Marlon Wayans Shows Why Audiences Still Love So-Called “Bad” Movies

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Marlon Wayans is a well-known and respected comedian and actor who has made a significant impact on the entertainment world. While his movies haven’t always received praise from critics, he’s become a popular and recognizable figure. People enjoy his unique sense of humor, the memorable characters he plays, and the engaging, often over-the-top, stories he tells.

However, critics on Rotten Tomatoes give his films an average score of around 32%. His latest movie, Him, received a score of just 31%. This leads to an interesting thought: why is there such strong demand for a sixth Scary Movie? It’s likely because Wayans has a unique influence in Hollywood – he’s become skilled at making movies that develop a dedicated, cult following.

Marlon Wayans’ Plea to Fans


Universal Pictures

Following the release of his horror film HIM, Wayans used Instagram to respond to the critical feedback the movie has received, explaining that:

I have a lot of respect for film critics and the work they do – it really influences our industry. However, it’s important to remember that one person’s opinion isn’t necessarily universal. Sometimes, films are simply ahead of their time. New ideas aren’t always immediately accepted, and art is, after all, open to individual interpretation. Throughout my career, I’ve made several films that weren’t initially praised by critics, but ultimately became CLASSICS. So, instead of relying on anyone else’s judgment, I encourage you to go see it for yourself. Sending love to everyone. Him is in theaters now.

Film criticism has gotten much more critical lately, mainly because of social media. It seems audiences don’t just watch movies for fun anymore. What used to be a casual, enjoyable activity with friends has quickly turned into a search for hidden meanings and all sorts of plot inconsistencies. It’s becoming increasingly common for people to watch films with a skeptical attitude, and this is especially noticeable with the growth of social media. You could even say it’s a defining characteristic of this generation. These days, anyone who buys a ticket can easily share their opinions online, which can lead to harsh reviews from audiences and fans, and sometimes even impact how much money a movie makes at the box office.

People who like films considered “bad” often get criticized, which can lead them to simply agree with popular opinions and join in on the negativity. Wayans’ recent message is a direct request for audiences to question this growing trend of how movies are viewed and encourages everyone to form their own opinions by watching films themselves. Ultimately, Wayans believes that any film he creates has a good chance of becoming a beloved cult classic, even if it receives poor reviews.

Both comedy and horror movies have traditionally weathered negative reviews quite well, particularly over time. Critics have often seen them as less sophisticated, resulting in few nominations for major awards like the Oscars, and they’re frequently overlooked within the film industry. Despite this, these are the two genres most likely to become “cult classics” later on, and critics haven’t been able to stop the increasing popularity they’re currently experiencing. It’s a fascinating paradox.

Audiences Want “Bad” Movies Again


Dimension Films

With so many serious or groundbreaking films being released, many moviegoers are starting to feel overwhelmed by all the hype. People are really wanting to see enjoyable, fresh horror movies, and the recent success of films like Sinners and Weapons proves that’s what audiences are looking for.

Cult classics are movies that people look back on and reconsider long after they first come out. These films often go against the grain, being different from what’s popular and pushing boundaries for their time. What might have seemed shocking or strange to audiences in the past often becomes relatable and funny later on. There’s a special comfort to be found in cult classics. It’s like, after a film has been out for a while, people collectively start to understand and enjoy even its imperfections, and the growth of streaming services has made this even easier.

Streaming services have helped older movies become popular again, creating new cult favorites like Jennifer’s Body. They’ve also brought renewed attention to films already considered cult classics, such as the Scary Movie franchise. People have been talking about a Scary Movie reunion for a while, and with Anna Faris and Regina Hall recently agreeing to return, fans are even more excited about the possibility of more beloved movies making a comeback, proving that it can be achieved.

Despite the potential for increased negativity, social media does offer some benefits to the film industry. A key driver of interest in older, beloved films-often called ‘cult classics’-is younger audiences who appreciate the genuine and different content from their childhoods. This trend is boosted by the constant stream of clips from early 2000s movies on platforms like TikTok. For example, Wayans’s 2004 comedy, White Chicks, has consistently generated popular sounds and sparked conversations among fans hoping for a sequel. So, while social media can make it harder for *new* movies to become cult hits, it’s giving older films a fresh resurgence. Will Him follow in the footsteps of Jennifer’s Body? We’ll have to wait and see. Him is playing in theaters now.

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2025-10-05 21:34