Welcome to the complete guide to Rotten Tomatoes! In this document, we will explore everything you need to know about Rotten, from its background and history to how it works and how it impacts the film industry.

Background and History of Rotten Tomatoes

It was founded in 1998 by Senh Duong, a computer programmer and film buff. It started out as a hobby website where Duong and his friends would post reviews and ratings of films they had seen. The name “Rotten Tomatoes” was inspired by the old practice of throwing rotten at bad performances in theater.

In 2000, Rotten Tomatoes caught the attention of IGN Entertainment Inc., who bought a minority stake in the website. This partnership helped Rotten grow its user base and expand its content.

In 2004, Flixster, a social networking site for movie lovers, acquired Rotten from IGN Entertainment Inc. This acquisition helped Rotten Tomatoes become one of the most influential film review aggregators on the internet.

How Rotten Tomatoes Works

Rotten Tomatoes uses a unique system to calculate its ratings, known as the “Tomatometer”. This system collects reviews from accredited critics and calculates the percentage of positive reviews for a film.

A film with a high percentage of positive reviews will receive a “Certified Fresh” designation, while one with mostly negative reviews receives a “Rotten” label. The Tomatometer score is often used by moviegoers to determine whether a film is worth watching or not.

Impact on the Film Industry

It has become a powerful force in the film industry, with its ratings and reviews heavily influencing audience perception and box office success. A high Rotten Tomatoes score can lead to increased ticket sales, while a low score can result in a film’s failure.

However, the website has received criticism for its impact on the film industry. Some argue that Rotten Tomatoes oversimplifies the complexity of film criticism and reduces it to a binary rating system. Others believe that it unfairly affects smaller independent films that may not receive as many reviews compared to big-budget blockbusters.

The Evolution of Rotten Tomatoes

Over the years, Rotten Tomatoes has adapted to changes in the film industry. In 2019, the website introduced a new verified audience score feature, where users can only rate and review films if they have purchased a ticket through Fandango.

This was done in response to criticism of fake or manipulated user ratings that could potentially harm a film’s reputation. It also expanded its ratings to include TV shows and streaming content, reflecting the changing landscape of media consumption.

Beyond Movie Ratings

While Rotten Tomatoes is primarily known for its film ratings, the website has also expanded into other areas. It now features articles and interviews with filmmakers, as well as a database of upcoming releases and box office data.

It also offers a community platform for users to discuss and debate films.Additionally, It has begun incorporating diversity and inclusion metrics into its ratings, with the goal of promoting more diverse perspectives and voices in the film industry. 

This expansion highlights the website’s commitment to not just being a rating system, but also a source of information and discussion for all things film-related.

The Impact of Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten has undoubtedly had a significant impact on the film industry. Its ratings and scores can heavily influence audience perception and ultimately affect box office success.

This has led to some filmmakers and studios attempting to manipulate or discredit the website’s ratings in order to protect their films’ reputations. However, It remains a trusted source for many moviegoers and continues to shape the conversation surrounding new releases.

The Future of Film Ratings

As media consumption continues to evolve, so too will film ratings. Rotten is constantly adapting and expanding its platform to reflect these changes. With the rise of streaming services and non-traditional release methods, it may become even more challenging to accurately measure a film’s success and impact.

Nevertheless, Rotten Tomatoes remains a vital tool for audiences seeking to make informed decisions about their entertainment choices. As long as there is an appetite for movies, there will be a need for trusted sources like it to navigate the ever-changing landscape of film ratings. 

So while some may criticize its influence, it cannot be denied that Rotten Tomatoes has solidified its place in the world of cinema and will continue to shape the industry for years to come.

Conclusion

The impact of Rotten Tomatoes goes beyond just assigning a score to a film. It has become a cultural phenomenon and an essential part of the movie-watching experience for many people. As long as it continues to adapt and evolve alongside the ever-changing world of film, its influence will continue to be felt in the industry. So whether you love it or hate it, Rotten Tomatoes is here to stay.  

So the next time you’re deciding on which movie to watch, remember that a score on Rotten is just one piece of the puzzle and it’s up to you to decide whether or not a film is worth watching. 

After all, as the saying goes, “one person’s rotten tomato could be another person’s hidden gem.” So keep watching, keep rating, and keep the film industry thriving. The future of Rotten Tomatoes is ripe with potential and we can’t wait to see where it takes us next. 

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