THE NEW MUTANTS: Critics Refuse To Review The Movie Until Disney Offers Safe Screening Options

THE NEW MUTANTS: Critics Refuse To Review The Movie Until Disney Offers Safe Screening Options

Several noteworthy critics have come forward to say they will not be reviewing The New Mutants until Disney offers safer screening options as evidence suggests that returning to movie theaters is unsafe.

By JoshWilding - Aug 26, 2020 02:08 AM EST
Filed Under: New Mutants
Source: Indie Wire

Movie theaters are slowly starting to re-open their doors, with many outside of the U.S. now returning to business as usual. There are conflicting opinions on how safe it is to actually sit in a crowded movie theater, and several websites have now come forward to confirm that their critics will not review The New Mutants if they have to attend public screenings. 

The A.V. Club, The Boston Globe, RogerEbert.com, and IndieWire are among those who are unwilling to have their critics put themselves at risk, with the main issue being that movie theaters are allowing customers to remove their masks to eat or drink concession items. 

The AV Club's film critic AA Dowd has elaborated on this decision, stating: "Last week, we published an interview with scientific experts on the dangers of going to the movies now, during a pandemic that is in no way under control. They did not mince words: There’s a very good chance you could get sick. And that’s a risk The A.V. Club will not be taking to review a movie."

"We are, in fact, adopting the official policy of only reviewing films our writers can safely watch, whether in a socially distanced press screening or with a digital screener," the essay continues. "And yes, that applies to all our writers, even those willing to take the risk for an assignment, because we’re not willing to monetize that risk, either."

Press screenings did take place for Tenet in certain locations, but that doesn't appear to be the case with The New Mutants, a sign, perhaps, that Disney is aware it won't be particularly well-received. 

It's easy to see why these sites feel that way, but regular moviegoers don't have the luxury of socially distanced screenings or online screeners. Ultimately, though, that's their choice, and it could be Disney that loses out here as reviews (and that Rotten Tomatoes score) do influence moviegoers. Of course, if The New Mutants is terrible, they probably won't be too bothered!

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FinnishDude
FinnishDude - 8/26/2020, 3:05 AM
They are doing the right thing and general audience really should follow their example. I live in a country where the pandemic is somewhat in control (in comparison to America, at least) and theaters are doing all kids of precautions, but I'm not selfish enough to go until it's 100% safe.

dracula
dracula - 8/26/2020, 3:06 AM
Isn't that more up to the theaters not Disney themselves
Humperdink
Humperdink - 8/26/2020, 3:11 AM
@dracula -

Isn't that more up to the theaters not Disney themselves



Disney stated that they would not provide an advance screening of the film or a digital review link. Meaning that the only way for a reviewer to watch the film is to pay for it in a theater.

Disney could provide a digital review link, especially now, they just don't want to.
Humperdink
Humperdink - 8/26/2020, 3:28 AM
@Humperdink -



Apparently they have digital platform for critics to review Disney+ content. Normally this sort of thing is a bad sign in terms of the film's quality. Maybe they don't want it review.
mastakilla39
mastakilla39 - 8/26/2020, 10:52 AM
@Humperdink - Not really, it just shows that Disney is cheap AF. They posted a 5 billion dollar lost last stockholders meeting, they aren't trying to hand out freebies unless someone else covers the cost.

1 of the reasons why Netflix's 250 mil Irishman is free as long as you have a subscription and Disney's 200 mil Mulan is $30 more plus the cost of your subscription.

TBH critics or their agencies should be paying for the movie tickets too instead of being all smug about early screenings.
BobGarlen
BobGarlen - 8/26/2020, 3:17 AM
This would be an Excellent time to promote Drove-In Theaters. That's an safe and reasonable way to view a movie, from the comfort of your own vehicle, windows up and socially distanced. I wish drive in theaters could get advertised as the "Go-To" Place for new movies during this time, especially since many of them are independently owned. I think it would check all the right boxes.
ShimmyShimmyYA
ShimmyShimmyYA - 8/26/2020, 3:21 AM
@BobGarlen - just went to one 2 weeks ago, they just gotta start showing newer movies
BobGarlen
BobGarlen - 8/26/2020, 3:32 AM
@ShimmyShimmyYA - it would have been cool if AMC had added a couple of Drive-In style theaters to some of their Locations too. Where I live, the AMC has 2 large Grass areas and a large field in front of it, the field could be rented or the grass areas could have been retrofitted and they could have added Screens on either side. This is truly the most opportune time for a drive in theater chain. I live 20/30 minutes away from 2 and I'm in a smaller town. I agree, Bring new movies to drive ins, support small and local theater owners that have them and we could get the best of our situation without anyone being in danger. Require a face mask when you buy a ticket.
ShimmyShimmyYA
ShimmyShimmyYA - 8/26/2020, 7:23 AM
@BobGarlen - all facts, I’m an hour away from one and if they start showing new movies I’m there every weekend
kitheka
kitheka - 8/26/2020, 3:18 AM
If they don't feel safe to go watch and review the film, they should not go. Just like the general audience.

Stop whinging and being:

GhostDog
GhostDog - 8/26/2020, 3:31 AM
This movie can NEVER WIN
A2ron
A2ron - 8/26/2020, 11:48 AM
@BlackBeltJones - I feel that the critics don't have to like it, how good a movie is should just depend on you.
GhostDog
GhostDog - 8/26/2020, 12:21 PM
@A2ron - I meant this movie has just had a rough road in every facet of its journey. Whether it be no releasing the last 3 years to not even being able to be reviewed properly.
BraveNewClunge
BraveNewClunge - 8/26/2020, 3:50 AM
Get Tom cruise to review it

soberchimera
soberchimera - 8/26/2020, 6:08 AM
@TheSnyderClunge - "I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!!"
BraveNewClunge
BraveNewClunge - 8/26/2020, 6:26 AM
@soberchimera - 🤣
WeaponXCII
WeaponXCII - 8/26/2020, 4:02 AM
This movie really can’t catch a break.
bkmeijer2
bkmeijer2 - 8/26/2020, 5:10 AM
Atleast it's finally coming out, but ofcourse it isn't without any hick-ups
DaHulksta
DaHulksta - 8/26/2020, 5:37 AM
Seems excessive. Studios usually fill press screenings with pass holders (i.e. contests, giveaways, etc) but they aren't. When I saw Tenet it was maybe 4-5 people socially distanced.

To their credit, I don't see that they reviewed Tenet. So it seems they are avoiding all screenings but they say they want a screener (which can be easily pirated) or a safe screening, which, 4-5 people in a 300 capacity theatre is almost annoyingly safe.
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