On the occasion of the establishment of the dimension out of 10 to The Press, we asked you how much importance you give to the rating assigned to a work by critics. Here is a sample of your answers.
Posted yesterday at 8:00 a.m.
“I attach great importance to the ratings of the journalists of The Press. For 20 years, I have been writing down all the films that have had good reviews and that interest me in a notebook. I have thus retained more than 2,500 films over the past 20 years, not all of them masterpieces, we agree. On this, I have seen at least 2000. […] I must be the only one doing this… but I see bloody good cinema. »
Daniel Bergeron
“Criticism is a guide. I know I often have opinions similar to those of the two Marcs, Émilie Côté and Chantal Guy. Thus, when their reviews are favorable, it confirms my choices. It also encourages me to discover works that they appreciate. However, the decision to listen to, watch or read a work is also often guided by the subject matter, quite simply. Sometimes, it will be our fan status alone that will push us there and, in this case, the criticisms have little influence. »
Kim O’Connor
“I’m glad you’re moving to the out of 10 rating system for reviews, because a 3 out of 5 stars in The Press often puzzled me: am I going to spend $12.50 to see this movie? Yes, I take the time to read every movie review in The Press and yes, I focus on the rating given, including the sites where moviegoers assign the rating. I like when I come out of the film saying to myself: “Yes, it was well worth the 6 [ou le 8] out of 10 given to him!” »
Sophie L. Lefebvre
“What importance do I give to ratings in reviews of cultural products? Mmmm… 7 out of 10. It’s not the first factor. My interest in the subject, the story, the cast, the director and the screenwriter come first. On the other hand, a rating of 5 or less is almost a guarantee that I will not consume this product, regardless of its artisans. This is where ratings play an economic role (I can’t afford to go see everything, unfortunately). »
Claude Lacroix
“I generally prefer to read reviews only after seeing the film, just to compare my impressions with those of the reviewer. There are several reasons for going to see a film or not: the actors, the director, the subject, the synchronicity of this one with the news, or just the need of the moment (to think or to be entertained). Some critics are still correct when they take these different points into account. But that remains the opinion of a single person, and no one has quite the same outlook or the same tools for analyzing a film. Better make up your own mind. I prefer to read an article (or listen to an interview) with a director or an actor or an actress who talks about a project that is close to their heart. »
Normand Senechal
“I love reading reviews. We get to know them. We understand what they like and what they like less. Some have their bindings. As you get older, you realize that you are in thick butter to make yourself interesting when you are young. On the other hand, when we reread each other after several years… I read The PressMediafilm, The GuardianRotten Tomatoes and sometimes The duty. Afterwards, I have a good idea if the film will please me. The same goes for music, theater and books. It is important to be informed. Unless you like surprises, good or bad, like criticism. I still can’t believe that Cassivi liked it so much The grain and the mule… And then Bela Tarr! Come on ! »
Eric Arsenault
“Being mostly a fan of horror films and blockbusters, I know that critics are not always kind to these films, so I confess that I do not always take this into account. If the trailer hooks me, I’ll most likely find myself in front of the big screen to see it. »
Patrice Gagne
“You ask what importance we attribute to the rating out of 10. For my part, I do not attach any importance to it. It’s more by reading the review that I get an idea about a work and I will look for at least two sources before choosing to go see a film or a show. I find that the call number is a simplistic shortcut to get an idea of a work, just like the favorites of bookstores. We no longer take the trouble to read the review, we look at the rating. Thus, I prefer that there are no ratings. »
Anne Dumouchel
“Too often for seasoned cinephiles, this famous note. Too often, I like low-rated movies, and get bored with higher-rated movies. Do I have such bad taste? Nope ! Movies aren’t all made to be masterpieces, but to appeal to a wide audience, like me, the average movie buff! The harshest review I read was about the Quebec film 2 frogs in the West, by Dany Papineau. However, this film had been in my eyes a jewel, a real entertainment. »
Alexandre Brissette