Marlon Wayans is now urging fans to see Him for themselves and not completely rely on the reviews the movie is getting.
From producer Jordan Peele and director and co-writer Justin Tipping, Wayans stars as the mysterious football legend Isaiah White. However, Him currently holds a 29 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on critics’ scores. Also receiving some negative reviews from The New York Times and The Hollywood Reporter.
In response, when the film hit theaters on September 19, Wayans addressed his views on Instagram in a very candid message, encouraging fans to come to their own conclusions about the film.
He says in an Instagram post, “Just to be clear… I respect critics. Their job is to critique. I respect their work. It shapes our industry. But an opinion doesn’t always mean it’s everyone’s opinion. Some movies are ahead of the curve. Innovation is not always embraced and art is to be interpreted and it’s subjective. I’ve had a career of making classic movies that weren’t critically received, and those movies went on to be classics. So don’t take anyone’s opinion just go see for yourself. Love to all. Him in theaters now.”
The post included several screenshots of Rotten Tomato pages from some of the classic works he referred to in his caption, which were either commercially successful or have now become cult classics. It ranges from White Chicks to Scary Movie. The critic scores for the example flicks were around 13 percent to 51 percent.
The public showered the post with support. A comment from Wayne’s co-star, Julia Fox, who commented, “What’s the opposite of a savior? A CRITIC!!!”
Additionally, Wayans has reposted several fan reviews on his Instagram stories, clarifying that he wasn’t, as one headline about a statement phrased it, “clapping back at Rotten Tomatoes”. “It wasn’t a clap… It was a perspective.”
@marlonwayans I LOVE THIS MOVIE #HIMMovie i swear It’s a movie that honestly subjective. It’s How you interpret the art. Love It or hate it or mah….. time will Tell when in comes to cult classics. I am damn proud. And ain’t mad at nobody for their opinion. All love. HIM in theaters NOW!
♬ original sound – Marlon Wayans
The New York Times‘ review of Him also pans the film, criticizing it for “an over-reliance on the soundtrack” and “mostly empty stylization,” among other things. In The Hollywood Reporter, they claim that the movie “squanders his potential” and tries “too hard” to be disturbing.
Despite the negative reviews, there are praises for the performances of stars Wayans, Fox, and Tyriq Withers, who plays the protagonist. In the movie, a young football player descends into a world of terror when he’s invited to train with a legendary champion whose charisma turns sinister.
In short, whether a movie gets bad reviews or not, it should not persuade you not to watch it. Like Wayans said, it is subjective. So, check Him out in theaters now and see the movie for yourself and create your own opinion.
What's Your Reaction?
