Think twice, it's all right

Public opinion is fickle. But experts can be wrong too. Do ratings matter or just revenues? Here's when to heed critics and when to follow the crowds

- Shraddha Chowdhury

If you're looking for what's successful, follow box-office rankings. 12th Fail (2023) was a rare movie that was loved by critics and made money too.

Kenneth Turan, film critic for the LA Times, didn't enjoy Titanic when the film was released in 1997. AO Scott of The New York Times dismissed the 2012 blockbuster The Avengers as "grinding, hectic emptiness". Both films have thrilled audiences around the world and made hundreds of millions. Meanwhile, restaurant reviews are often out of sync with a user rating on a delivery app. In the book-publishing world, readers and reviews are routinely at loggerheads. Even critical reviews of runway shows can make or break a popular designer.

So, does it help to listen to the critics? Or do the crowds really know more than a handful of experts? It's tricky territory. But here are some general guidelines.

Watch out for exaggeration. 

"With new restaurants, "catchphrases such as 'Must Try' and 'Hidden Gem' used without justification are worrying signs", says Nikhil Merchant, blogger and writer. Other suspicious terms: "Offbeat", "Instagram-worthy". For books, steer clear of "This book that will change your life". Wellread folks rarely use it.

Run an authenticity check.