Is 70 percent Rotten Tomatoes good?

Is 70% on Rotten Tomatoes Good? Deconstructing the Tomato Meter

Rotten Tomatoes, with its instantly recognizable tomato iconography, has become a ubiquitous symbol of film criticism. But what does a score of 70% actually mean? Is it a resounding success, a lukewarm endorsement, or something in between? The answer, like most things in the world of subjective art, is nuanced.

A score above 70% on Rotten Tomatoes generally suggests a positive critical reception. It means that a majority of critics who reviewed the film gave it a positive rating. This can be a useful benchmark, offering a quick snapshot of the film’s overall critical standing. It suggests the film likely avoided major critical panning and likely possesses at least some noteworthy qualities. For an independent film or a smaller-budget production, a 70% score might even be considered a triumph.

However, it’s crucial to understand that 70% doesn’t automatically equate to cinematic brilliance. It sits firmly in the “fresh” zone, but far from the “certified fresh” territory often associated with truly exceptional films (generally exceeding 90%). That higher threshold signals a widespread and enthusiastic critical consensus. A film scoring above 90% has not only avoided significant negative criticism, but has earned substantial praise from a broad spectrum of critics, suggesting a significant artistic achievement or a unique and compelling cinematic experience.

Therefore, while a 70% rating suggests a film is likely worth watching, it’s important to consider several factors before basing your viewing decision solely on this number. These include:

• Your personal taste: Critical consensus doesn’t always align with individual preferences. A film that scores highly with critics might still not resonate with you personally.
• The type of film: A 70% for a high-budget action blockbuster might be considered less impressive than the same score for an independent art-house film. Context is key.
• The critics themselves: Rotten Tomatoes aggregates reviews, but the individual critics behind those reviews vary widely in their tastes and methodologies. Consider looking at some individual reviews to get a more nuanced understanding.
• Audience scores: While not as rigorously vetted, audience scores can offer a contrasting perspective to critical opinion and highlight aspects critics might have overlooked.

In conclusion, a 70% Rotten Tomatoes score is a decent indicator of a generally well-received film. It suggests a positive critical response, but it’s far from a guarantee of a masterpiece. It’s a useful data point, but shouldn’t be the sole factor determining whether or not you choose to watch a movie. Use it as one piece of the puzzle, alongside your own research and personal preferences, to inform your cinematic choices.