Saying that you liked a movie, and why you liked a movie, is defending it?
No, but if you point out why you liked it multiple times over the course of a discussion in an attempt to refute negative criticism, then I’d say you’re defending it, yes.
Most of the analysis I read from those that like the film acknowledge it’s flaws. It’s those contentious areas that get all the airplay (ie" Luke was destroyed by Rian etc)