Marlon Wayans is defending his latest film, “HIM,” which has received a mixed critical reception, scoring only 29% on Rotten Tomatoes. He encourages audiences to form their own opinions, highlighting that critical reception doesn’t always reflect audience appreciation. Wayans points to his past successes, such as “White Chicks,” the “Scary Movie” franchise, “A Haunted House,” and “Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood,” all initially panned by critics but later gaining cult status. He emphasizes that innovation isn’t always immediately embraced and art is subjective. While critics, including The Times film critic, noted stylistic elements, some criticized the plot. Conversely, audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes currently sit at 58%, suggesting a potential disconnect between critical and audience response, mirroring the trajectory of his previous films.
Wayans’s Instagram post, accessible here, further underscores his argument for independent judgment. He boldly asserts that his film’s success shouldn’t be solely judged by initial critical reviews, urging viewers to experience “HIM” and draw their own conclusions.
