The Curse of Rotten Tomatoes Rotten Tomatoes has become a household name for many moviegoers and television enthusiasts. The website, launched in 1998, collects reviews from professional critics and calculates a percentage based on the positive or negative appraisal of a particular film or TV show. While Rotten Tomatoes has become a go-to platform for many to gauge whether a film is worth watching or not, it has also been the subject of controversy and criticism. One of the main criticisms of Rotten Tomatoes is the reliance on the binary system of "fresh" or "rotten" to determine a film's overall score. This simplified method fails to capture nuanced reviews that may provide valuable insights for potential viewers. Additionally, Rotten Tomatoes' scoring system can lead to a phenomenon known as "score whoring," where critics may inflate or deflate their ratings to improve or hinder a film's overall score.
As Expected, ‘Cursed’ Races To Become Netflix’s #1 Show
It’s well known that Netflix uses algorithm data to produce shows that it thinks its audiences will like, and there are some instances where that algorithm feels more obvious than others. One would be Cursed, which plays a bit like a Young Adult version of The Witcher, a hugely popular Netflix series, and stars Katherine Langford, the former star of 13 Reasons Why, another hugely popular Netflix series. Combine those with original graphic novel source material so there’s a roadmap forward, and you get Cursed, an almost guaranteed hit on the service.
It does not surprise me that after its debut this weekend, Cursed has already become the #1 most viewed offering on Netflix. It was easily the biggest thing to debut on Netflix this past week, and the old #1 was the truly terribly film, Fatal Affair, an easy entry to unseat. Though do keep an eye on The Last Dance, the infamous Michael Jordan documentary which has just made its debut on Netflix this week.
What I’m finding interesting about Cursed, however, is that it has a critical/audience split that is actually the opposite of what I would have envisioned for it. I figured this might be a series that reviews poorly among “serious” critics, but is embraced by YA fans. But that’s not what’s happening.
Cursed has a halfway decent 72% among critics on Rotten Tomatoes, not great, given that RT usually scores TV shows much higher (Babysitter’s Club has 100%, in contrast), but good enough. However, the fan score for the series is a dismal 47% and its IMDB score is a 5.4/10 with 5,000 reviews in. Neither of those are great, and trust me, I track this sort of thing with regularity.
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Jon Martindale ContributorI’m not fully sure what’s going on here, and I can’t yet tell if this is just people flat-out not liking the series for normal reasons, or if this is yet again some sort of “campaign” to lower its profile. I did see some controversy about how a main character, Arthur, was cast as a black actor, Devon Terrell, when the character is white in the source material, though I’m not sure if that’s playing into the scores. Sadly, I’ve been around long enough to know that it might be.
I cannot actually say whether the show is good or bad, however, as I haven’t watched it yet, but hope to get to it in the next week or so. Ironically, I am currently watching the later seasons of 13 Reasons Why in an effort to understand how that series became one of Netflix’s most popular and influential.
It stands to reason that Cursed will hold its crown for most of the week, if The Last Dance doesn’t come and unseat it, which I could maybe see happening. Netflix seems to have a lot of marketing movement behind Cursed, and combined with early solid performance (reviews don’t matter if people are watching), I would say a second season is extremely likely, if one hasn’t been greenlit already. I’ll keep an eye on it.
Cursed (2005)
Cursed is a 2005 American/German comedy/fantasy/horror/thriller film by director Wes Craven and written by screenwriter Kevin Williamson. Craven and Williamson are the creators of Scream. The plot focuses on three young adults who are attacked by a werewolf loose in Los Angeles. The movie premiered on November 7, 2004, at the American Film Market and was released theatrically in 2005. It was filmed in Los Angeles, California, United States, with special effects shot in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Despite being a critical and commercial failure, it gained a cult following among Wes Craven fans and found more success on DVD.
The film was rated PG-13 for "horror violence/terror, some sexual references, nudity, language, and a brief drug reference".
Additionally, Rotten Tomatoes' scoring system can lead to a phenomenon known as "score whoring," where critics may inflate or deflate their ratings to improve or hinder a film's overall score. The influence of Rotten Tomatoes on box office performance has also sparked debate. Many argue that the website has the power to make or break a film, with a low score potentially deterring audiences from seeing it in theaters.
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This pressure on filmmakers to receive a favorable rating can lead to creative compromises and hinder the diversity of films available to viewers. Furthermore, the polarization of Rotten Tomatoes' scores has raised concerns about its impact on film criticism. Some argue that the website encourages extreme opinions, with reviews often being labeled either "fresh" or "rotten." This binary system overlooks the grey areas of criticism and fails to acknowledge the complexity of a film's merits or flaws. On the other hand, supporters of Rotten Tomatoes argue that it serves as a useful tool for audiences to get a general sense of the critical reception of a film or TV show. The percentage score can provide a quick summary of the overall opinion, helping viewers make informed decisions on what to watch. Additionally, some argue that Rotten Tomatoes has pushed the industry to create better films, as filmmakers strive to achieve positive ratings. In conclusion, the curse of Rotten Tomatoes stems from its simplified scoring system and the influence it wields over the film industry. While the website can provide a helpful overview of critical reception, it is important for audiences to remember that individual taste varies, and a low score does not necessarily mean a film is inherently bad. Ultimately, the power of Rotten Tomatoes lies in the hands of its users, who have the ability to critically evaluate its influence and make informed decisions about the films and TV shows they choose to watch..
Reviews for "The Rotten Truth: How Rotten Tomatoes' Score Can Impact a Film's Success"
1. Emily - 1 out of 5 stars
I was really disappointed with "The Curse Rotten Tomatoes." The film had a promising concept, but it fell flat on its execution. The storyline was confusing and lacked depth, leaving me constantly questioning what was happening. Additionally, the acting was subpar, with the characters delivering their lines in a wooden and unconvincing manner. Overall, I found the film to be a major letdown and would not recommend it.
2. David - 2 out of 5 stars
I had high hopes for "The Curse Rotten Tomatoes" based on the trailers, but unfortunately, it failed to meet my expectations. While the cinematography was visually appealing, the plot felt disjointed and left me feeling unsatisfied. The pacing was off, with some scenes dragging on for too long while others felt rushed and confusing. The characters lacked development, and it was difficult to connect with them emotionally. Overall, the film had potential, but it ultimately failed to deliver a cohesive and captivating story.
3. Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars
"The Curse Rotten Tomatoes" was a film that started off with an intriguing premise, but unfortunately, it gradually lost its charm along the way. The concept of a cursed movie critic seemed exciting, but the execution fell short. The dialogue was often cliched and lacked nuance, making it hard to take the characters seriously. Additionally, the film felt overly predictable, with minimal surprises or twists. Overall, while the film had its moments, it failed to live up to its potential, leaving me disappointed and unimpressed.