skeptical or negative view that contrasts with the public's positive conclusion.
- A. enamored of: (Adj.) In love with; captivated by. (Fits the need for a positive sentiment that "very few" critics hold, contrasting with the banner conclusion.)
- B. condemnatory to: Grammatically awkward ("condemnatory of"). While the meaning (critical) fits, the phrasing doesn't.
- C. unsympathetic: Too mild. The needed sentiment is strong praise to contrast with the idea that few critics feel this way.

Choice for (i): enamored of. (Few critics are captivated by the recent decade.)

Part 2: Blank (ii)
- Context: The passage discusses the "role of the movie critic," which used to belong to "lettered intellectuals." Now, that role "has been (ii) ______ by those lacking any notable credentials." The rise of popular Internet sites means that people without credentials are now taking over the role.
- Logic: We need a word describing how this new, less-credentialed group has taken possession of the critic's role.
- D. duly appropriated: "Duly" means properly or appropriately. Taking over a role with a lack of credentials is not "duly" (properly) done.
- E. amply filled: The role has been "filled" in great abundance ("amply") by these new writers/tyros. This fits the idea of a "flood of veritable tyros opining."
- F. irredeemably disgraced: Too extreme and emotional; the shift is organizational, not necessarily a moral disgrace.

Choice for (ii): amply filled. (The role has been largely taken over by those lacking credentials.)

Part 3: Blank (iii)
- Context: The "flood of veritable tyros" leads to the movie's overall rating (compiled by popular Internet sites) conferring a(n) (iii) _______ on a film. This assessment, the author notes, "posterity will most likely deem specious" (false or misleading).
- Logic: The popular rating confers a false or misleading sense of worthiness or quality. We need a word for a veneer of respectability or authority.
- G. aura of nostalgia: Irrelevant to the current rating process.
- H. mantle of inviolability: A guarantee that the film is untouchable/perfect. "Inviolability" is too strong for a simple rating.
- I. patina of respectability: A thin surface layer (patina) of credibility or high regard (respectability). This perfectly captures the idea that the rating gives the film a false (specious) veneer of quality.

Choice for (iii): patina of respectability.