Do you trust movie critics or the general public in determining how good or bad a film is?

Answer 1

neither really but i trust critics more than the general public

after all, it is the public who made Night at the Museum over $150 million and who had Ghost Rider at #1 for weeks.

Answer 2

I was always against film critics because they always tried to find some validating feature to the film, good editing or great sound or whatever. They would never say a movie was bad, just that it was dissapointing or didn't meet expectations. That is until I found Mr. Cranky. He reviews a couple movies each week and goes on a reverse scale never finding anything good in the movies, or rarely. I still use my judgement before going to see a movie, most of the time just waiting for DVD.
Listening to the General Public is just as maddening as listening to critics. Some say its good some say its bad, it all really depends on you. Like I love movies like A Clockwork Orange where most people just see senseless violence, I hate There's Something About Mary where others see great slapstick I see pointless stupid humor and no story. (though I did like Harold and Kumar go to White Castle and Eurotrip). Best bet is to read up on the movie, watch trailers and if it looks groovy take a shot. Sometimes you end up with Zoolander and sometimes (if you are lucky) you end up with The Big Lebowski.

Answer 3

I assume we're talking about whether judging if a movie is worth going to see.

There are certain critics that mirror my taste in film, so I often review their comments. The full decision is a combination of all aspects. The film's plot, the director, actors, what critics though, word of mouth, and finally, my mood as to whether or not I want to see this particular film.

The critics job is to present the film and let the potential viewer make the decision based on their review. Unfortunately, critics have been taking an aggressive position on their reviews over the past 15 years.

Answer 4

I just have to respond to the person above me. The role of a critic is NOT "to present the film and let the potential viewer make the decision." The role of a critic is to provide an informed, honest opinion that assesses a film's entertainment/artistic value. The reader's job is to find a critic whose taste mirrors their own and use that as a guide.

It's silly to make blanket statements about whether critics should be trusted because there are so many of us, and we have differing opinions, just like the general audience. Find a critic you like and stick with him/her.

Answer 5

I suppose I trust neither, but the public even less than critics.
I usually see a movie if the trailers are good and/or I like the cast/director.

Answer 6

I don't trust movie critics at all! I usually feel about the opposite on most movies. I usually trust friends a lot more.

Answer 7

No, usually I can tell if a movie will be good by just watching the previews. Or by finding out who directed or wrote it. Or by finding out the artists' previous work.

But thuglife does have a really good point though.

Answer 8

Generally critics wouldn't know a rats behind from a hole in the ground or a good movie if it bit them. Typically, if they hate a movie, its going to be great. If they praise it to death, guaranteed it's going to stink.

Answer 9

i say trust yourself.. watch and judge....