(Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Paramount Pictures)Last week-end, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen was the biggest box office draw in the U.S. grossing over $200 million domestically, since it's opening on June 24 making it the second best opening of any film in the history of filmaking behind The Dark Knight. Of course, to many of its legions of fans that really wasn't a surprise because its predecessor was the 5th most successful film in 2007 eventually grossing more than $700 million worldwide.
But records and box office profits aside, what really makes the sequel to Transformers unique is the fact that it was essentially panned by critics. Even esteemed movie critic, Roger Ebert went so far as to give it one star and advise hapless movie goers to "go into the kitchen, cue up a male choir singing the music of hell, and get a kid to start banging pots and pans together. Then close your eyes and use your imagination."
I love Roger Ebert and even watched Siskel & Ebert every week for several years. Of course, I watched more to see them argue over a movie rather than deciding what movie I was going to watch over the weekend. And I guess, the Transformer franchise's legions of fans felt the same way this past week thus widening the gulf between what reviewers and paying customers actually like. And according to Paramount's exit polls 91% of movie goers felt the sequel was better than the first.
So this brings me to the question: Do book reviews and their critics really carry that much weight when you're making a purchase? Or is it just entertainment? As an author, book reviews whether good or bad is great publicity:)
Weigh in by taking my poll or leaving a comment....
Koko Brown
http://www.kokobrown.net/
http://cocobuttr72.blogspot.com/
