SLAQ | Page 35

distinction becomes greater as we separate them from the subpar ones.

Also, times remain tough on many, and money for entertainment can no longer be spent frivolously. Before we embark on anything, we want to ensure that our money will be well spend, and we will be properly pleased with the choice we made.

However, we’ve also begun to loose our understanding that reviews are one person’s opinion, and therefore we have the ability to disagree with it. It may be hard to disregard the prestige and expertise of the reviewer, but, as recent trends show, this is becoming more and more common.

A recent example would be the cinematic adaptation of the popular stage musical, Les Misérables, which went through this when it was released to record-breaking audiences and commercial success, but more than its expected share of lukewarm reviews.

Les Misérables was expected to be released to universal acclaim, and though the majority of critics enjoyed the film, it did receive its fair share of criticism. However, this didn’t stop audiences from watching and, presumably, enjoying the picture. At the moment Les Mis has grossed over $300 million worldwide, and currently possesses eight pending Academy Award nominations. currently possesses eight pending Academy Award nominations.

It appears than the audiences of Les Mis can teach us all a lesson about critics and their reviews; we should remember that they are there to help, not hurt, us.

By Justin Pullns 13'

Since this article was written Les Miserables grossed $440,303,623 worldwide and was nominated for eight Academy Awards.

Photo by Michael: http://www.flickr.com/photos/moorebig50/