Introduction to Rotten Tomatoes
Rotten Tomatoes is a popular review aggregation website used by millions to gauge the quality of films and television shows. Since its launch in 1998, it has grown into a vital resource for audiences seeking to make informed choices about what to watch. But how exactly does Rotten Tomatoes work? In this article, we’ll demystify the inner workings of this influential platform.
The Basics of Rating System
At the core of Rotten Tomatoes is its unique rating system, which categorizes movies and shows into two primary ratings: the Tomatometer and the Audience Score.
- Tomatometer: This rating represents the percentage of critics who reviewed a film or TV show positively. If a certain percentage (usually set at 60%) of critics give a movie a positive review (typically a score of 3.5 stars or higher on a 5-star scale), it is certified as ‘Fresh’. Anything below this threshold is labeled ‘Rotten’.
- Audience Score: This rating reflects the percentage of regular users who rate the movie positively. Users have five options in total: 5 stars, 4 stars, 3 stars, 2 stars, and 1 star, allowing more individual nuance in audience ratings.
How Reviews Are Collected
Rotten Tomatoes collects reviews from a wide array of critics and audiences, maintaining a database that is both comprehensive and diverse. Here’s how it does it:
- Critics: The website partners with accredited critics, publications, and major film studios to compile reviews. These ‘Tomatometer critics’ are usually established filmmakers, journalists, and notable critics from recognized outlets.
- Audience Reviews: Regular users can contribute ratings and written reviews, which are then aggregated to provide the Audience Score. There is a vetting process to filter out bots and fraudulent reviews, ensuring that audience scores remain credible.
The Role of the Tomatometer
The Tomatometer score is often considered the gold standard for movie quality. It shapes public perception and can directly impact box office performance. For example, consider the release of ‘Black Panther’ in 2018:
- Before its release, ‘Black Panther’ had an astonishing Tomatometer score of 97% from critics, leading to immense anticipation.
- The film went on to gross over $1.3 billion globally, demonstrating that a high Tomatometer score can translate into commercial success.
Case Studies of Success and Failure
Several movies illustrate the considerable influence of Rotten Tomatoes on public interest and box office success:
Success: Paddington 2
Released in 2017, ‘Paddington 2’ achieved a 100% score on the Tomatometer, making it the highest-rated film on the site for over three years. The delightful family film led to an expedited box-office growth, showcasing how critical acclaim can propel popularity.
Failure: The Last Jedi
Conversely, ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ (2017) received a polarized response, leading to a Tomatometer score of around 91% but an Audience Score of only 42%. This discrepancy highlighted the contentious reception among die-hard fans, showcasing how divided opinions can affect future franchise releases.
Impact on Filmmakers and Studios
The scores on Rotten Tomatoes can also influence decisions made by studios and filmmakers:
- Many studios employ PR teams to promote films in ways meant to appeal to critics, aiming for a high Tomatometer score.
- Some filmmakers insist on journalists seeing their films before they are officially released to build favorable early reviews.
The Controversy Surrounding Ratings
While Rotten Tomatoes plays a crucial role in the film industry, it’s not without controversy. Critics argue that:
- The binary rating system oversimplifies nuanced critical opinions.
- High scores can be manipulated through strategic early screenings and targeted reviews, leading to a potential misrepresentation of a film.
These debates highlight the importance of viewing Rotten Tomatoes ratings as just one of many tools in the decision-making process for movie-goers.
Conclusion
Rotten Tomatoes serves as a pivotal platform in film and television reviews, shaping consumer behavior and influencing industry trends. By understanding how it works—balancing critiques from accredited critics with audience feedback—viewers can better navigate their entertainment choices. However, it remains essential to approach ratings critically, appreciating the art behind every film, beyond mere numbers.
