The gap between critic and fan responses to major films has been growing. There is no one "consensus" on either side, but lately we've seen more examples of critics loving a film while the audience slams it. On the flip side, if critics dislike a film, many fans seem to like it. Since the critics' reviews are posted first, some fans may be reacting to the expectations, thinking, "Well, it's not THAT good/bad."
Over at Rotten Tomatoes, the new Will Smith Netflix movie "Bright" currently has a 33 percent rating but an 89 percent Audience Score. That's a massive divide.
Sometimes it pays to put fans in defense mode before they even see the movie.
Director David Ayer is no stranger to this dynamic. His "Suicide Squad" got a 26 percent rating from critics and 61 percent from fans. He's taking the "Bright" criticism in stride:
This is going on my fridge. Highest compliment is a strong reaction either way. This is a f*cking epic review. It's a big fun movie. You can sure string words together Mr. Erlich. I'd love to read any script you've written.
— David Ayer (@DavidAyerMovies) December 21, 2017
you're a good man, mr. Ayer. i'll be waiting with fresh eyes for whatever comes next.
— david ehrlich (@davidehrlich) December 21, 2017
The critic vs. fan divide continued as more reactions poured in:
Bruh!!!! I would've watched this in theaters. I was truly engaged. Great compelling action crime drama fantasy. I need that sequel now. @BrightNetflix to me is a kickass fusion of Lord of the Rings meets Colors. Nothing like this has been seen before so go watch it #BrightMovie
— Joseph Jackson (@Roninjoegenji85) December 22, 2017
@netflix #BrightMovie #BrightNetflix #Bright Just finished watching Netflix's Bright. Absolutely fantastic movie. Original concept. Stellar cast. Visually stunning. Great marriage of practical and cgi effects. Directed by David Ayer. This is a TOTAL home run! More of this please!
— J.E.Roberts (@JEROBERTSONLINE) December 22, 2017
Such a good film! Don't understand the hate for this. Good and proper entertainment and in a shiny new universe. Love it! #BrightMovie
— Nic (@Noodleliciouso) December 22, 2017
I don't what to come over all anti streaming conspiracy amongst critics, but #BrightMovie is really very good indeed.
— Richmond Clements (@richclements) December 22, 2017
Watched #BrightMovie tonight. Thought it was good. Enjoyed it. I think it would have been better served as a TV series - 12/14 episodes would have been perfect.
— Marc also Santa (@Feline_Rampage) December 22, 2017
Wasn't expecting too much from @BrightNetflix but I was pleasantly surprised.. I got heavily involved in the majority of the characters, especially @LucyFry and Noomi Rapace.. well done @netflix @NetflixUK #BrightMovie #BrightNetflix
— chris mitchell (@Christoffmitch) December 22, 2017
@BrightNetflix #BrightNetflix #BrightMovie @theomegafiles @DoctorFreedom1 Bright is a good movie, loved the chemistry between Daryl Ward, Nick Jakoby & Tikka. Loved the music helped with the flow of the movie. Not a fan of the cussing but I will watch again. Rating: 8.5/10
— Lady Neo90 (@lady_neo90) December 22, 2017
The humour was well used, it was visually pleasing, the performances were great, a great story on race, and being mixed race too, from Nick Jakoby's story. That was actually really great, I hope @DavidAyerMovies returns for the sequel. #BrightMovie
— Dennis (@DenTehsupercow) December 22, 2017
"Bright" was released on Netflix on December 22. What did you think of it?
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