imdb gets it wrong

this is one very unusual film, but it has something to it. this something could be Terry Southern kind of humor, which isn't all that universal. from the movie-making point of view, it is also far from being a piece of art. but it nevertheless blew my mind after I saw it for the first time. if I could vote for the disturbance it gave to my humor-receptors, it would be a solid 10. it's odd, screwy, bold, eccentric, penetrative, mischievous, original, intelligent, provocative, lax, warm. and in that order :-D and such is the audience it demands. its rating tells something about it.

George, this was one of my all-time favorites when it was released. I loved it. I think the reason there are so many low ratings is because "Magic Christian" is badly dated and the British/Terry Southern humor is different. People love Jim Carrey and I can't take very much of him. Doesn't mean he's not funny as humor is so subjective. Saw it again recently and still liked it but I can see why contemporary audiences might be put off. Still one of my favorites. Very unique.

An opinion is an opinion.
Note that the book was banned, even the movie.
A motion picture is a snapshot of an idea,
and the ideas in the movie are, as noted,
"mindblowing," "nihilistic," and "British Invasion."

"Mindblowing" art is less about paradigm shifts
and more about shock value.

"Nihilistic" art is less about humor
and more about the meaninglessness of Creation.

"British Invasion" art is less about wit
and more about the dryness of bitter protest.

Shock, meaninglessness, and bitter protest
do not add up to the preference for entertainment
for most people.

However, you are stating your opinion.
Or, rather, you are not stating your opinion.
You simply declare that IMDb "got it wrong"
when scoring the votes of viewers who voted on this movie
"The Magic Christian."
If you are looking for like-minded enthusiasts,
recall that the IMDb is a massive forum of data on movies,
not a fanboard.

Why not start a "Magic Christian" fan site?
This movie is controversial as it is, some forty years later.
So too is "Dr. Strangelove."
More interesting would be your comments on "12 Monkeys."
Some would find the humor to be simular to that of "The Magic Christian."
Or maybe you'd prefer "Being There" with Peter Sellers?

Ultimately, the movie is only as entertaining as you allow it to be --
-- for yourself.

sfd101

Many people just don't like anarchic, messy films (e.g. Casino Royale, Myra Breckenridge, Beyond The Valley of The Dolls). The Magic Christian hasn't aged very well and therefore doesn't stand on its own, compared to other typical '60s films (Help, Dr. Strangelove, Blow Up, Alfie, Bedazzled, The Graduate, If..., Easy Rider, etc.). To enjoy it, you have to be able to watch it in the context of its time. Perhaps it's a generational thing.

Alas, there is no accounting for taste. Check out what Larry Flynt has said about 'opinions' !!!

. . . . . . . . . . . . .
...it's a whole lot harder to shine.... than undermine.