Written By Ringo Ordoñez
Warner Bros. China is currently facing allegations of compensating critics and influential social-media persons to obtain early favorable reviews, according to a prominent Chinese journalist.
The Flash premiered in China on June 16 under Warner Bros. Pictures. However, it has triggered scrutiny regarding the authenticity of its positive reviews. They raised doubts among possible viewers who questioned the credibility of the early acclaim. Furthermore, it has created a sense of skepticism surrounding the Ezra Miller movie’s reception.
This controversy has sparked a significant backlash and as a result, moviegoers expressed their reluctance to purchase tickets during The Flash’s opening weekend, feeling a sense of deception due to the initial praise. These doubts led to a decline in ticket sales as audiences believed they had been misled by the seemingly exaggerated reception.
In a tweet posted by Chinese box office analyst Gavin Feng, a significant number of individuals have lost faith in the rave reviews and reactions pertaining to Warner Bros. movies.
Warner Bros. China Said To Buy Positive Flash Reviews In New Report
Image: Warner Bros. Discovery
He further highlighted the lack of a well-established critic system in China and emphasized that local distributors have strict control over critics, including popular ticketing platforms such as Maoyan and Taopiaopiao, which are owned by the same parent companies involved in film distribution.
As a result, critics find it challenging to provide genuine negative reviews if they have already viewed the movies before their official release.
Despite the controversy, The Flash has not been deemed a box-office failure in China. Statistics show that The Flash has received a respectable score of 8.0/10 on the Douban website, demonstrating that this Warner Bros. production is still delivering on its promise to entertain and satisfy fans.
But then again, it is a slow start in China much like it did in North America in terms of ticket sales according, to The Hollywood Reporter.
So did Warner Bros. China engage in some form of payola?
In the U.S., The Flash ran out of advanced screenings with widespread praise. In fact, it was being hailed as one of the greatest superhero films ever created. But the movie dropped a 66% among the critics surveyed on Rotten Tomatoes. That’s enough to give a “certified fresh” to Warner Bros. minus any under-the-table dealings.
Many U.S. film critics have responded favorably to the movie, recognizing its quality and appeal.
Warner Bros. China Said To Buy Positive Flash Reviews In New Report
Image: Warner Bros. Discovery
Moreover, it acquired an impressive 85% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes. Oddly enough, that’s in direct contrast to its B grade on CinemaScore. Certainly, that’s not what Warner Bros. Discovery would be pleased with for such a high-priced project. A B is the kiss of death at the box office.
This positive audience response suggests that despite the skepticism surrounding reviews, moviegoers are finding enjoyment and fulfillment in Warner Bros.’ The Flash, contributing to its overall success at the box office.
And the fact that The Flash has opened the door to potential DC multiverse, there are fans who are excited for the thrilling new stories that the new DC Studios has to offer. Nonetheless, DC movies still polarize followers with a number remaining bitter of how Warner Bros. treated director Zack Snyder. That is surely among the reasons why The Flash tanked in America, and bogus recommendations couldn’t save it.
Ringo Ordoñez is based in the Philippines. He is a published writer with a diverse range of experience in content creation, specializing in crafting engaging and informative articles. As a content writer for Geekosity and the City of Taguig Public Information Office, Ordoñez handles a diverse range of subjects. With experience at Playboy PH Magazine, Ordoñez has honed storytelling abilities in a vibrant and dynamic environment. Ordoñez has done features in technology, lifestyle, and travel, developing adaptability and versatility.