I just got the SHOUT! Factory Ravenous Blu-ray. The film is one of those wonderful genre-bending works that combines (among others) horror, action, and most of all: western and comedy. (The ending section parodies the gunfight in a wonderfully gruesome way!)
Because of this, I had to look at the reviews. A lot of them were good, but I didn’t read any of those. The bad ones were just what I expected.
When an unusual film comes along, you would think that a film critic would be careful about dismissing it. After all, in one viewing when the critic might have been distracted or worse, isn’t it possible they missed something? Remember, the people who made the film watched it over and over and over. If I were a film critic, I’d worry that my review wouldn’t age well.
Edward Guthmann’s review is typical. In mid-March, he claims it is candidate for “worst movie of the year.” He then makes vague criticisms of the film — as usual, things he could have as easily applauded the film for. The different elements of the film are “poorly balanced.” But had he been having a good day, he would have said that the elements “created a profound synergy” (or some other bit of film critic horseshit).
He then goes on to discuss the production history of the film. This is a favorite of hacks everywhere. A “troubled” production means you can dismiss the film before you ever see it! Very rarely a critic will claim that a film triumphs its production problems. It doesn’t matter to me; it doesn’t belong in a review and shows how shallow film critics are.
Ultimately, Guthmann’s real problem is that he doesn’t like the subject and genre. And you know: fine! But maybe don’t go around complaining about a film you would never have liked!
PS: I’d probably like this guy. He’s a left-coaster for one thing. And his favorite film of 2021 was The Power of the Dog. Sherman’s March was in his top 10 for 1986! And he has a nice website and is a solid writer. My problem is the profession, not the critic. I feel much the same about Eric D Snider. But I’m still sure Owen Gleiberman is a dick!
Edward Guthmann via his X profile under Fair Use.