Back in early October, just after the release of Body of Lies, I was trolling around reading several of the reviews the film had received. Body of Lies has a 50% Rotten Tomatoes ranking so I knew it was going to be a mixed bag and since I liked it to the tune of a B+ grade I was interested in seeing what other reviewers had to say and why so many were being hard on it.

I danced around from here to there when I landed on Owen Gleiberman's review at Entertainment Weekly. I had remembered Gleiberman's name from when I had to do a little custom skin for RopeofSilicon to promote Hamlet 2. His "Dementedly Hilarious" was in big bold letters on the theatrical standee for the film and I had to incorporate it into my work. As we all know, if "Entertainment Weekly" likes it then it must be good. Well, does that mean since Gleiberman didn't like Body of Lies you shouldn't go see it?

I am not choosing his review randomly, although it seems that way now since the comments attached to his review have somehow disappeared (and I should know because I left one).

His review, when originally posted, was labeled as a D+ and has since changed to a C- and when originally posted there was a comment associated with the review that said, "Well that's too bad, I guess I won't be seeing this one and I was looking forward to it." I am sure that is not exactly how it read, but it doesn't really matter because some variation of that statement has been posted many times before I am sure, but the problem is that no matter if Owen Gleiberman, myself or any random schmoe gives a film a bad review that shouldn't effect whether or not you go see it. Everyone has different tastes and with the world we now live in there are going to be many opportunities for you to read a review far in advance of a film's release, but that isn't always going to be to your benefit. Of course, saying this on the same day I publish my review of Quantum of Solace two weeks in advance may not be the best promotion, but it's true.

On top of that, just because someone writes for a major publication it doesn't necessarily mean they have the ability to make a judgment on movies. Just read Gleiberman's review of Let the Right One In, and don't judge it based on his "C" grade, judge it on the fact he dedicated a paragraph to a film that deserves more whether you liked it or not. This is a guy considered a "Top Critic" at Rotten Tomatoes, a guy that made at least one person not go see Body of Lies and a guy that should be able to at least put down a couple hundred words for a vampire flick many are calling one of the best ever. The film's quality really has no bearing here though, a dedication to your audience is what's at stake.

I have a hard time believing I would ever effect someone's decision to see a movie. However, I hope I inspire a few people to think about what they have seen. And even more importantly, I hope I am able to encourage some people to see a movie they otherwise may have skipped because it didn't fit into their typical movie going niche. This is why I sometimes review certain films last, such as when I posted my review for I've Loved You So Long last when reviewing three other films that same day. My hope was to encourage at least one person to take notice of that film since so many will never even see it.

The role of a film critic is interesting. The title seems to imply criticism, and there is certainly a level of criticism in every review, but the position should be looked at by the public simply as an opening for consideration and discussion. You should never let a critic tell you what not to see based on their review, especially if you have any urge to see a specific movie in the first place. However, by all means, allow a critic to talk you into seeing a film you otherwise may pass over.

So, definitely go see Body of Lies if you are interested (or even a film such as the critically panned Max Payne for that matter). Why should critical opinion stop you? But, if you have the time, it wouldn't hurt to add a film such as I've Loved You So Long into the mix as well. You may be surprised at how much you like it.

Related post categories: Editorials, Reviews : Body of Lies, Let the Right One In

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