Rotten Tomatoes, a name synonymous with film and television reviews, has become a ubiquitous presence in the entertainment landscape. Launched in 1998 by Senh Duong, Patrick Y. Lee, and Stephen Wang, the site aggregates reviews from a vast network of critics, providing a snapshot of critical consensus and shaping audience perception.
The core of Rotten Tomatoes lies in its unique scoring system. Each review is categorized as either “fresh” (positive) or “rotten” (negative). A “fresh” rating indicates the critic generally enjoyed the film, while a “rotten” rating suggests the opposite. The Tomatometer, represented by a percentage, reflects the proportion of positive reviews. A movie with 60% or higher is considered “fresh” and earns a red tomato icon. Below 60%, the film is deemed “rotten” and receives a splattered green tomato icon. A coveted “Certified Fresh” badge is awarded to films that meet certain criteria, including a consistent high Tomatometer score and a sufficient number of reviews from top critics.
Alongside the Tomatometer, Rotten Tomatoes also features an audience score, providing a gauge of general audience reaction. This score, displayed as a percentage, is based on user ratings submitted directly to the site. The audience score often differs from the Tomatometer, reflecting the divergent tastes and priorities of professional critics versus casual moviegoers. This discrepancy can spark debate, particularly when a film receives poor critical reviews but enjoys strong audience approval, or vice versa.
The influence of Rotten Tomatoes on the film industry is undeniable. Studios closely monitor Tomatometer scores, as a high rating can significantly boost box office revenue. Conversely, a low score can deter potential viewers and impact a film’s overall success. This pressure has led to concerns about studios potentially tailoring their marketing strategies to appeal to the perceived tastes of critics, or even attempting to influence reviews.
Despite its popularity and influence, Rotten Tomatoes has faced criticism. Some argue that its binary “fresh” or “rotten” categorization is overly simplistic, failing to capture the nuances and complexities of critical opinion. Others contend that the site’s focus on aggregate scores can overshadow individual reviews and limit the depth of film criticism. Furthermore, the audience score has been criticized for being susceptible to manipulation through coordinated campaigns and review bombing, where groups deliberately flood the site with negative reviews for ideological or personal reasons.
Despite these criticisms, Rotten Tomatoes remains a powerful tool for moviegoers and industry professionals alike. It provides a convenient and accessible way to gauge critical consensus and audience sentiment. While it’s important to consider the limitations of its scoring system and the potential for manipulation, Rotten Tomatoes serves as a valuable resource for navigating the ever-expanding world of film and television, empowering viewers to make informed decisions about what to watch.
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