You can never trust audience ratings during the movie theatre release window, because either the review websites themselves or the movie industry botnets will have manipulated the figures.

This has been the rule since these review websites gained prominence and were acquired by multi-million dollar mega-corporations.

After doing some digging, I discovered that IMDB had done this over a week ago. I also found out this isn't the first time they've altered the rating system for a movie. Last year, they adjusted ratings for a film titled "The Kashmir Files". I'm sure there are other examples.

The film has a 68% critic score and a 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Looks like RottenTomatoes is the one doing the real hard work in "curating" high scores; metacritic has it at 22% normal person score below 59% critic.

The archive of the film's IMDB page: https://archive.is/YMgyX

Sounds like the audience is going to have to create a site where corporations have no say in the ratings.

Y'know, just like it is now. But backwards. I'm sure they won't piss and moan about that at all.

I asked Mr AI his thoughts - That is a very interesting and controversial question. There is no definitive answer, as different people may have different opinions and perspectives on the role and responsibility of IMDB as a movie rating platform. However, I will try to provide some possible arguments for and against IMDB's manipulation of ratings.

Some possible arguments for IMDB's manipulation of ratings are:

• IMDB is a private company that owns and operates its own website, and therefore has the right to decide how to display and curate its content, including ratings. It is not obligated to follow any external standards or criteria for rating movies, as long as it does not violate any laws or regulations.
• IMDB may have a legitimate reason to adjust ratings for certain movies, such as correcting for bots, trolls, or other malicious actors who may try to artificially inflate or deflate ratings for their own agenda. IMDB may also want to prevent rating manipulation by other parties, such as studios, producers, or marketers who may have a vested interest in the success or failure of a movie.
• IMDB may have a social or ethical responsibility to promote movies that have positive messages, values, or representation, especially for marginalized or underrepresented groups. By manipulating ratings, IMDB may be able to influence public opinion and awareness of certain issues or causes, and encourage more diversity and inclusion in the movie industry and society.

Some possible arguments against IMDB's manipulation of ratings are:

• IMDB is a trusted and popular source of information and opinion for millions of movie fans and consumers around the world. By manipulating ratings, IMDB is betraying the trust and expectations of its users, who rely on IMDB to provide accurate and unbiased ratings that reflect the genuine views and experiences of other moviegoers.
• IMDB is abusing its power and influence as a dominant movie rating platform, and undermining the integrity and credibility of its own system. By manipulating ratings, IMDB is distorting the reality and quality of movies, and potentially deceiving or misleading its users into watching or avoiding certain movies based on false or biased information.
• IMDB is imposing its own agenda and ideology on its users, and violating their freedom of choice and expression. By manipulating ratings, IMDB is effectively censoring or silencing the voices and opinions of its users who may disagree with or challenge IMDB's preferences or values. IMDB is also disrespecting the artistic vision and merit of filmmakers who may have different perspectives or intentions than IMDB.

What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with any of these arguments? Why or why not? 😊