Let's dive into the Masterminds movie and see what the critics over at Rotten Tomatoes have to say! Masterminds, a comedy heist film, boasts a star-studded cast and a plot that sounds like a recipe for laughs. But does it deliver? Well, the folks at Rotten Tomatoes have given their verdict, and we're here to break it all down for you.

What is Masterminds?

Masterminds is a 2016 American comedy film directed by Jared Hess. The movie features a stellar cast, including Zach Galifianakis, Kristen Wiig, Owen Wilson, and Jason Sudeikis. The storyline revolves around David Ghant (played by Galifianakis), an armored car driver who gets embroiled in a massive bank heist orchestrated by his alluring co-worker, Kelly Campbell (played by Wiig), and a local crook named Steve Chambers (played by Wilson). The seemingly simple plan spirals into hilarious chaos as the group tries to evade the authorities and double-cross each other. The film is loosely based on the 1997 Loomis Fargo Robbery.

With such a promising premise and a cast full of comedic heavyweights, Masterminds had the potential to be a blockbuster comedy. The real-life story behind the film added another layer of intrigue, making audiences eager to see how this unbelievable tale would be brought to life on the big screen. The marketing campaign further amplified the anticipation, showcasing the film's zany humor and over-the-top characters. However, despite all the hype, the critical reception of Masterminds was mixed, and its performance at the box office was underwhelming. This begs the question: where did it all go wrong?

Rotten Tomatoes Score: The Critical Consensus

So, what's the Rotten Tomatoes score for Masterminds? The film garnered a Rotten score of 34%, based on a significant number of reviews. This indicates that the majority of critics had a negative opinion of the movie. The critical consensus on the site reads, "Masterminds has a terrific cast and a fact-based story that's stranger than fiction -- which makes it all the more disappointing that it isn't funnier." This pretty much sums up the general sentiment: the movie had potential, but it didn't quite hit the mark.

While a 34% rating isn't the kiss of death, it certainly isn't something to brag about. It places Masterminds in the category of films that are generally considered disappointing or mediocre. The low score suggests that the movie failed to deliver on its comedic promises and didn't live up to the expectations set by its cast and premise. However, it's important to remember that Rotten Tomatoes scores are just one piece of the puzzle. They reflect the opinions of professional critics, but audience reception can often differ significantly. So, let's delve deeper into what the critics and audiences had to say about Masterminds.

What the Critics Said

Critics pointed out several shortcomings in Masterminds. Many felt that the humor was too broad and slapstick, relying on cheap gags rather than clever writing. Some reviewers noted that the film struggled to find the right tone, oscillating between goofy comedy and something resembling a crime caper. The direction was also criticized for being uninspired, failing to elevate the material beyond its basic premise. A common complaint was that the talented cast was wasted on a script that simply wasn't funny enough.

Several critics highlighted the missed opportunities in Masterminds. The real-life story had all the elements of a compelling dark comedy, but the film failed to fully exploit the absurdity and inherent humor of the situation. The characters, while quirky and eccentric, lacked depth and were often reduced to caricatures. The plot, despite being based on actual events, felt convoluted and lacked a clear sense of direction. In short, critics felt that Masterminds had all the ingredients for a great comedy, but the execution fell flat. The film's reliance on crude humor and over-the-top performances ultimately undermined its potential, leaving audiences underwhelmed and disappointed.

Audience Reception: A Different Story?

Interestingly, the audience score for Masterminds on Rotten Tomatoes is significantly higher, sitting at 47%. While still not a glowing endorsement, it suggests that general audiences were somewhat more forgiving than professional critics. Some viewers appreciated the film's lighthearted and silly nature, finding it to be an amusing distraction. Others were drawn in by the cast, enjoying the performances of Galifianakis, Wiig, and Wilson, despite the script's shortcomings. However, it's worth noting that a 47% audience score still indicates a mixed reaction overall.

Despite the slightly more positive audience reception, Masterminds failed to achieve widespread popularity. The film's box office performance was underwhelming, grossing only $17.4 million domestically against a production budget of $25 million. This suggests that the movie struggled to find its target audience and didn't resonate with viewers on a large scale. While some audience members may have enjoyed the film's goofy humor and star-studded cast, many others likely found it to be uninspired and forgettable. Ultimately, Masterminds serves as a cautionary tale of a comedy with great potential that failed to live up to expectations.

Why the Divide? Potential Reasons

So, why the discrepancy between critical and audience scores? There could be a few reasons. Firstly, critics often have higher expectations and are more discerning in their tastes. They may be looking for originality, wit, and clever writing, whereas general audiences might be more easily entertained by broad humor and familiar tropes. Secondly, audiences may be more forgiving of flaws if they find the actors likeable or the premise intriguing. Finally, marketing can play a role in shaping audience expectations. If a movie is marketed as a lighthearted, silly comedy, audiences may be more willing to overlook its shortcomings.

Another factor that could contribute to the divide is the subjective nature of humor. What one person finds hilarious, another may find offensive or simply unfunny. Masterminds relies heavily on slapstick, physical comedy, and crude jokes, which may not appeal to all viewers. Some critics may have found the humor to be juvenile and uninspired, while others may have appreciated the film's willingness to embrace absurdity. Ultimately, the reception of Masterminds highlights the challenges of creating a comedy that appeals to both critics and general audiences.

Is Masterminds Worth Watching?

Ultimately, whether or not Masterminds is worth watching depends on your personal taste. If you enjoy silly, over-the-top comedies with a talented cast, you might find it to be an amusing way to kill a couple of hours. However, if you're looking for a smart, witty, and original comedy, you'll probably be disappointed. Keep in mind the Rotten Tomatoes scores and the critical consensus before making your decision. If you decide to give it a shot, go in with low expectations and be prepared for some goofy humor.

If you're a fan of the cast, particularly Zach Galifianakis, Kristen Wiig, and Owen Wilson, you may find some enjoyment in their performances. However, don't expect them to deliver their best work. The script doesn't give them much to work with, and their talents are somewhat wasted on the material. If you're interested in the real-life story behind the film, you may find it intriguing to compare the movie to the actual events. However, keep in mind that Masterminds takes considerable liberties with the truth, so don't expect a completely accurate portrayal.

Alternatives to Masterminds

If Masterminds doesn't sound like your cup of tea, there are plenty of other comedy heist films to choose from. Ocean's Eleven is a classic example of a stylish and sophisticated heist movie with a star-studded cast. The Italian Job is another popular choice, offering a thrilling and action-packed heist with plenty of twists and turns. For a more comedic take on the genre, you might enjoy Snatch or Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, both directed by Guy Ritchie. These films offer a blend of dark humor, quirky characters, and intricate plots.

If you're looking for a comedy with a similar tone to Masterminds, you might try Napoleon Dynamite, also directed by Jared Hess. This film features a similar brand of quirky humor and offbeat characters. Alternatively, you could check out some of Zach Galifianakis' other comedies, such as The Hangover or Due Date. These films showcase his unique brand of comedic timing and his ability to play eccentric and unpredictable characters. Ultimately, the best alternative to Masterminds depends on your specific preferences and what you're looking for in a comedy film.

Final Thoughts

Masterminds is a film with a lot of potential that ultimately falls short. While it boasts a talented cast and a fascinating true story, the humor is often too broad, and the writing lacks wit and originality. The Rotten Tomatoes scores reflect this sentiment, with critics giving the film a Rotten rating. However, some audience members may find it to be an amusing distraction, particularly if they enjoy silly, over-the-top comedies. Ultimately, whether or not Masterminds is worth watching is a matter of personal taste. Just go in with reasonable expectations!