Movie reviewers are pretty solitary people. We silently file into dark theaters with our notepads and watch a screening, we nod at the studio rep on our way out, perhaps giving a vague quote like “Interesting” or “Nice soundtrack” when asked for a first impression. Then we go home, write our 700 words, and collect our commission. It’s a good job for people who like to watch others interact, without ever having to do so in real life.
As I walked out of Chi-Raq and was asked for my first impression, I started with my usual response, “It was… interesting.” But then I stopped and added, “And it was bad.” Then I nodded my head a little more confidently, “Yes, it was very bad.”
“Oh, thank God,” said a voice behind me, “I was worried I was the only one.” Another reviewer walked up. “I almost walked out halfway through,” he added. “How does a movie like this even get made?” another reviewer asked…