Him star Marlon Wayans is addressing negative reviews of his latest project, the Jordan Peele-produced horror-thriller that delves into the sacrificial nature of American football.
The comic-cum-actor posted a carousel of photos on Instagram to relay the idea that a majority of his cult classic films — from the lauded farcical comedy White Chicks to hood film spoof Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood — have received reappraisal throughout the years since their releases.
“Just to be clear… I respect critics,” he wrote. “Their job is to Critique. I respect their work. It shapes our industry. But an opinion does not always mean it’s everyone’s opinion. Some movies are ahead of the curve. Innovation is not always embraced and art is to be interpreted and it’s subjective. I’ve had a career of making classic movies that weren’t critically recieved [sic] and those movies went on to be CLASSICS. So don’t take anyone’s opinion just go see for yourself. Love to all. Him in theaters now.”
The Requiem for a Dream star’s post also included screenshots of the differing critical versus audience consensus on Rotten Tomatoes for A Haunted House and Scary Movie 1 and 2.
Online, Wayans’ thoughtful, measured response to lackluster takes drew praise, especially amid a general hostile media environment toward cultural critics, who have in some cases faced public backlash or doxxing after voicing their opinions.
Vulture‘s aggregation of reviews points toward the consensus that “Critics Don’t Think Him Has It.” Deadline’s Pete Hammond wrote in his review: “Him’s marketing campaign suggests something akin to a religious experience with its wannabe star quarterback posing as some sort of Christ-on-the-cross-like figure in the ads with the tagline, ‘Greatness demands sacrifices.’ I would add, ‘Movies demand coherence.’”
Meanwhile, Rolling Stone‘s headline reads: “Him is a fourth-down horror-movie fumble.” The Los Angeles Times notes: “The devil’s in the details of the football horror Him, but it punts on plot.”
Despite largely negative reviews, many outlets do highlight the outstanding performances of stars Wayans and Tyriq Withers.
Helmed by Justin Tipping, who co-wrote the script alongside Skip Bronkie and Zack Akers, Him follows rising star athlete Cameron Cade (Withers) as he receives the opportunity of a lifetime to train with GOAT quarterback Isaiah White (Wayans), who is looking for a worthy successor as he prepares to retire. But as the week-long, secluded football intensive carries on, Cameron begins to unravel the sinister allure of greatness, and the too high price it demands.
While not exactly a box office touchdown, Him is also not a bust at the B.O., raking in $13.5 million after its first week in theaters.
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