"Man on Wire" Now the Best-Reviewed Film of All Time

[J_UNTITLED]

From ComingSoon.net (Original Source: RottenTomatoes.com, Magnolia Pictures)

- "As we've seen in recent years, all records are made to be broken, but it was quite surprise that this week, James Marsh's documentary Man on Wire, became the top-reviewed movie of all time on movie review site Rotten Tomatoes, surpassing Pixar's acclaimed Toy Story 2.

Man on Wire tells the story of French high-wire artist Philippe Petit, who snuck up to the top of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center on August 7, 1974, strung a wire between the buildings and walked across, an unprecedented wire walk that has never been repeated or attempted since. The riveting documentary gives a first-hand account of how Petit was able to pull off such a brazen act, leaving all of New York City thrilled and amazed.

You can read ComingSoon.net's interview with Marsh and Petit here and The Weekend Warrior's thoughts on the acclaimed documentary here, as well as read distributor Magnolia Pictures' press release on this historic event below:

MAN ON WIRE – THE BEST REVIEWED MOVIE OF ALL TIME!
James Marsh’s critically acclaimed doc claims top spot on Rottentomatoes.com

THE INTERNET – October 30, 2008 – After a protracted draw, Magnolia Pictures’ MAN ON WIRE finally edged out long-time record holder TOY STORY 2 to claim the coveted top spot on Rottentomatoes.com as the best reviewed film of all time: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/top/bestofrt_year.php. With its 100% positive rating over 128 reviews, MAN ON WIRE breezed past its contemporaries and now sits above such notable films as CITIZEN KANE, THE GODFATHER (parts I and II), THE WIZARD OF OZ, VERTIGO, SUNSET BOULEVARD, CHINATOWN, THE 400 BLOWS, ON THE WATERFRONT, RASHOMON, TAXI DRIVER and BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA.

“All kidding aside, we’re pretty thrilled,” said Magnolia President Eamonn Bowles. “The reception that this documentary has received from the critical community and audiences alike has been really validating. James Marsh made an incredible film of an incredible story - it’s great to see it get the recognition it deserves."

James Marsh’s thrilling documentary about Philippe Petit’s 1974 high wire walk between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center has been a box office hit as well as a critical one: to date it’s grossed more than $2.73 million, making it one of the highest performing documentaries of 2008.

MAN ON WIRE is not the only film in the Magnolia family enjoying a stint on Rottentomatoes.com’s "best of" page. Magnet Releasing’s LET THE RIGHT ONE IN (the first film in the SIX SHOOTER FILM SERIES) is currently ranked as the best reviewed film in theaters. Additional, Chris Bell’s steroid documentary BIGGER, STRONGER, FASTER* (released theatrically by Magnolia last summer) ranks as the third-best reviewed movie recently released on DVD.

Despite rumors, Rottentomatoes.com is an unbiased entity with no ties to Magnolia Pictures or the Wagner/Cuban family."

[P@t_Mtl]

Only one thing too say about Philippe Petit

THAT GUY HAD BALLS OF STELL

[assydingo]

This seems wrong. I've never even heard of the movie and already 99% of critics have weighed in? And if not, why are they jumping the shark?

[J_UNTITLED]

Originally Posted by assydingo

This seems wrong. I've never even heard of the movie and already 99% of critics have weighed in? And if not, why are they jumping the shark?

How are they "jumping the shark" if they all have seen the film and they are needless to say entitled to their own opinions?


Also, you probably haven't heard of it before because it was not a wide release and only played in select locations (as the majority of independent movies do).

[xander]

Yeah, on Rotten Tomatoes. But to clarify, from Dark Horizons.

The film has scored over $2.7 million in limited release so far, one of the most successful documentaries of the year. Distributor Magnolia is also releasing acclaimed Danish vampire drama "Let the Right One In" which has scored similarly stellar reviews (97% RT). The press release however doesn't take into account the generally more accurate 'Average Rating' score on RT which still pegs "Man on Wire" at a stellar 8.4/10 score - easily one of the year's highest. Unfortunately that is just behind not only "Toy Story 2" (8.5/10) but three other films this year - "The Dark Knight," "Wall-E" and the upcoming "Slumdog Millionaire" which are scoring 8.5/10.

For a comparison with other classic films - "Rashomon" with 9.4/10; "Citizen Kane" & "Chinatown" with 9.3/10; "Seven Samurai" & "Singin' in the Rain" with 9.2/10; "The Wizard of Oz" & "The Third Man" with 9.1/10; "The Godfather", "All About Eve," "The Maltese Falcon," "M" & "Dr. Strangelove" with 9/10; "North by Northwest, "All the President's Men" & the original "King Kong" with 8.9/10; "Taxi Driver," "Dog Day Afternoon," "Jaws" & "Rear Window" with 8.8/10; and "Aliens" & "A Streetcar Named Desire" with 8.7/10. Other films to have scored 8.4/10 include such stellar company as "Rio Bravo," "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," "Ratatouille," "The Bourne Ultimatum," "The Silence of the Lambs," "Withnail and I," "Fantasia," "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers," "The Queen," and "Lost in Translation".
--From Dark Horizons

[J_UNTITLED]

Originally Posted by xander

Yeah, on Rotten Tomatoes. But to clarify, from Dark Horizons.

True, but the average rating is not the actual overall percentage that it has garnered, hence its newly-found position at the top.

[xander]

Originally Posted by J_UNTITLED

True, but the average rating is not the actual overall percentage that it has garnered, hence its newly-found position at the top.

You are correct. That's kind of why I'm more of a Metacritic guy. I like that they have the same pool. Still, can't refute 100% positive, I would love to see it.

[plowmanjoe]

i've had this saved in my queue for a long time now. can't wait for it to be released.

[assydingo]

Originally Posted by J_UNTITLED

How are they "jumping the shark" if they all have seen the film and they are needless to say entitled to their own opinions?


Also, you probably haven't heard of it before because it was not a wide release and only played in select locations (as the majority of independent movies do).

Hmmm, I thought 130 was less than it was. TDK only has 260.

For an independent that is incredible