Hollywood legend Tom Hanks recently made waves with his candid and unapologetic comments about movie critics during an appearance on *Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend*. Known for his down-to-earth personality and sharp wit, Hanks took the opportunity to express his frustrations with the world of film reviews, using a playful yet pointed expletive to describe critics. His remarks have since sparked conversation among fans and critics alike, shedding light on his unorthodox perspective on the role of critics in the film industry.
Hanks pointed out that while critics initially review a movie, followed by audience reactions, the opinions of both groups lose their relevance as time moves on. In fact, he suggested that the passage of time is the true measure of a movie's value. “A movie is first reviewed by a critic, then the audience weighs in, and then a ton of time goes by when none of that stuff matters anymore,” Hanks explained. He further elaborated that, in his view, movies eventually transcend their initial reviews and public reception, evolving into something that is shaped by history and changing cultural contexts.
For Hanks, it is not about immediate judgments, but rather how a film endures over time. He believes that the real worth of a movie emerges when it is no longer viewed through the lens of "thumbs up" or "thumbs down," but rather as a piece of art that speaks to future generations. "The movie just exists exactly as it is, outside of loser or winner status," he remarked. "And that’s when this stuff comes around, where it’s like that this thing that didn’t work back then kind of does work now, or just the opposite. A thing that was huge back then is a museum piece and doesn’t really speak to anything.”
This outlook reflects Hanks' belief that art, including film, has a much longer shelf life than the fleeting opinions that often surround its initial release. He emphasized that movies can change in significance over time, sometimes growing in appreciation while others fade into obscurity. For Hanks, this cyclical nature of film evaluation is part of the charm of the industry. “That’s the thing we all signed up for. That’s the carnival, that’s the contest. I got faith in that, and that’s okay,” he concluded. This statement serves as a reminder that, despite all the scrutiny films face, the ultimate judge of their success or failure is time itself.
Hanks' remarks about critics serve as a kind of manifesto on how he views his own work and the industry in general. Throughout his career, Hanks has been known for his unwavering dedication to his craft, and his belief that movies should be judged by their enduring cultural impact, not just their box-office numbers or immediate critical reactions. His comments also highlight his faith in the unpredictable nature of the film world, where the true value of a movie can often become clearer only years after its release.
Currently in the midst of a promotional tour for his upcoming film *Here*, Hanks' comments about critics come at a time when he is once again in the spotlight. *Here*, which marks a reunion with his *Forrest Gump* collaborators, Robin Wright and Robert Zemeckis, has generated significant buzz. Fans of the iconic 1994 film are eagerly awaiting Hanks’ return to the big screen alongside Wright and Zemeckis, hoping for another powerful collaboration from the trio that brought them one of cinema’s most beloved classics.
As Hanks promotes *Here*, his comments on the fleeting nature of film reviews serve as a reminder that, for him, it’s the long-term legacy of his work that matters most. While critics may have their say, it is the lasting emotional and cultural impact of a film that makes it endure. This perspective on criticism and the passage of time aligns with Hanks’ reputation as an actor who values depth, sincerity, and timelessness in his roles, and his faith in the ability of movies to evolve in meaning with each passing year. For Hanks, the true success of a film isn’t determined by opening weekend numbers or glowing reviews, but by its ability to resonate with audiences for generations to come.
