A recent attempt by YouTube personality Grace Randolph to draw a distinction between film critics and paid influencers is generating backlash online—including from members of her own community.
Randolph, who positions herself as a film critic and pop culture commentator, was discussing the critical response to the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic Michael. The film currently holds a notably low critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, adding to ongoing conversations about the divide between professional critics, online audiences, and the Hollywood access media.
An image from Michael – YouTube, Universal Pictures
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During her commentary, Randolph introduced a third category—paid “influencers”—as distinct from traditional critics. However, the distinction did not appear to resonate with many of her viewers, who pushed back in the comments and live chat, questioning both the framing and her broader point.
The Changing Media Landscape
The internet has changed how films are marketed, with review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes serving as a primary example. The “Rotten” versus “Fresh” binary has become, for many, the default measure of whether a film is worth an individual’s time and money. However, as more recent films with poor critic scores become box office hits, and those with high scores fail to connect, its influence is increasingly being called into question.
Randolph highlighted a potential reason for this shift. “Rotten Tomatoes has kind of weaponized influencers…I’ve told you before that this is Hollywood’s attempt to work around critics,” she said. “Influencers are always positive. It’s their job to like everything they’re paid to like.”
The like to dislike ratio for Grace Randolph discussing John Davidson at the BAFTAs – YouTube, Beyond The Trailer
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However, some have pointed out that money is not the only motivation. High-profile influencers are often compensated with access, including early screenings, invitations to press events, and advance screeners. That access, however, can come with implicit expectations. More than that, there can be consequences if those expectations are not met. “It’s very shortsighted if an influencer says ‘this movie sucked,’” Randolph said. She added that if they do, “then they don’t get invited back.”
The inevitable result, as Grace Randolph suggests, is that paid influencers will tend to give more positive reviews. When audiences are looking for authentic, organic opinions, those can become increasingly difficult to find. Her point is one many moviegoers would likely agree with. Yet some have also questioned whether Randolph herself exists outside the same system she is critiquing.
Audience Pushback and Blurred Definitions
Someone in her own chat (composed entirely of paid subscribers to her YouTube channel) wrote: “I mean Grace you’re also an influencer. A professional but still an influencer.”
The distinction between paid influencer and professional critic is becoming increasingly difficult to define. Both operate within the same system built around access. That system allows studios to help shape the narrative around a film, rather than simply having reviewers independently describe it for audiences. Even fans of Grace Randolph acknowledge that she operates within that same sphere.
Shifting Toward Audience-Driven Review Models
Increasing doubts of authenticity from those with access may explain why audience-driven platforms like Criticless are gaining traction. The site allows general audiences—those without special access—to rate and review films. In this model, concentrated word of mouth may ultimately carry more weight than critics, paid influencers, or Grace Randolph.
Criticless Review scores for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie – Criticless
At the end of the day, Grace Randolph may be correct in her assessment of the problem. Honest reviews can be difficult to find. Yet she may also be as much a part of the system she is criticizing as those she is calling out.
How do you feel about Grace Randolph and her comments on “influencers” in the film industry? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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She MIGHT be part of the system? She doth complain too much. This shrill harridan has been on the payroll for YEARS. Always looking out for the studio with some opinions so wild she must have hallucinated them while participating in an Ecstasy cuddle puddle.
The only time she agrees with audiences is when it doesn’t cost her anything or if she thinks the audience would revolt.
70 year old hag DisGrace Randolph makes me nauseous.
Why is the “Temu Joan Rivers” yapping again? Did someone forget her oil can?