Evaluating Film Reviews: Should You Trust Movie Fans or Critics?

When it comes to making a choice about watching a film, you might wonder whose opinion you should trust more: the majority of movie fans or the majority of movie critics. Both groups can offer valuable insights, but deciding which source to consult can be complicated. In this article, we will discuss the challenges of trusting movie ratings, the issues around movie reviews, and how to form your own opinion.

The Flaws in Movie Ratings

Movie ratings can be manipulated, as evidenced by the recent controversy around The Rings of Power. Amazon reportedly manipulated the IMDb ratings, leading to questions about the validity of ratings for other films as well. If you're watching a film and the ratings seem unusually high or low, it's wise to be skeptical and seek out more recent and honest reviews.

Biased and Manipulated Movie Reviews

Another issue with movie reviews is the potential for bias and manipulation. For instance, the trailers of The Little Mermaid have been brigaded by trolls, making it difficult to gauge genuine fan reactions. Similarly, critics can be swayed by personal biases or even influenced financially. There have been instances where critics received death threats for negative reviews, such as in the case of The Dark Knight Rises.

Unreliable Critics and Fan Reviews

Critics often have specific criteria to evaluate a film, focusing on the script, direction, and acting. However, for those who are simply looking for entertainment and experience the movie as a whole, it can be more beneficial to rely on the input of movie fans.

Miriam Gurba's critique of American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins faced resistance from the magazine she submitted the review to, which pressured her to revise the review. Even critical reviews from highly respected critics sometimes receive backlash, leading to a lack of trust in their opinions. Conversely, movie fans often provide genuine and unbiased feedback based on their personal experiences.

Forming Your Own Opinion

With all the potential issues surrounding movie reviews, the best course of action is to form your own opinion. Here’s how you can do it:

Read Reviews: Read a variety of reviews to get a well-rounded understanding of both positive and negative aspects of the film. Find Trustworthy Sources: Look for reviews from reputable sources and those that don't have a history of bias. Consider Your Tastes: Find someone whose taste in movies closely matches yours and see what they think. Watch the Trailer and Preview: Use the trailers and preview screenings to gauge initial reactions and set your expectations. Watch the Film: Ultimately, the best way to determine if a film is right for you is to watch it yourself and make up your mind based on your own experience.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to trust movie fans or movie critics, it's important to consider the context and validity of their opinions. Ratings can be manipulated, reviews can be biased, and the best way to make a decision is to form your own opinion. By reading reviews and watching the film yourself, you can determine what works for you and enhance your overall movie-watching experience.