Does popular = good?

[Ghoulish Delight]

At dinner the other night with the in-laws, we were talking movies, as we often do. In trying to convince us to see The Green Mile, CP's brother pointed out that it's directed by the same director as The Shawshank Redemption. I said, well, that doesn't help much because CP's not really a fan of Shawshank. To which he responded, "But it's the #2 rated movie on imdb."

First off, that surprises the heck outta me. I mean, I enjoy the movie, it's certainly entertaining. But the number 2 rated movie? Seriously? I can't even begin to express how wrong that is. With the number of truly excellent movies out there, for Shawshank to be rated #2? Yikes.

That got us into a short discussion as her brother basically said, "How can you say it's not a good movie if it's rated #2?" He flat out equated popularity with quality. That attitude baffles me. Popularity is such a transitory thing, just because a lot of people like something doesn't mean it's the best. It doesn't even mean it's good. It means it's popular. I just can't wrap my brain around the idea that because the masses like it, it must be good and that I'm just being a stubborn snob if I don't like it (whatever it is).

[Not Afraid]

It's a pretty common argument - especially where movies are concerned. "Big Mamma's House was a hit at the box office. It's a good movie." But, it's a difficult argument to make without sounding like a snob.

[Capt Jack]

couldnt agree more. bottom line, it starts with 'popular with who?' and how that was determined, who they asked, who didnt respond and why blah blah.

anymore popularity seems to reflect only the money and time put into the marketing plan. good product or no doesnt seem to matter. generate interest it becomes popular because so few want to say "I didnt see it"

btw, Shawshank.....I didnt see it. no real interest to even now.

[wendybeth]

Just because something is 'popular' certainly doesn't mean it's good- it could very well mean that a large group of people have horrible taste. Case in point: the Porky's movies. They were popular in their day, and they stunk. Same goes for the 'music' group the Human League. I seldom use somethings popularity as an indicator that I should read/watch/play, etc.

[Ghoulish Delight]

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.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by wendybeth

Same goes for the 'music' group the Human League.

Hey now, them's fightin' words.

[Alex]

Short answer: No, not inherently.

Longer answer: Frequently, yes. With the caveat that "good" does not equal "great."

Even longer answer: "Good" is, of course, a subjective evaluation and so at best popular can not equal good but rather popular can be a strong correlate to what I find good.

Altered point of view answer: On the assumption that filmmakers feel at least some artistic pride in their productions, then from their point of view (and their money masters) popular does equal good.

Side Topic A answer: Particularly not when it comes to IMDb movie ratings where geek herd mentality reigns. For example, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly; Pulp Fiction; The Empire Strikes Back; and The Return of the King are also in IMDb's Top 10.

Side Topic B answer: If popular does equal good then the top ten films of all time are:

1. Gone with the Wind
2. Star Wars
3. The Sound of Music
4. E.T.
5. The Ten Commandmants
6. Titanic
7. Jaws
8. Doctor Zhivago
9. The Jungle Book
10. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Using the still flawed equation that inflation-adjusted gross = better measure of popularity. This list provides strong support for the idea that popular may not equal great but it is a strong indicator of good.


Side Topic C comment: Personally, The Shawshank Redemption is a top 10 film. It may not be the best in many individual categories but it combines to something that very few movies have for me: rewatchability. I have seen it more times than any other movie, I'm pretty sure.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by Alex

Side Topic C comment: Personally, The Shawshank Redemption is a top 10 film. It may not be the best in many individual categories but it combines to something that very few movies have for me: rewatchability. I have seen it more times than any other movie, I'm pretty sure.

That could just be a statistical anomaly seeing as it's shown on TV more than any other movie, I'm pretty sure.

[Not Afraid]

If I sing "Don't You Want Me" for the rest of the day, I'm going to fly to Spokane and bring a rope.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by Not Afraid

If I sing "Don't You Want Me" for the rest of the day, I'm going to fly to Spokane and bring a rope.

How about "(Keep Feeling) Fascination"