Have you ever been glad you listened to me?
A reader named Dan posted a comment on my review of “The Lookout” over the weekend that said, in part:
I watched this film last night, purely on Eric’s recommendation during a podcast. A wonderful film, beautifully acted and shot…. Thanks Eric for the tip.
Friends, that’s the kind of comment that does a movie critic’s heart good. The point of film reviewing (at least from my perspective) is to help people enjoy movies more. That means steering them away from the ones that aren’t worthwhile, and reminding them of the ones that are. Obviously a review can only reflect my personal opinion, but ideally you can use my comments to determine whether or not you would enjoy the movie yourself.
So when I hear that someone saw a movie solely on my recommendation, and that they loved it — well, it makes me go all warm and fuzzy inside. It’s nice to hear feedback of any kind (just so I know I’m not just talking to myself), but that kind is especially nice.
And now I hope it won’t be TOO self-indulgent (I know it is at least a little bit) to solicit more testimonials. Have you ever seen a film specifically because I recommended it — one that you probably wouldn’t have seen otherwise — and wound up loving it? Post a comment and tell us about it!
(If the opposite has happened — you saw a film on my advice and HATED it — hang on to that. We’ll talk about those later.)
March 3rd, 2008 at 11:11 am
This is actually the opposite kind of thanks: I was going to see Walking Tall when you (metaphorically) slapped me in the face with your review and made me come to my senses. Thank you for saving me!
I suspect there are more people who are grateful you exposed a movie for how bad it is and saved them the time and money they’d spend on discovering the fact themselves than people who saw a movie purely on your recommendation and loved it. Maybe I think that because there seem to be more terrible movies than great ones.
March 3rd, 2008 at 11:23 am
The ones I can think off offhand are:
Hairspray
Stardust
Juno
I use you more of a stamp of approval for movies that I’ll see. If someone invites me to a movie, I look at the rating, the synopsis, check its tomameter reading, and then check to see what you gave it. If you give it a C or lower, I am skeptical. If it’s a B- or higher, I figure that it can’t be too bad. And if you give anything an A- or A, then it is automatically added as a movie that I should think about watching.
March 3rd, 2008 at 11:42 am
ALL my movie-watching is affected by your reviews. I never see a movie without knowing the score you gave it. Generally I use it to avoid films, but I think “Oh Brother Where Art Thou” might’ve been one that I saw solely on your recommendation, and subsequently loved.
I think that’s why I’m extra-testy when we don’t agree. I think our biggest discrepancies are along the lines of you saying a movie was crap, and I think the movie was FLAMING crap.
March 3rd, 2008 at 11:46 am
I don’t get to go out to too many movies, so knowing which ones are worth my time is important. The tomato meter is a good measuring stick, but I find my personal taste in movies is a bit more like Eric’s than critics in general. For instance, Mr. Magorium’s movie did not score that well on the tomato meter, but Eric liked it. So my wife and I went and thoroughly enjoyed the movie. And both my wife and I loved the Dark is Rising books, and were interested in going to see the movie, but thankfully were warned by Eric that it was not very good. After reading complaints by fans of the books about how the filmmakers warped the core story, we were pleased that we had followed Eric’s advice.
Thanks, Eric.
March 3rd, 2008 at 12:35 pm
I have found that I agree completely with your reviews on maybe 95% of the movies I have seen recently and for which I have also read your review. The other 5% have been little nitpicky things, too. I am happy to have found a critic whose tastes and opinions in movies are so closely aligned with mine.
As for movies that I would normally not have seen, but did see after reading your review, the two most recent were Waitress and Stardust. I ended up really enjoying both of them, despite the fact that I heard almost nothing about them in the major media outside of this website.
A recent movie that looked interesting anyway, but was reinforced by your review was Vantage Point. All in all, Eric, you steer me toward good movies often. Thanks much.
March 3rd, 2008 at 12:43 pm
My family loved “Saints and Soldiers,” which automatically made me think it was crap. I refused to see it solely based on their recommendation (these are he people who swear stuff like “The Pacifier” is quality entertainment). That is, until I read your review. I own it now. One of the best war films I’ve seen. So thank you for that one.
Also, as I recall, I sought your advice in looking for any good Canadian-made films and you pointed me in the direction of “Felicia’s Journey” with Bob Hoskins. That was a creepy-as-hell beautiful piece of filmmaking. You were right on the money with that one. Thanks!
March 3rd, 2008 at 12:47 pm
P.S. My family is the also among those who LOVED The Singles Ward because “it’s so funny because it’s true!” *Sigh*
March 3rd, 2008 at 1:18 pm
The Hours
Thank you, thank you. I have a hard time expressing the impact this movie had on me. I watched it a couple of years after it came out after looking at movies you had given an A. I’m sure there are others, but this one stands out.
March 3rd, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Well, Eric, you and Ebert are my two movie go-to guys. I can’t remember specific instances, but I generally give the same weight to reviews by you as I do to those by the Big Guy… don’t you feel even warmer and fuzzier now?
Wait, I do have a specific instance. After reading reviews of 3:10 to Yuma by you and Ebert, I determined to see it, but never got around to it until a few days ago. I thought it was pretty lame, but remembered both you and him giving the film a good review, and had to re-read both of them to find out why I was so stupid, because SURELY I had missed something.
March 3rd, 2008 at 1:22 pm
you will often find me standing in front of my local Redbox, blackberry in hand, with your movie review page open. i generally don’t like to read the reviews until after i’ve seen the movie, but if i’m wondering whether or not i want to see something, i’ll generally pick it up if you’ve given it at least a B.
March 3rd, 2008 at 1:42 pm
I had no intention of seeing Hairspray due to the fact that I hated the original movie. After reading you review I changed my mind and went to see it. It is one of my favorite movies of all time! It just makes me so happy. Thank you for that.
I also saw Waitress, New York Doll and Stardust solely on your recommendation. I thoroughly enjoyed all of them.
March 3rd, 2008 at 1:50 pm
“Waitress” is the first that comes to mind but I know there are many examples beyond that that I can’t think of. I originally discovered your site going on 5 years ago when I found your review of the disastrous “Day of Defense.” It had the opposite effect on me…It sounded so bad that I had to see it (And I can remember still kicking myself during the showing for laughing till I cried over how bad it was.) I may see “Bratz” for the same reason. But “Waitress” is the biggest POSITIVE experience your reviews have had on my movie viewing.
March 3rd, 2008 at 1:56 pm
I went out of my way to watch “Across the Universe” based on your loving review. I’m a big rottentomatoes.com fan so when there was a discrepancy between your review and the ratings of your peers I decided to go with you. My wife and I are so glad we did as it turned out to be one our favorites of the year. Now I find myself putting more stock into your reviews than anyone else’s including my former favorite: Shawn Levy of the Oregonian.
March 3rd, 2008 at 2:02 pm
I knew very little about “Jesus is Magic” but had to see it once I read your review. I’ve seen it about a million times now. I love it that much. I made sure to see “Waitress” after your review as well.
I have to echo the other comments too, about using your reviews as a basis for what I will and won’t see. If it’s a B- or better, I automatically know I will like it. And then when someone asks me what I thought of a particular movie, I recite your review verbatim and pretend that I thought of all the smart things myself
March 3rd, 2008 at 2:27 pm
I can’t really think of any specific movies that I’ve seen and loved based just on your recommendation, but I am waiting to check out “Waitress” from the library because of your review. Mostly I read your reviews because I know my own taste in movies is basically the same. But I’ve been reading your stuff long enough to know when I won’t agree, also, so it works out really well for me. I’m in the same camp as some others that I pretty much won’t see a movie until I read your review and take my chances from there. Please keep it up.
Thanks Eric.
March 3rd, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Now that I’ve found your Web site, I never see a movie without looking at your rating first. If you gave it an A or a B, my husband and I will see it in theaters. If it received a C or a D, we’ll only watch it from Redbox, and that’s if we’re desperate. I’d say 95 percent of the time, my husband and I agree with your ratings.
March 3rd, 2008 at 3:56 pm
I actually saw Stealth based on your negative review of it. I generally tend to agree with your reviews, but that’s one I saw because the review gave me the impression that it was a trainwreck of epic proportions, and I couldn’t pass up something like that. It truly lived up to your review, and it’s fun to laugh out loud at dramatic scenes when there’s no one else in the theater.
March 3rd, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Ditto to nearly everyone here. I agree with your reviews 95% of the time. My wife actually gets angry because she’ll suggest a movie to see, and I’ll say “I don’t know, Eric only gave it a C…”
March 3rd, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Actually, I usually consult this website before I go rent/see a movie. I have been saved many times from mental anguish and non-viral acute gastroenteritis by consulting you first. If only the majority of the general public did the same, there would be less crappy movies being produced. Thank you, Bicycle Repair Man- I mean Eric.
March 3rd, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Pan’s Labyrinth.
My, but I love that movie! Thanks Eric.
March 3rd, 2008 at 5:41 pm
How about one I wish I’d listened to you on:
2 Days in Paris
What you said about the unpleasant bickering was right on. It was a comedy that just wasn’t that funny (and was downright crude in some bits).
We were deciding between that and Once. Boy did we make the bad choice. (We saw Once later on DVD.)
March 3rd, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Comment #2 beat me to it, but in the last month I saw Juno and Stardust, solely because you suggested them. Nice work.
March 3rd, 2008 at 6:42 pm
My wife and I rarely get to go to the movies anyway, but we never go see anything anymore until we’ve read Eric Snider’s review. Our tastes are oft divergent, but your reviews are fair and informative. And the things that make you absolutely hate a movie are the things that turn us off as well.
You have mostly saved us money when we would have gone to see some load of goat droppings just because the trailer looked good or something and then you let us know that it was poo. Transformers leaps to mind.
On the opposite side, we would never have gone to see Stranger than Fiction if you hadn’t described it as not being a typical Will Ferrell movie. That film made both of us cry. We now own it, and consider it one of the best movies about writing that we’ve ever seen. Thank you, sweet Eric, for making movies good again!
March 3rd, 2008 at 7:08 pm
The Kingdom.
Awesome movie.
March 3rd, 2008 at 7:30 pm
I don’t know a good movie from a bad one, and sometimes I enjoy what Eric considers bad ones, but I can tell by the things he says about a movie whether I’ll like it or not. Even though I’m his mom, I don’t necessarily like the same things he does. So I think that’s good reviewing.
That Thing You Do!, Life is Beautiful, 1408, Waitress, and Hairspray are all movies that I saw because he recommended them, and I loved them. On the other hand, I also love Billy Madison and Mr. Deeds, which I don’t think he appreciated much.
March 3rd, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Yeah, like so many people here, I use your reviews to determine which movies I should watch, since my wife and I have a parasitic infestation that keeps us from leaving the house (2 kids under the age of 3). Seriously, your reviews are a service I probably couldn’t live without.
2 movies that I absolutely loved that I probably wouldn’t have seen without having read your review:
Everything is Illuminated
Serenity (I know people are going to hate me for this, but I just didn’t like Firefly at all, and would not have spent money on the film; I’m glad I did, though)
March 3rd, 2008 at 8:13 pm
I too saw Waitress based solely on Eric’s recommendation, and was delighted with it. It is definitely one of my favorite movies now.
March 3rd, 2008 at 8:58 pm
I’ll add my voice to those that check Eric’s reviews before seeing a movie. I think mainly your reviews help when there’s a movie that might be good, but I’m not sure. If you liked it, I’ll get it. I must say, I haven’t seen Lars and The Real Girl yet, but I’m DYING to. I never, ever would have seen that one without your recommendation. I saw Serenity based on your review and liked it. Same with Music and Lyrics–I normally hate romantic comedies, but I was desperate, and you didn’t hate, so I got it. I thought it was actually pretty good. I’m glad I watched it.
Also, Eric, I find that your reviews give a pretty detailed explanation for why a movie got the particular rating it did, and whether that rating was justified. I’ve been meaning to email you to tell you I appreciate that. The MPAA system is so ridiculous, it’s hard to tell exactly which movies have content I find objectionable. So thanks for that.
March 3rd, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Eric,
I’ve just looked over your site at length for the first time.
I’ve been in a funk with movies. I’ve seen No Country For Old Men four times - but no other movie in the last few months. So - I went right to that. Your ability to penetrate that film gives me some confidence in any of your perceptions. (I re-read McCarthy perpetually, and anything that gets him right: including this film and your interpretation of this film, gets right into my passenger seat.) I will definitely refer to you when seeking out movies in the future.
I’ve also got to say … I tried to pull off what you are pulling off about five years ago. I said to myself, I will go see every film that comes out, write up a bit on it, and stick it on the internet. At that time, I did see a good 50% of all new releases … but I couldn’t keep it up for more than a couple weeks. The extent of your work is remarkable and intimidating. Do you have a day job?
~
March 3rd, 2008 at 9:44 pm
Eric,
On the other hand, you’re dead wrong on both All the Pretty Horses and Mullholland Drive.
*smirk*
~
March 3rd, 2008 at 10:24 pm
If I haven’t heard much about a movie, I always check here first. I find my movie tastes follow closely with yours. If you like it, I usually do too. I especially enjoy reading your reviews if I’ve HATED a movie. You’ve usually trashed it as well and I laugh until I cry. Your review of “Stealth” is one of my all time favorite. All time.
March 3rd, 2008 at 10:40 pm
It’s been covered here already, but I tend to rely moreso on Eric’s negative reviews to avoid movies that I might see in the near future. I have found thus far that Eric’s tastes are pretty much identical to mine, based on his reviews of movies I’ve already seen, so I tend to trust him more than any other reviewer–even Ebert, whose reviews are usually pretty good, but it amazes me how often he can say so much without saying a damn thing.
And so often Eric’s reviews can be summed up in just a couple of sentences. Consider: “The main character in “She’s the Man” is so stupid that I’m amazed she’s able to take a shower without drowning. Her stupidity is a powerful, brutish force, a fog that hangs over the entire film like a stench.”
There’s no mistaking that; it definetely tells me that this is a movie not worth wasting my time on. Plus, it makes me smile.
March 3rd, 2008 at 11:12 pm
Like others have said, I usually figure what movies to avoid based on Eric’s reviews.
However, I can say that I would not have seen Moulin Rouge or A History of Violence if not for Eric’s reviews. I thoroughly enjoy both films and am very happy to credit Eric with persuading me to watch them.
I might have skipped Stardust if not for Eric’s review, but I did have some interest before reading his review. I think his stamp of approval made me feel good about going out of my way to see it in theaters, rather than just wait until it was at the $1 theater or on tv.
March 3rd, 2008 at 11:12 pm
Usually I agree with what you have to say.
I saw “Waitress” on your recommendation and loved it.
But I hated “Across the Universe” and you gave that an A- (if I remember correctly).
March 4th, 2008 at 12:10 am
These comments are reminding me that I still want to see “Waitress,” “Lars and the Real Girl,” and “1408.”
March 4th, 2008 at 1:27 am
I went out of my way to watch the Kelly Riechart film “Old Joy” based on your review. I fell in love with the film and it has touched and inspired my life in a plethora of ways. I guess I may have eventually gotten around to it (being a Will Oldham fan), but it wouldn’t have been as soon. I can’t thank you enough for urging others to see it.
March 4th, 2008 at 5:44 am
Like many others here, I try to run every movie I rent or see through your website before I waste my time or energy watching it. My only issue is comes when I can’t think of any movie that looked good recently to run past you. I wish there was a way to simply search your site for any and all movies rated A so I can simply go down the list and make sure I don’t ever miss any quality films. Keep up the good work Eric. You have no idea how much you have helped enrich my movie viewing experience.
March 4th, 2008 at 7:35 am
The Host, and 1408. I had actually forgotten about 1408 until Momma Snider and card mentioned it. To be honest, I often read your positive reviews, think “that would be good to see” and never go see them. I do Netflix a number of movies based on your reviews that I just don’t have the time or inclination to see at that moment.
Often, I just love reading the reviews. Positive ones can be fun, and negative ones are great.
March 4th, 2008 at 7:37 am
We saw and loved “Knocked Up” and “This Film Is Not Yet Rated” because of Eric’s reviews. Also “Mad Hot Ballroom”. Actually, every documentary we’ve watched in the past 2 years, we only saw because Eric recommended it. And we’ve enjoyed them.
Also, I do the same thing that Craig (#18) does- if my husband mentions a movie my first response is “Eric said such-and-such about it…”
March 4th, 2008 at 8:35 am
One more thing I forgot to mention- I actually use Eric’s reviews at work too! I work at the public library and recently got transferred to the DVD department. I’m not much of a film buff, so Eric’s reviews are really helpful to me when recommending movies to patrons. Especially because our patrons’ tastes run to genres I don’t generally watch: action, horror and … *ominous chord* … Tyler Perry.
March 4th, 2008 at 10:17 am
Bless your name: your reviews are witty and, especially for BAD movies, often laugh-out-loud funny.
Curse your name: “Millions” Granted, you were one of several hundred print and on-line critics who thought it was the cat’s [butt], but I and my two companions thought it was more like what the cat leaves in the litter-box. Our standards of comparison? “Whale Rider,” “Rabbit-proof Fence.”
March 4th, 2008 at 10:39 am
I saw Enchanted purely on Eric’s recommendation. I thought the preview looked stupid, but following Eric’s advice paid off. That was a wonderful movie! I saw it twice in the theater! I even managed to get my husband to go the second time and he enjoyed it too. Way to go Eric!
March 4th, 2008 at 11:03 am
I always use Eric’s reviews in my film choices (alongside the IMDB rating, which seems to be becoming increasingly worthless). In a number of ways we have very different tastes, but I have a good picture of where they differ, so am able to use Eric’s reviews as a guide.
March 4th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Hairspray, Stardust, Jane Austin Book Club
March 4th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
The Orphanage. I had never even heard of it before. I didn’t read the full review until after I saw it. I usually read the Eric’s first paragraph, and the last sentence of a review, so I don’t have too many preconceived ideas before I see it but still a good idea if it’s something I would enjoy.
I started reading Eric when I stumbled across his review of “Sound of Thunderâ€. My favorite quote from the review: “It’s the kind of bad movie that’s so inoffensive and harmless that it almost seems unfair to point out how bad it is.†What a great line! I stared reading Snide Remarks and found out I like the way Eric thinks. If I ever win the lottery, I’m going to pay him to see movies I want his opinion on. Is that weird?
March 4th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
I went to see “Enchanted” after reading your review - I had thought it might be a decent date movie, but after your input, gave it a shot for its merits as well. (Good call!) I, as well as many here, do not go to see a movie without checking here first - thanks as always, Eric!
March 4th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Amen to “Waitress”, “Juno”, “New York Doll”, and “Stranger than Fiction”. I usually read Eric’s reviews before seeing a movie, especially if the movie I’m interested in is an independent movie. I believe I also saw “Memento”, “Pieces of April”, and “The Station Agent” at least partially because of Eric’s reviews. Liked ‘em all.
March 4th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Forgot one. “In Good Company.”
March 4th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
I saw “The Orphanage” three days ago, solely because I kept remembering Eric’s review every time I thought of movies I still needed to see. I had been holding off on seeing it until I realized that only, like, two theaters in my entire state were still showing it. I was really glad when I saw it, too, because this was an example of a film I probably wouldn’t have even known about if it weren’t for this site.
Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I saw a movie in theaters without first consulting Eric’s review. (DVDs are different because renting one doesn’t cost $9.50.)
I guess this is my opportunity to say it: Thank you, Eric, for the wonderful service(s) provided on this site. Your reviews have always been not only helpful and informative to me but also entertaining, and I often look to your prose as a role model for how to improve my own writing.
…I’d continue, but I’m afraid of sounding like a total suck-up!
March 4th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
I had never heard of Waitress before I saw your review. I rented it and loved it. Thanks!
March 4th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Stardust. If not for your review I never would’ve come near the building playing that movie, just looked plainly idiotic to me for some reason. I went with my wife and we both really enjoyed it.
Actually, since I’ve agreed on *almost* every rating you’ve ever given, (and I’m a big fan, probably have read a good 65-70% of the whole movie review list) my reliance on your movie opinions has recently been the cause for some serious self-doubt. My coworkers organized a movie day to go see Jumper, and having been warned beforehand I went to the movie thinking it was gonna be crap. I actually enjoyed it! I think I must have over-shot my low expectation meter, but I thought it was a fun silly flick, and actually enjoyed myself. So now I toss and turn at night thinking, “Is it only a matter of time before I go see a movie starring Martin Lawrence, Tim Allen, or Larry the Cable Guy?” If so, shoot me now…
March 4th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
Another vote for Waitress. I’d never have picked it up if not for your recommendation, and my husband and I enjoyed it very much.
March 5th, 2008 at 1:06 am
Like everyone else, I watched The Waitress on your advice. I also watched Across the Universe and loved it. I hate you for making me spend money on 3:10 to Yuma. I really didn’t like that and am clueless as to how it got an A-
March 5th, 2008 at 10:07 am
I had heard rumblings about The Orphanage being good before I read Eric’s review, but after I did, I made sure to catch it. Loved it.
March 5th, 2008 at 11:02 am
Serenity, Serenity and Serenity many times over. I actually watched the first 45 minutes again before I’d even finished the movie, just to see if it was really as good as I’d thought the first time. It was.
March 5th, 2008 at 11:06 am
Stranger Than Fiction
I talked my wife into watching this with me based solely on your review. Of course, all I could tell her was that “I heard it was really good.” She wouldn’t listen if I told her it was in a review by “that ‘Snide Remarks’ guy.”
I loved the movie and two of my friends have since seen it based on my recommendation. You never know just how far your influence will go.
Also, I plan on seeing (and probably buying) The Martian Child, not based solely on your review, but based on your review plus the fact that John Cusack is awesome.
March 5th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Definitely “The Orphanage” and “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” would never been viewed by yours truly had it not been for your reviews. They were beautiful and well worth the time. So, thank you.
March 6th, 2008 at 11:07 am
I saw “United 93″ on your recommendation. Thank you.
March 6th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Also, ditto on “Stranger Than Fiction,” it was absolutely delightful. I adore Emma Thompson.
March 7th, 2008 at 10:38 am
If I hadn’t been invited to an advanced screening by the Film program at the Y, then “New York Doll” would make my list.
Outside of that one, the best I’ve seen from your recommendation was possibly “States of Grace.” Although my roommates and I were enthralled by the simple beauty in just the trailer, with all the flack that Richard Dutcher gets around here, I still might not’ve seen it without your glowing review. That movie . . . there are no words.
March 7th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Most importantly I have to thank you for United 93. I, like everyone else in America, would have avoided that movie with every movie-avoidance muscle in my body were it not for your review. That would have been a terrible mistake; I love that movie.
Trying to limit it to other movies I watched solely on your recommendation and would not likely have seen eventually anyway:
Memento
One Hour Photo
Waitress
About a Boy
Almost Famous
Death to Smoochy
House of Sand and Fog
In the Valley of Ellah
Lars and the Real Girl
Mean Girls (yeah, I would have just assumed it sucked)
Millions
Munich
Spirited Away
March 14th, 2008 at 9:53 am
I saw Stardust purely on your recommendation and really liked it. I see very few movies in the theater (too costly with tickets and babysitters) so I have to be choosy.
Most of my movie news comes from this site, sad as it may sound. Thanks for the reviews.