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Table of Contents
The Signs Rotten Tomatoes
Rotten Tomatoes is a popular review aggregation website that has become a go-to source for movie and TV show ratings. The site assigns a “Tomatometer” score to films and shows based on the percentage of positive reviews from critics. While Rotten Tomatoes can be a useful tool for audiences looking to gauge the quality of a film or show, it is important to understand the signs Rotten Tomatoes may not always be the most reliable indicator of a work’s true merit.
1. The Influence of Critics
One of the key factors to consider when looking at Rotten Tomatoes scores is the influence of critics. While professional critics can provide valuable insights into a film or show, their opinions may not always align with those of the general audience. Critics may have different tastes, biases, or agendas that can skew their reviews and impact the overall Tomatometer score.
- Example: A film that receives high praise from critics but fails to resonate with audiences may still receive a high Rotten Tomatoes score.
2. Audience Scores vs. Critics Scores
Rotten Tomatoes also provides an audience score, which reflects the opinions of regular viewers rather than professional critics. It is important to consider both the critics’ score and the audience score when evaluating a film or show. A large discrepancy between the two scores may indicate that the work is polarizing or that there is a disconnect between critics and audiences.
- Case Study: The film “The Last Jedi” received a high critics score but a low audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, highlighting the divide between professional critics and general audiences.
3. Manipulation of Scores
There have been instances where Rotten Tomatoes scores have been manipulated by individuals or groups with vested interests. Some filmmakers or studios may attempt to artificially inflate scores by submitting fake reviews or engaging in review bombing campaigns. It is important to be aware of these practices and take Rotten Tomatoes scores with a grain of salt.
- Example: The film “Captain Marvel” faced a review bombing campaign on Rotten Tomatoes, leading to a significant drop in audience scores.
4. Limited Scope of Reviews
Rotten Tomatoes aggregates reviews from a select group of critics and publications, which may not always represent the diversity of opinions within the broader film and TV industry. It is important to seek out a variety of sources and perspectives when evaluating a work, rather than relying solely on Rotten Tomatoes scores.
- Statistic: According to a study by USC Annenberg, only 22% of film critics are women, highlighting the lack of diversity in the critical community.
5. Conclusion
While Rotten Tomatoes can be a useful tool for getting a general sense of a film or show’s reception, it is important to approach its scores with a critical eye. By considering the influence of critics, comparing audience and critics scores, being aware of manipulation tactics, and seeking out diverse perspectives, audiences can make more informed decisions about what to watch. Ultimately, Rotten Tomatoes should be just one of many factors to consider when deciding whether a film or show is worth your time.
For more information on the impact of review aggregation websites like Rotten Tomatoes, check out this article from Vox.
