By now, it’s rarely surprising to see critics and audiences respond vastly differently to films, as seen in the inconsistent scores on sites likeRotten Tomatoes. Though audiences are left scratching their heads most of the time at the considerably large amount of praise given to films thought to be mediocre, there are a few times when the roles have been reversed. Audiences have been quick to give a positive response tofilms that left critics feeling unsatisfied. None of the selected films have been flat-out panned by critics, but the few redeeming qualities still weren’t enough to earn a fresh score.
There are numerous explanations as to why critics and audiences review and score films differently, but the most logical explanation comes down to the role of the viewer. When watching a film as a critic, factors within the film are expected to be graded, such as the strength of a script and the originality of a concept. However,audiences are granted the freedom to ignore such technicalities, allowing for an easier viewing experience. Therefore, audiences are more able to enjoy an imperfect but entertaining film that critics find fault with.
Memoirs Of A Geisha
Cast
Memoirs of a Geisha is a film adaptation of Arthur Golden’s bestselling novel, directed by Rob Marshall. Set in 1920s Japan, it follows the life of a young girl named Chiyo who transitions into a renowned geisha called Sayuri. The story explores her struggles, relationships, and the intricate culture of geisha life. Starring Ziyi Zhang, Ken Watanabe, and Michelle Yeoh, the film delves into themes of beauty, sacrifice, and resilience.
A few years after the critically acclaimedCrouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,Memoirs of a Geishasaw the on-screen reunion of Zhang Ziyi and Michelle Yeoh. Based on Arthur Golden’s novel of the same name,Memoirs of a Geishalooks at the harrowing journey of Ziyi’s character as she becomes a geisha amid World War II. Both critics and audiences agreed thatMemoirs of a Geishahas some of the mosthistorically accurate costuming in filmand the sets within the film successfully pulled audiences into its setting.
10 Movies With A Way Higher Critic Score Than Audience Score On Rotten Tomatoes
There were some movies that divided audiences and critics so much that they received hugely different receptions on Rotten Tomatoes.
However, critics felt that there was little inMemoirs of a Geishafor a compelling story beyond its aesthetic. The performances of the film’s leading cast and John Williams' affecting score did much of the heavy lifting, according to many critics, who stated thatMemoirs of a Geishaprioritized its style over the moving narrative needed in the period drama. Still,Memoirs of a Geishamanaged to find success at the Academy Awards, winning three awards, including Best Costume Design.
Step Up
Tyler gets the opportunity of a lifetime after vandalizing a performing arts school, earning him the chance to win a scholarship and dance with a promising dancer, Nora.
Helping launchChanning Tatum’s career,Step Upholds a special place in audiences' hearts but left critics unimpressed.Starring Tatum and Jenna Dewan as its romantic leads,Step Upfollows the two characters' love story as they grow closer through their dance partnership.Step Up’s leading performances, particularly that of Tatum, who also starred inShe’s The Manthe same year, captivated audiences and the dance numbers in the film made for a fun, easy viewing experience.
Step Upwas just the first film in what would eventually become a franchise.
However, critics were harsher towards the film, disapproving of its lack of originality. Thoughthe performances of Dewan and Tatum weren’t entirely disfavored, critics also didn’t feel they were enough to save the film from its predictable romance storyseen many times before in the genre. Despite this,Step Upwas just the first film in what would eventually become a franchise. Echoing the response toStep Up, each of the sequel films received a similar divide in scored responses.
The Boondock Saints
After brothers Connor and Murphy kill two Russian mobsters in self-defense, they set out on a vigilante mission to rid Boston of crime and violence. However, an FBI agent is hot on their trail.
Starring Sean Patrick Flanery and Norman Reedus as vigilante twin brothers,The Boondock Saintsfollows the two as they rid their city of crime. A limited release ofThe Boondock Saintsled to failure at the box office, but the action film would eventually grow a cult following after its DVD release. Audiences appreciatedThe Boondock Saints' unique tone with its balance of dark humor and gritty action scenes. The film and its 2009 sequel have continued to entertain audiences over the years, leading tohigh levels of anticipation forThe Boondock Saints 3.
Critics, though, felt differently. To many,The Boondock Saintsfelt like an unsuccessful Quentin Tarantino copycat. The consensus among critics on Rotten Tomatoes is thatThe Boondock Saints' bloody action scenes have no purpose in its overall narrative. In other words, the film is more concerned with brutal action than creating an interesting story. Despite this, performances by the cast, specifically David Della Rocco and Willem Dafoe, were still given praise.
Tommy Boy
Tommy Boy is a comedy film starring Chris Farley as Tommy Callahan, a clumsy but well-meaning underachiever, and David Spade as Richard Hayden, a straight-laced sales representative. Released in 1995, the film follows the unlikely duo as they embark on a cross-country road trip to save the Callahan Brake Pads company from bankruptcy.
Featuring the comedic duo of formerSaturday Night Livecast members Chris Farley and David Spade,Tommy Boyis a lighthearted film that many fans of comedy have enjoyed over the years.The on-screen pairing of Spade and Farley is wildly entertaining and the performance of the latter actor in particular has been fondly looked back on. Both audiences andSaturday Night Livealumni point out Farley’s ability to tap into a vulnerable side wasn’t often shown throughout his career.
Critics too made note of Spade and Farley’s well-matched comedic charm in the film, saying fans of the two are guaranteed to enjoy it. However,critics also suggest there was little substance inTommy Boyto elevate it to the quality of other comedy filmsat the time. The laughs are consistent, but there are points inTommy Boywhere it appears its premise is best suited for a short live sketch rather than its hour-and-a-half runtime.
Hook
Directed by Steven Spielberg, Hook stars Robin Williams as Peter Banning, a harried American lawyer who, after his children are kidnapped by Captain Hook, finds out that he is Peter Pan, having lost his memories of Neverland. to rescue his children, Peter must find his childlike spirit of adventure and regain his memories as he does battle with Hook and his crew. Dustin Hoffman stars alongside Williams as Captain Hook, along with Julia Roberts, Maggie Smith, and Charlie Korsmo.
Set in the modern day and acting as a sequel to J. M. Barrie’sPeter and Wendy,Hooksees a grown-up version of Peter Pan — referred to as Peter Banning — returning to Neverland to save his kidnapped children from the titular antagonist.The production design of the fictional setting is eye-catching and Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman’s performances as Peter and Captain Hook, respectively, highlight the best of the actors' abilities. These elements and the overall nostalgia within the film have madeHooka success with audiences.
On the other hand,critics have faultedHookfor its lack of magic and imagination, which are crucial to Peter’s journey in the film. Additionally,director Steven Spielberg has also been critical of the film. Speaking withEmpirein 2018, Spielberg said, “I didn’t have confidence in the body of it…I didn’t quite know what I was doing and I tried to paint over my insecurity with production value.” (viaDen of Geek).
Harlem Nights
Harlem Nights, directed by Eddie Murphy, features Sugar Ray as the proprietor of an illegal casino in 1920s Harlem. He navigates the challenges posed by ruthless gangsters and corrupt police, amidst the backdrop of organized crime and widespread corruption.
By the end of the ’80s, Eddie Murphy had already proven he was a strong comedic actor, and withHarlem Nights, Murphy decided it was time to try his hand at directing.Harlem Nights, which details two nightclub owners' encounters with local gangs and police officials, is the only film Murphy has directed, and that could be due to the critical response given to the film. Audiences appreciate the humor as a result ofHarlem Nights' talented comedic cast, including Murphy, Richard Pryor, and Redd Foxx.
However, critics have been largely disappointed by other elements of the film.Harlem Nights' script is a main point of criticism.
Written by Murphy,reviews on Rotten Tomatoes sayHarlem Nights' story is largely boring. Contradicting the consensus from audiences, many critics find thatHarlem Nightsisn’t as fun as it should be, and it doesn’t succeed in mixing the comedy genre with its dramatic elements.
Where the Crawdads Sing
Where the Crawdads Sing is a dramatic mystery film directed by Olivia Newman (First Match, Chicago Fire) and based on the 2018 novel of the same name, set in the 1950s, the film centers around Catherine “Kya” Clark (Daisy-Edgar Jones), a girl abandoned at an early age who is forced to raise herself in the marshes of North Carolina, adapting entirely to the wilderness. After meeting a young boy named Tate Walker, who teaches her the ways of the world by lending her books and teaching her valuable skills, she can sustain herself. However, as Kya enters her late teen years, a whirlwind romance with a young quarterback somehow puts her on trial for murder. Kya will have to prove her innocence to continue living in a world she only now has begun to understand.
Based on Delia Owens' novel of the same name,Where the Crawdads Singfound success in theaters and with audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, undeterred by negative reviews by critics.Where the Crawdads Singis led by Daisy Edgar-Jones, who plays Kya, an isolated girl who is suspected of murder when the dead body of her ex-boyfriend is found. Many fans of Owens' novel eagerly went to theaters to see the familiar story on the big screen and appreciated thepositive changesWhere the Crawdads Singmadeto the book.
Critics, on the other hand, were displeased with the lack of stakes and mysteryin the film’s story. The harsh conditions of Kya’s life, as a result of her physical environment and the company she keeps, aren’t depicted as effectively on screen as they are in the original text. An element ofWhere the Crawdads Singthat critics and audiences could agree on was Edgar-Jones' strong performance.
Man on Fire
Man on Fire is a drama thriller directed by Tony Scott, featuring Denzel Washington as John Creasy, a burned-out ex-CIA operative turned bodyguard. He is hired to protect a young girl, Pita Ramos, played by Dakota Fanning, in Mexico City. As Creasy develops a bond with Pita, he is driven to exact vengeance when she is abducted, showcasing a relentless pursuit for justice against those responsible.
There’s no denying Denzel Washington’s star power inMan on Fire.Washington portrays a former CIA operative, John Creasy, who is fueled by revenge after the young girl (Dakota Fanning) he was tasked with protecting gets kidnapped. Washington and Fanning have a believable connection, leaving audiences conflicted about how they feel about John’s actions. His numerous kills are brutal, but the harm isn’t inflicted on just anyone. His mission to take out the kidnappers makes him a hero in some audiences' eyes, placing John amongWashington’s best action characters.
According to a few reviews, the story is grim and there is little payoff inMan on Fire’s ending to justify its repeated use of violence.
More so, audiences enjoyed all the actionMan on Firedelivers, but critics were exhausted by it. GivingMan on Firea rotten critics' score,many negative reviews deemed the film to be more violent than necessary. According to a few reviews, the story is grim and there is little payoff inMan on Fire’s ending to justify its repeated use of violence.
Grown Ups
Grown Ups follows a group of childhood friends, played by Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, and Rob Schneider, as they reunite for a Fourth of July weekend after their basketball coach passes away. The film explores their nostalgic camaraderie and humorous attempts to reconnect with their families.
Co-written and produced by Adam Sandler,Grown Upshas a stacked cast full of comedic talent.Grown Upssees the reunion of childhood friends following the death of their old basketball coach and what happens next are days full of fun as the adult friends revert to their childlike shenanigans. Sandler is supported by comedic actors like Chris Rock and Rob Schneider, and the energy bounced off one another is infectious, causing audiences to laugh out loud and have a good time.
However, critics view their performances differently.Reviews on Rotten Tomatoes have a shared disappointment in the film as they expected more from the seasoned comedians. Many critics conclude that the immature jokes, though fitting forGrown Ups' characters, quickly become tiresome. Regardless,Grown Upswas a success at the box office and a sequel film was released a few years later, this time earning rotten scores from both critics and audiences.
Venom
Venom is an action sci-fi movie that stars Tom Hardy as the titular Marvel anti-hero. When the Life Foundation begins experimenting on alien lifeforms they find on a comet that landed nearby, Investigative Journalist Eddie Brock begins to investigate them. When an infiltration goes wrong, Eddie finds that one of the aliens has bonded to him, forcing him to learn to live with his new uninvited host. Giving him superhuman powers, the two begin to work together to stop the rest of the symbiote’s invasive species.
Kicking off Sony’s Spider-Man Universe isVenom, starring Tom Hardy as the titular Marvel character.Venomfollows journalist Eddie Brock as he merges with an alien symbiote that gives him superhuman abilities. Hardy earned praise from both critics and audiences for his performance, butVenomwas otherwise reviewed negatively. Still,Venomholds the title of thehighest-grossing film in Sony’s Spider-Man Universeas of now.
Audiences have continued to enjoyVenomfor its standard fun that’s expected of a superhero film, and because of how Hardy handles the two characters, especially when portraying their relationship to one another. Butfor critics,Venomwas just another formulaic superhero filmin a line of conventional releases at the time. To critics,Venom’s poor pacing, restricting PG-13 rating, and uninspired script were enough to discredit the film in its entirety.
