Key Takeaways:
– Critics’ harsh feedback on films like Brendan Fraser-starrer ‘The Mummy’, ‘Uncharted’, ‘Bullet Train’, and ‘Saw’ was often contradicted by audience reception and box office success.
– Factors such as thematic resonance, entertainment value, and popularity of the actors often contributed to the audience’s positive reception.
– Viewers’ ability to enjoy rather than dissect a film played a part in this divergence of opinion.
As evident from instances like the response to Brendan Fraser’s ‘The Mummy’, audience and critical reception to films often does not align, with several movies recording robust box office numbers despite scathing reviews. These disparities are commonly down to aspects such as thematic resonance with moviegoers, entertainment value, or the appeal of the cast.
1. ‘Uncharted’ (2022): Audiences Brave Critics’ Derision
Despite critics’ dismissal of Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg’s ‘Uncharted’ as a disability-dull repetition of notable adventure films, the action flick resonated with the audience, garnering $407.1 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo. The sequel is expected if Holland and Wahlberg reprise their roles. The film’s 40% Tomatometer versus the 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes starkly showcased the variation.
2. ‘Bullet Train’ (2022): Riding High Despite Criticisms
Brad Pitt’s ‘Bullet Train’ may have taken a critical beating for its derivative themes, but audiences seemed to enjoy the turbulent journey. Despite being labelled ‘soulless’ and ‘tedious’ by the critics, the film cashed in $239.3 million at the box office and scored a respectable 76% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
3. ‘Saw’ (2004): Slashing Through Critical Barriers
Despite its initial lukewarm critical reception, with a mere 50% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, James Wan’s ‘Saw’ franchise has become a cultural icon. Supported by a solid fanbase, the original film garnered $103.9 million at the box office.
4. ‘Mamma Mia!’ (2008): Singing its Way to Success
While critics dismissed ‘Mamma Mia!’ as unnecessarily camp, the musical managed to captivate its audience, harmonizing its way to a staggering $694.6 million at the box office, despite a 55% critic versus a robust 66% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
5. ‘Step Up’ (2006): Dancing Past Critical Appraisal
The dance-oriented film ‘Step Up’ featuring ex-couple Jenna Dewan and Channing Tatum emerged as a crowd-pleaser, despite negative critic reviews that slammed its acting and dialogue. However, the film spun into a successful franchise, raking in $114.2 million at the box office.
6. ‘Empire Records’ (1995): Cult Hit in Spite of Initial Failure
Critics and theatrical audiences initially dismissed ‘Empire Records’, which grossed an underwhelming $303,841 at the box office. However, the teen flick featuring Liv Tyler and Renée Zellweger later became a cult hit and spurred successful Hollywood careers.
7. ‘National Treasure’ (2004): A Treasure in Audience’s Hearts
Nicolas Cage’s historian-turn-treasure-hunter saga ‘National Treasure’ may have been panned by the critics (46% critics score), but audiences cherished the adventure enough for it to yield $347 million and inspire a sequel and a Disney+ series.
8. ‘Constantine’ (2005): Winning Hearts Despite Critical Alienation
Despite Keanu Reeves’ portrayal of John Constantine initially repelling critics, the film garnered a 72% audience score and achieved cult status years post its release. A sequel is reportedly in the making.
9. ‘Venom’ (2018): Striking Gold Despite Venomous Critiques
Sony’s Tom Hardy-starrer ‘Venom’ shrugged off its negative reviews and rushed second half to reap a massive $856.1 million worldwide, and earn an audience score of 80% on Rotten Tomatoes.
10. ‘The Mummy’ (1999): Casting its Spell Despite Critics’ Eye Rolls
Even though ‘The Mummy’ didn’t wow the critics, the audiences loved the Indiana Jones-style adventure resulting in it grossing $416.4 million globally and inspiring several sequels and spinoff films.
As showcased here, critical reviews, while influential, often prove secondary to an audience’s love for a film. This divergence in moviegoers’ and critics’ perspectives provides an insightful window into the vast, diverse, and complex movie appreciation landscape.
