Wondering if a Rotten Tomatoes score of 90% is good? Well, let's dive into the intriguing world of movie reviews and ratings to find out.
Before we proceed, it's crucial to understand what Rotten Tomatoes is and how its scoring system works. Rotten Tomatoes, a popular review aggregator website, collects and publishes reviews from hundreds of film critics across the globe. The widely recognized 'Tomatometer' score is then calculated based on the percentage of positive reviews.
The Art of Rotten Tomatoes Scoring
The Tomatometer score you see on Rotten Tomatoes is a culmination of critical reviews, giving you an overall sense of a movie's quality. However, it's essential to note that the scoring isn't a direct reflection of the audience's opinion or a straightforward summation of all reviews.
What's considered a 'good' score, then? Well, that's where things get interesting.
Supplier of Reviews or Arbiters of Taste?
Some argue that Rotten Tomatoes merely supplies reviews, with scores serving as a helpful guide rather than definitive proof of a movie's quality. A well-reviewed movie can, however, indicate high production values, engaging storytelling, and notable performances.
On the flip side, those who view Rotten Tomatoes as arbiters of taste might see a score like 90% as an almost unanimous endorsement of a film's excellence. For them, a score this high implies critical acclaim and, likely, a movie worth seeing.
The 60% Rule
Rotten Tomatoes itself suggests movies with a 75% or higher score as fresh and worth seeing. Given this, a 90% rating puts a film in an even more elite category. While most viewers might be satisfied with 'fresh' movies, those seeking critical darlings might insist on scores higher than 75%.
Consider this: a 90% score is held by critically acclaimed films like " Parasite," "Moonlight," and "Get Out." It's safe to say that movies with such scores are often highly regarded and deserve your attention.
Beyond the Numbers: A Tale of Two Ratings
The critical consensus score accompanies every movie's Tomatometer score. Composed by Rotten Tomatoes' editorial staff, this synopsis sums up the reviews' crux. It adds another layer to understanding a movie's reception, offering insight beyond the raw percentages.
A '90% fresh' rating coupled with a positive critical consensus can bolster confidence in a movie. However, reading the full reviews can provide deeper context and help you make an informed decision.
Audience Score: A Different Tale
While the Tomatometer score reflects critics' opinions, the Audience Score takes viewers' reviews into account. Audience members may love or hate a movie for reasons that differ from critics, leading to a score discrepancy.
For instance, a "6.5" rated movie on IMDb might receive an 85% Rotten Tomatoes score and a mere 50% Audience Score. This mismatch highlights the importance of considering both critic and audience ratings when evaluating a movie.
So, is 90% on Rotten Tomatoes good? In a nutshell, yes. It suggests that a majority of professional critics liked the movie, making it a safe bet for viewers seeking quality entertainment. But remember, movie tastes are subjective. Always check the critical consensus and audience score for a more complete picture.