10 Movies The Critics Were Wrong About
Critics were WAY off the mark on these films.
Much as many folk (wrongly) think that film critics are an outdated, even useless commodity these days, they can serve the purpose of helping shape a consensus on a movie, and also spotlight unsung greatness that's slipped below the radar.
And while opinions are just that, there are certainly times where the critical consensus is deemed way off the mark by the overwhelming majority of regular moviegoers.
To be blunt, sometimes the critics just get things totally wrong - perhaps a film was boldly ahead of its time, or maybe critics were just out for blood for some unforeseen reason.
Whatever the means, these 10 movies have all withstood the test of time better than anyone who panned it could've surely expected.
Each remains fondly recalled by audiences at large, proving that while reviewers can be a deeply valuable resource, they don't have the last, definitive word on what's good and what isn't.
Again, opinions are nothing more than opinions - including this one - but it's also worth noting that the chasm between critical and audience verdict on these movies is absolutely colossal.
If you were deterred by the Rotten Tomatoes scores of these films, maybe give them a go anyway...
10. Law Abiding Citizen
If you like your revenge movies hard-edged and mean-spirited, Law Abiding Citizen is a thoroughly entertaining ride - for the most part.
Gerard Butler gives one of his finest scenery-chewing performances as a man trying to quite literally set the criminal justice system ablaze following the murders of his wife and daughter.
Though fundamentally ridiculous and about as subtle as a brick to the face, this is a deliriously chaotic, unapologetically lurid B-movie that feels like Death Wish by way of Saw.
But hoo boy, did critics hate it or what? Law Abiding Citizen sits at a brutal 26%, with many reviewers criticising its unpleasant tone and convoluted narrative.
One can't help but imagine today's era of film critics, who have shown themselves to be decidedly more open to some over-the-top camp, would look upon the film far more favourably, even if its wildly complained-about ending undeniably brings the party to a lackluster conclusion.
Still, there's good reason that fans of junky R-rated thrillers are still banging the drum for this one 15 years later.