Hey guys! Ever wondered how the critics over at Rotten Tomatoes felt about the comedy film Masterminds? Well, you've come to the right place! We're diving deep into the reviews, the laughs, and whether this heist-gone-wrong flick is worth your precious movie night. Let's get started, shall we?

What is Masterminds?

Before we get to the Rotten Tomatoes verdict, let's quickly recap what Masterminds is all about. Released in 2016, this comedy film is inspired by the 1997 Loomis Fargo Robbery. The story centers around David Ghant (played by Zach Galifianakis), an unfulfilled armored truck driver who gets roped into an absurdly ambitious heist by his flirty coworker, Kelly Campbell (Kristen Wiig), and a group of eccentric criminals led by Steve Chambers (Owen Wilson). Ghant, easily swayed by Kelly's affections and the promise of a better life, agrees to steal millions from his employer's vault. As you might expect from a comedy, things quickly go hilariously wrong. From absurd disguises to bungled plans, Masterminds delivers a non-stop barrage of comedic mishaps. The film thrives on its over-the-top characters and slapstick humor, making it a lighthearted and entertaining watch. The supporting cast, including Jason Sudeikis as a goofy hitman and Leslie Jones as a no-nonsense FBI agent, adds even more layers to the comedic chaos. The movie blends elements of crime, romance, and farce, creating a unique comedic experience. While Masterminds is based on a real event, it takes plenty of creative liberties to maximize the comedic potential. The humor is broad and often relies on physical comedy and absurd situations, making it a crowd-pleasing film for those who enjoy lighthearted comedies. The film's success lies in its ability to poke fun at the absurdity of the real-life crime while creating memorable and hilarious characters. Whether you're a fan of Zach Galifianakis's unique brand of comedy or simply looking for a fun and silly movie night, Masterminds offers a satisfying dose of laughter and entertainment. With its talented cast and outlandish plot, the film provides a comedic escape that's sure to leave you chuckling.

Masterminds: The Rotten Tomatoes Verdict

Okay, let's cut to the chase: What did Rotten Tomatoes think of Masterminds? Well, the film received a Rotten Tomatoes score of 34%. Ouch! This means that, out of all the critics who reviewed the film, only 34% gave it a positive review. That's not exactly a glowing endorsement, is it? Critics generally agreed that while the cast was talented and the premise had potential, the execution fell short. Many felt that the humor was too broad and relied too heavily on slapstick, without offering much in the way of clever writing or insightful commentary. Some critics praised the performances of the cast, particularly Zach Galifianakis and Kristen Wiig, but noted that even their comedic talents couldn't save the film from its weak script. Others criticized the film's pacing, arguing that it felt uneven and struggled to maintain momentum. Despite the negative reviews, some critics acknowledged that Masterminds might appeal to viewers who enjoy lighthearted comedies and aren't looking for anything too thought-provoking. They suggested that the film's broad humor and absurd situations could provide a pleasant distraction for those seeking a brainless and entertaining movie night. However, overall, the Rotten Tomatoes score indicates that Masterminds didn't quite hit the mark with professional critics. It's worth noting that Rotten Tomatoes also provides an audience score, which reflects the opinions of everyday viewers. The audience score for Masterminds is generally higher than the critic score, suggesting that the film was better received by general audiences. This discrepancy highlights the fact that comedic tastes can be subjective, and what one person finds hilarious, another may find tiresome. Ultimately, whether you'll enjoy Masterminds depends on your personal preferences and what you're looking for in a comedy film. If you're a fan of the cast or enjoy slapstick humor, you might find it entertaining, despite the negative reviews.

What the Critics Said

To give you a better understanding of why Masterminds received a low Rotten Tomatoes score, let's take a look at what some of the top critics had to say:

• Variety: "Masterminds never quite finds its comedic rhythm, relying too heavily on slapstick and broad characterizations."
• The Hollywood Reporter: "Despite the talented cast, Masterminds is a disappointingly unfunny comedy that squanders its potential."
• Entertainment Weekly: "Zach Galifianakis is reliably hilarious, but even his comedic talents can't save Masterminds from its weak script and predictable plot."

These critic reviews highlight some of the common issues that reviewers had with Masterminds. Many felt that the humor was too simplistic and didn't offer enough cleverness or originality. Others criticized the film's pacing and lack of focus, arguing that it struggled to maintain momentum and engage the audience. However, it's important to remember that taste is subjective, and some viewers may find these same qualities appealing. If you enjoy slapstick humor and aren't looking for a thought-provoking or intellectually stimulating film, you might still find Masterminds entertaining. Ultimately, the best way to decide whether or not you'll enjoy Masterminds is to watch it for yourself and form your own opinion. Don't let the negative reviews deter you if you're a fan of the cast or the genre. You might be pleasantly surprised!

Why the Audience Score Differs

So, why is it that the audience score on Rotten Tomatoes tends to be higher than the critic score for Masterminds? There are a few possible explanations:

• Different Expectations: Professional critics often have higher expectations than general audiences. They may be looking for innovative storytelling, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes. General audiences, on the other hand, may simply be looking for a fun and entertaining movie to help them unwind and escape from reality. Masterminds might not have met the critics' high standards, but it could still have provided a satisfying and enjoyable experience for many viewers.
• Taste in Comedy: Comedy is highly subjective. What one person finds hilarious, another may find offensive or boring. Masterminds relies heavily on slapstick humor and absurd situations, which may not appeal to all critics. However, many viewers enjoy this type of comedy and find it lighthearted and entertaining. The audience score may reflect the fact that Masterminds resonated with viewers who appreciate broad humor and aren't looking for anything too cerebral.
• Cast Appeal: Masterminds features a talented and popular cast, including Zach Galifianakis, Kristen Wiig, and Owen Wilson. Many viewers may have been drawn to the film simply because they are fans of these actors. Even if the film itself wasn't perfect, the cast's performances may have been enough to make it an enjoyable experience for some viewers. The audience score may reflect the fact that viewers appreciated the cast's efforts and were willing to overlook the film's flaws.

In short, the discrepancy between the critic score and the audience score on Rotten Tomatoes for Masterminds highlights the fact that movie reviews are subjective and that different people have different tastes. While critics may have found the film lacking in subtlety and originality, many viewers appreciated its lighthearted humor and talented cast. Ultimately, whether you'll enjoy Masterminds depends on your personal preferences and what you're looking for in a comedy film.

Should You Watch It?

So, after all that, the big question remains: Should you watch Masterminds? Well, that depends on what you're looking for! If you're a die-hard fan of Zach Galifianakis, Kristen Wiig, or Owen Wilson, then you might find it worth watching just for their performances. If you enjoy slapstick humor, absurd situations, and lighthearted comedies that don't take themselves too seriously, then you might also find Masterminds to be an entertaining watch. However, if you're looking for a smart, witty, or thought-provoking comedy, then you might be disappointed. Masterminds isn't exactly a brainy film, and it relies heavily on broad humor that may not appeal to everyone.

Ultimately, the best way to decide whether or not you should watch Masterminds is to consider your own preferences and read a few more reviews. Don't rely solely on the Rotten Tomatoes score, as it only reflects the opinions of a small group of critics. Take a look at what other viewers have said about the film and see if it sounds like something you would enjoy. If you're still unsure, you could always rent the film or watch it on a streaming service before committing to buying it. That way, you can decide for yourself whether or not Masterminds is worth your time and money. And hey, even if you don't love it, at least you'll have something to talk about!

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! Masterminds might not be a critical darling, but it's a lighthearted comedy that some viewers might find entertaining. The Rotten Tomatoes score tells one story, but the audience score suggests that there's still some enjoyment to be had. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal taste. If you're in the mood for some silly fun and don't mind turning off your brain for a couple of hours, Masterminds might just be the movie for you. Happy watching!