I have found myself, recently, switching off from any review of anything (movies, games, TV shows) as soon as the writer references themselves. This often means I don't get beyond the first sentence ('I first encountered Shockman Shocktactic when I was fifteen...' argh I DON'T CARE, IS IT ANY GOOD?)

Is it just me?

'I first noticed this preference - or prejudice - in myself when I was 22 and just finishing my degrEEEEAAAARRGGGHHHHH I DON'T CARE YOU TURD SWALLOWING BASTARD!!!'

Thanks awfully.

Didn't get past the first word of your post, sorry.

TSA;DNR

Not feeling it.

I only look at reviews for things that I am genuinely interested in buying (to the point that there's a 99% chance I'll buy it), and I kind of want the review(s) to convince me it isn't worth the money.

I sort of want reviews to talk me out of spending any money by telling me the thing I want is a waste of time, or not as good as something else that's similar but cheaper. This doesn't always work, but it works about 40% of the time.

I love good reviews.

I need to see about five good reviews before I'll accept that my instincts are correct and I definitely can justify buying yet another guitar effects pedal; or something that's equally fun but ultimately useless and that will only get occasional use.

If it's something practical, I need fewer reviews (maybe three) to convince me.

Absolutely. A well written review enhances one's appreciation of just about anything, even if one doesn't agree with the reviewer's point of view. What irks need is when the reviewer takes this as an opportunity to boast/reminisce/segue-into-self-aggrandisement

I go see everything, so I don't need to read reviews.

We could be the next Siskel and Ebert.

OK, that would be cool.

Jimbo & Fraxon at the Movies

(OK, we'll negotiate on the billing)

The billing is fine.

If I can, I avoid the reviews before reading or seeing something, then immediately (or pretty soon after) read the reviews to compare my reaction to theirs.

I don't see everything like Frax, so if I'm on the fence about a movie I read a couple of reviews, but otherwise I do the same thing as you. I don't like to spoil too much.

I never read reviews, maybe just a glance but it rarely affects me on what I will see at the movies. I like what I like. Zombies!

Oh, I think you already are.

I'd have said they had more of a Penn & Teller vibe...but Fraxon does have a penchant for sequins....

I could see them wearing puffy shirts.

Oh come on.

Yep that's pretty close!

PERFECT!

We'll call it "Grumpy Old Men at The Movies"!