MovieChat Forums > Desperately Seeking Susan (1985) Discussion > Why such a low rating?

Why such a low rating?

posted 15 years ago by parame
33 replies | jump to latest

Granted, it has been 23 years since it's release, and, no, it was not an award-winning-type quality flick, but, does anyone else agree it deserves a higher rating? Sometimes these IMDb ratings stymie me.

[–] all4sunni 8 years ago

I think the low rating isn't justified. I love the story and the romance of New York City during this time period. The vintage clothing. I also love all the minor characters, and the attitude they give. When Dez returns the borrowed moped, the owner can't stop complaining and cussing him out. All the apartments that are broken into... The prostitute asking Roberta "what do you do with the birds?" assuming they're a fetish gimmick. It's a great romp. Cigars, cigarettes... tofutti.

[–] Eelco_1977 7 years ago

Just saw the movie for the first time after I watched "Purple Rain" with Prince. Yeah...so unfortunate that Prince isn't among us anymore.

Anyways, while "Purple Rain" surely has its moments, "Desperately Seeking Susan" feels much more like an 80s classic movie. I gave "Purple Rain" a 6/10. "Desperately Seeking Susan" gets a 7/8 out of a 10 by me :)

[–] Wuchak (8100) 4 years ago

A rating of 6/10 is about right. It's a quirky drama revolving around mistaken identity in an unlikely story. It’s entertaining enough and also works as a window into mid-80’s New York City. How much the viewer will appreciate it depends on how smitten (or not smitten) they are with Arquette. She’s winsome, for sure, but I can take her or leave her. Madonna is more alluring in the lesser role, but I’m not big on her either; still, there are a couple scenes that nicely spotlight her attractiveness.

[–] huwdj (4562) 4 years ago

I think it's a little low but not that many people have voted. I generally find that the more votes the more I agree with the rating.
But also observing it's not just about Madonna and Arquette. I remember watching this film when it came out and the female part of the audience were extremely attentive of Aidan Quinn.
Personally I always liked this film and really enjoyed watching it again recently. For some reason, perhaps it's quirkiness, it doesn't feel old or dated at all.

[–] Wuchak (8100) 4 years ago

I forgot to mention Quinn; he was another selling point. Thanks.

[–] johnmiller (3340) 4 years ago

Madonna has zero acting ability and zero charisma. And, the movie is just a sitcom-level mistaken-identity comedy.