Hey guys! Let's dive into the comedic caper Masterminds and see what the critics over at Rotten Tomatoes had to say about it. If you're wondering whether this heist comedy is worth your time, you've come to the right place. We're breaking down the Rotten Tomatoes score, critical reception, and overall consensus to help you make an informed decision. Was Masterminds a stroke of genius or a criminal waste of time? Let's find out!

What is Rotten Tomatoes?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of Masterminds' reception, let's quickly recap what Rotten Tomatoes is all about. Rotten Tomatoes is a website that aggregates reviews from film and television critics. It's basically a one-stop-shop to gauge whether a movie is generally well-received or not. The site assigns a percentage score to a movie based on the proportion of positive reviews it receives. A movie is considered "Fresh" (good) if it scores 60% or higher, and "Rotten" (bad) if it scores below that threshold. Additionally, Rotten Tomatoes calculates an average rating based on the individual scores given by critics, offering a more nuanced view than just the percentage. The site also features an audience score, reflecting the opinions of general moviegoers, which can sometimes differ wildly from the critics' consensus. Knowing how Rotten Tomatoes works is crucial for understanding how Masterminds was perceived by both critics and the general public. So, with that quick explainer out of the way, let's get back to the movie in question and see how it fared!

Masterminds: The Premise

Masterminds, released in 2016, is a comedy film directed by Jared Hess, known for his quirky humor in movies like Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre. The film is based on the true story of the 1997 Loomis Fargo Robbery. The plot revolves around David Ghant, played by Zach Galifianakis, an unfulfilled armored truck driver who gets enticed into a massive heist by his alluring co-worker, Kelly Campbell, portrayed by Kristen Wiig. The plan, orchestrated by Steve Chambers, played by Owen Wilson, seems simple enough, but as you might expect from a comedy, things quickly spiral out of control. After David successfully executes the robbery, making off with millions of dollars, he's set up to take the fall while the others enjoy the loot. This leads to a series of hilarious mishaps as David tries to evade the authorities and clear his name, all while dealing with the colorful characters involved in the scheme. The movie aims to blend slapstick humor with a true crime story, creating a comedic take on a real-life event. With a cast of comedic heavyweights, Masterminds promised to be a laugh riot, but did it deliver? Let's see what the critics thought!

Masterminds: Rotten Tomatoes Score

Alright, let's get to the heart of the matter: What did Rotten Tomatoes say about Masterminds? The film received a Rotten Tomatoes score of just 34%, based on a significant number of reviews. This indicates that the majority of critics did not find the movie to be particularly good. With a score below the 60% threshold, Masterminds falls squarely into the "Rotten" category. This suggests that, on average, critics felt the movie missed the mark in terms of humor, plot, or overall execution. However, it's important to remember that a Rotten Tomatoes score is just one piece of the puzzle. It tells us the percentage of critics who liked the film, but it doesn't necessarily capture the nuances of individual reviews or the opinions of the general audience. While a low score might raise a red flag, it's worth digging deeper to understand the specific criticisms and whether they align with your own taste in comedy. After all, humor is subjective, and what one critic finds unfunny, another might find hilarious. So, let's explore some of the common criticisms leveled against Masterminds.

Critical Reception

So, why did Masterminds receive such a low Rotten Tomatoes score? Many critics pointed to the film's uneven humor, which often relied on slapstick and over-the-top performances that didn't always land. Some reviewers felt that the movie's comedic timing was off, and that the jokes often fell flat. Others criticized the film's plot, arguing that it was convoluted and failed to capitalize on the true story it was based on. While the cast boasted talented comedic actors, some critics felt that their performances were exaggerated and lacked the wit and charm needed to elevate the material. Additionally, several reviewers noted that the film suffered from a lack of originality, relying on tired comedic tropes and failing to offer anything fresh or innovative. However, not all reviews were negative. Some critics appreciated the film's lightheartedness and the cast's commitment to their roles, arguing that it provided some genuine laughs. Ultimately, though, the consensus was that Masterminds failed to live up to its potential, resulting in a disappointing cinematic experience. The critical reception highlights the challenges of translating a true crime story into a successful comedy, especially when the humor is not consistently sharp or well-executed.

Audience Score vs. Critics

Interestingly, while critics weren't particularly fond of Masterminds, the audience score on Rotten Tomatoes tells a slightly different story. The audience score for Masterminds is significantly higher than the critics' score, indicating that general moviegoers were more forgiving of the film's flaws and found it more enjoyable. This discrepancy between critical and audience reception is not uncommon, as audiences often have different criteria for judging a film. While critics tend to focus on technical aspects, such as plot structure, pacing, and originality, audiences are often more concerned with whether a movie is entertaining and provides a good laugh. In the case of Masterminds, it's possible that audiences were simply looking for a lighthearted comedy and were less bothered by the film's shortcomings. It's also worth noting that audience scores can be influenced by factors such as marketing and pre-release hype, which may have created higher expectations among viewers. Regardless of the reasons, the difference between the critics' and audience scores suggests that Masterminds may still be worth a watch if you're in the mood for some silly, undemanding humor. Just be aware that your mileage may vary depending on your personal taste and expectations.

Is It Worth Watching?

So, the big question: Is Masterminds worth watching? Given the Rotten Tomatoes score and critical reception, it's clear that this movie isn't a cinematic masterpiece. However, if you're a fan of the cast, particularly Zach Galifianakis or Kristen Wiig, and you enjoy slapstick comedy, you might find some entertainment value in it. It's important to go in with realistic expectations, though. Don't expect a tightly plotted, intellectually stimulating film. Masterminds is more of a lighthearted, goofy comedy that's best enjoyed without taking it too seriously. If you're looking for a movie to watch with friends or family and you're not too picky about the quality of the humor, Masterminds could be a decent option. On the other hand, if you prefer more sophisticated comedies with clever writing and sharp wit, you might want to skip this one. Ultimately, whether or not Masterminds is worth watching depends on your personal preferences and what you're looking for in a movie. Consider checking out the trailer to get a better sense of the film's humor and decide if it aligns with your taste. And remember, sometimes the movies with the lowest Rotten Tomatoes scores can still provide a few laughs!

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Masterminds received a Rotten Tomatoes score of 34%, indicating that it was not well-received by critics. Many reviewers cited uneven humor, a convoluted plot, and a lack of originality as reasons for their negative assessments. However, the audience score on Rotten Tomatoes is significantly higher, suggesting that some viewers found the film more enjoyable than the critics did. If you're a fan of the cast or enjoy slapstick comedy, you might find some entertainment value in Masterminds, but it's important to go in with realistic expectations. It's not a cinematic masterpiece, but it could provide a few laughs if you're in the right mood. As always, consider your own taste in comedy and watch the trailer before making a decision. Happy watching, guys!