Critics - Why ?

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 4/9/04 at 8:12pm

The new Frank Langella show just opened. The NY Post panned it & Daily News raved abut it. Now how can there be such a divergence of opinion on the same show. Just proves they not got a clue as to what they are talking about.

Updated On: 4/9/04 at 08:12 PM

[JamieMcG]

Posted: 4/9/04 at 8:26pm

Well...
It goes to show you that you really have to see most things for yourself. I saw the show the night before it opened, and I really enjoyed it. I thought the acting was really incredible and the story compelling enough to keep me in my seat. I have different criteria when I see a show, than when Howard Kissel sees one. not to mention the fact that when someone goes to see a show, they have their very own baggage they are taking into it...Perhaps someone had a bad personal experience with someone involved with the production...it's very difficult to put something like that behind you when reviewing a show...there's always something adding to the flavor of the experience for each individual person seeing it.

So I guess the best advice is to see it for yourself...if it sounds like it might be of interest to you, go see it.

So I guess my advice is to see

[Plum]

Posted: 4/9/04 at 9:19pm

No, all it proves is that they have different opinions. What is "good" is subjective, you know? Look, just find the critic whose opinions most closely match yours and read him/her, or don't read them at all if you hate them so much. :)

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 4/9/04 at 9:51pm

I do not hate them just they have closed so many good shows & so many stupid peple listen to them instead of making up their own mind

[MusicPos2]

Posted: 4/9/04 at 10:31pm

The Tony's though often help to override bad critics. You have to learn which critics have similar taste to you. Broadway shows are expensive, so you have to go on something. Just let's all remember TITANIC.

[Plum]

Posted: 4/9/04 at 10:35pm

Why are people who listen to critics stupid? For people who don't live in New York, being familiar with critics is their way of getting word of mouth from someone who actually saw the show.

The best critics are the ones who actually evoke the show they're writing about, and name actual reasons they like or don't like the show. Knowing the critic's rationale lets you determine whether or not you agree.

Yes, most critics aren't that good. But you know what? In every profession, mediocrity is the rule. Deal with it. It's so easy to blame "the critics" (as if they're some kind of cabal) for everything that's wrong with Broadway. It's also BS.

[Corine2]

Posted: 4/9/04 at 11:35pm

I agree with Jamie. I liked Match but the show could have been tighter. The jar of finger nails was bizarre. Who keeps old nails in a jar?
But Langella was wonderful as usual.