I'll admit that I see a difference between "Did well at the box office" and "Highly rated on imdb." At least with the latter, it's a less momentary thing, it's "How did you like it?" not, "Did you see it?" and it's generally people who see a lot of movies and have at least some perspective.
But it's still only an element of the quality of a movie. Sure it's an indicator that a movie might be good, but it's not the definition of good. And, to my mind, a lack of popularity can often be an equal indicator that a movie is good. Some of the best art challenges, offends, confuses, etc.
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'He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me.'
-TJ
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