Rotten Tomatoes: Movie & TV Show Reviews, Trailers
Rotten Tomatoes stands as a paramount online aggregator for film and television reviews, influencing how the public perceives and chooses their entertainment. Since its inception in 1998, the platform has become synonymous with providing critical assessments, trailers, news, and a community forum for discussing all things cinema and TV.
How Rotten Tomatoes Works
The core of Rotten Tomatoes lies in its "Tomatometer" score. This percentage reflects the proportion of professional critic reviews that are positive for a given film or television show. A score of 60% or higher indicates a "Fresh" rating, signaling that most critics recommend it. Conversely, a score of 59% or lower results in a "Rotten" rating.
Audience Score
In addition to the Tomatometer, Rotten Tomatoes also presents an audience score, representing the percentage of users who have rated the movie or show positively. This offers a broader perspective, contrasting professional criticism with general viewer sentiment.
Why Rotten Tomatoes Matters
- Influence on Box Office: The Tomatometer score often influences viewers' decisions and, consequently, a movie's box office performance. A high score can drive ticket sales, while a low score might deter potential viewers.
- Credibility: Despite debates about review aggregation, Rotten Tomatoes is generally considered a credible source due to its wide range of critics and clear scoring system.
- Comprehensive Information: Beyond scores, the site offers trailers, news, and editorial content, making it a one-stop destination for entertainment information.
Controversies and Criticisms
Rotten Tomatoes is not without its critics. Some argue that reducing a film's critical reception to a single percentage oversimplifies the nuances of film criticism. Others point to potential biases in the critic pool or the impact of coordinated online campaigns to manipulate audience scores.
Impact of "Rotten" Scores
There have been instances where films with low Tomatometer scores have performed well commercially, suggesting that critical reception isn't the only determinant of success. However, a "Rotten" rating can undoubtedly create negative publicity and affect initial viewership.
The Future of Rotten Tomatoes
As media consumption evolves, Rotten Tomatoes continues to adapt, expanding its coverage to streaming content and exploring new ways to present critical information. While debates about its influence persist, its role as a central hub for film and television reviews remains firmly in place.
Check out the latest Tomatometer scores and decide for yourself what to watch next!
