When I used to go to the movies I would make it a point to see movies panned by the critic at the San Jose Mercury News. If he hated it it was sure to be a winner with me. The opposite was true also. Ebert is another contra indicator.
Spot on. I also carefully read Boston papers and watched TV critics for their opinions. A perfect indication every time. If they rated a movie highly, I did not see it. If they panned it, I probably went that weekend. It is a very good system to use. Saves wasting money.