Critique of Entertainment Media and Documentaries
It seems like the entertainment media has reached a new low—more hateful, bigoted, and elitist than the political media.
A prime example is the documentary Melania, which focuses on First Lady Melania Trump. It has already achieved the highest box office opening weekend for a documentary in the last decade, yet it holds a dismal 6 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.
In contrast, the show “Normal People” boasts a 98% freshness score, leading to a striking 92 percent disparity between audience reactions and critic reviews.
I’m not diving into research today—it’s the weekend, and I plan to enjoy some TV—but I vaguely recall this might be the largest gap ever seen on Rotten Tomatoes.
Speaking of context, let’s look back at the 2020 documentary Will It Be?. Critics hailed it with a 93 percent rating, while average viewers rated it at just 57 percent.
Another one, the 2016 film Southside with You, which presented Barry and Michelle Obama’s courtship, received a 92 percent from critics but only a 71% from viewers.
Then there’s the 2017 documentary Final Year about Obama’s last days in office—also loved by critics with an 83 percent rating, but average viewers weren’t impressed, giving it a mere 49%.
On the flip side, Melania has a rating on CinemaScore.
One issue critics face is their political biases. Many critics lean left, leading to a disconnect when a film challenges their viewpoint. Instead of constructive criticism, we often face emotional outbursts.
For instance, a review described the film as lacking substance, claiming it merely showcases Melania removing her heels and draws attention to trivial details rather than meaningful stories.
Amidst this, the review points out more serious issues, like violence and societal strife, while noting that those involved in the film seem detached from the pressing problems of the moment.
It’s worth mentioning that under the previous administration, severe policies like putting children in cages were very real.
Another review highlighted the apparent disconnection of tech moguls like Jeff Bezos, criticizing the prioritization of profit and fame while crucial societal issues take a backseat.
As for the critics, their repetitive reviews tell us about their personal biases rather than the film itself. It’s frustrating to see such a lack of thoughtful evaluation.
As a side note, I once wrote a glowing review about a film that was, let’s say, less than favorable in mainstream views.
Borrowed Time, my first novel, received praise from readers. You can find more details about it elsewhere.
