Featured Audience Ratings

• Sam B

  
  One of the strangest phenomena in movie history, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and what viewers get out of it are almost completely dependent on the context in which they see the film rather than the film itself. Why this movie in particular became the cultural oddity it… More
  One of the strangest phenomena in movie history, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and what viewers get out of it are almost completely dependent on the context in which they see the film rather than the film itself. Why this movie in particular became the cultural oddity it did is a fascinating mystery, but perhaps it fits that a movie that at its core is seemingly meaningless and weird, but actually full of messages, would turn out to be something more than it started out as. As it stands, "Rocky Horror" succeeds as a film because of its charming lack of inhibitions, Tim Curry's captivating performance, and the insane, mesmerizing collision between hidden ambition, low-budget production value, and randomness.

• Daniel M

  
  Film critics spend a sizable part of their careers trying to convince people to judge films on deeper grounds than whether or not they are fun. But every so often a film comes along which defies all their holier-than-thou criteria, a film which laughs in the face of criticism itself.… More
  Film critics spend a sizable part of their careers trying to convince people to judge films on deeper grounds than whether or not they are fun. But every so often a film comes along which defies all their holier-than-thou criteria, a film which laughs in the face of criticism itself. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is one of these films, and seeing it as 'just a bit of fun' is the only way to approach it. If you go into Rocky Horror wanting to analyse deep-seated themes, or unpick the dialogue to reveal some ecstatic truth, you'll sit through the whole thing either frustrated or bored and come out completely po-faced having not got the joke. If you go in looking to spot all the B-movie references, you'll enjoy it a little more, although you will look every bit as geeky as Quentin Tarantino. The only way one can really experience Rocky Horror is to take the film's advice and "give yourself over to absolute pleasure": sit back, open your mind and let the Time Warp do the rest. Like all the best cult films, Rocky Horror commercially underperformed when first released. And in hindsight it's not hard to see why. Much like its contemporaries (Night of the Living Dead, Pink Flamingos, El Topo and Eraserhead) it is very hard to sit through Rocky Horror in complete comfort the first time round. Part of this is intentional: several scenes are scary and the visuals are striking enough to send the uninitiated reeling. But equally there are things about Rocky Horror which (at least now) don't quite hang together or work as well as one would want. Richard O'Brien (who also stars as Riff Raff) conceived the stage show as a love letter to old sci-fi and horror B-movies; he described it as a means to relive childhood memories of Frankenstein and Nosferatu, and escape from the reality of being out of work. True to form, the opening song pays lip service to a host of old movies, from the original versions of Flash Gordon and The Day The Earth Stood Still to more campy fare like The Invisible Man, Night of the Demon, and It Came From Outer Space. The film plays out like a jumble-sale of B-movie plots, restaged with maximum camp value and more than a little affection. The creation of Rocky is a witty riff on Frankenstein; the monster remains largely mute and afraid of fire, but the master designs him as a source of pleasure rather than a means to make humans immortal. There are clear hints of King Kong in the final third, as Frank N. Furter wonders "Whatever happened to Fay Wray?" and Rocky dies from falling off the RKO Tower. The Hammer stable also runs right through Rocky Horror, solidified by the casting of Charles Gray in his most enjoyable performance since The Devil Rides Out. But by far the biggest influence on Rocky Horror is The Wizard of Oz, something which O'Brien readily acknowledges. The film was originally intended to be filmed in black-and-white right up until Frank N. Furter's entrance, to mimic Dorothy's journey from Kansas. Moreover, the central story of Brad and Janet is one of innocent, pure individuals being whisked off against their will to a world they don't understand - and like Dorothy, they have to deal with many evils in their desperate bid to get home. While it retains many aspects of the L. Frank Baum story, Rocky Horror subverts or departs from key elements in a way which reveals its deeper message (if it has such a thing). While Oz has a cop-out ending where everything returns to normal, the lives of Brad and Janet are shattered forever; there is no going back to their previous lives of whitewashed churches and pastel dresses. Likewise Dorothy retains her purity or innocence throughout, while both Brad and Janet give in to temptation and find out that they actually quite enjoy it. The final song is a duet between the conflicting desires of Barry Bostwick's 'bleeding' heart and Susan Sarandon's promiscuity. One could almost liken the final scene to a sexualised restaging of the Fall, with Charles Gray looking on as a God who is criminally disappointed in his "insects". Rocky Horror has been hailed as many things in its lifetime, from a call for sexual liberation to some sort of Brechtian challenge to the role of an audience. Most of these accolades have an ounce of credibility but were not the intention of the filmmakers; no-one ever planned that audiences would start dressing up as the characters or talking back to the screen. Its sexual politics are incredibly liberal, with the message being one of accepting each other's identities and preferences rather than encouraging the 1970s equivalent of 'free love'. To suggest that Rocky Horror is a non-ironic advert for sexual promiscuity is to foolishly ignore the film's more sophisticated side. If Rocky Horror were simply a vehicle to convince people to dress up in fishnets and give in to lust, far less effort would have been expended on the dialogue and the characters. O'Brien's script is witty and in-your-face, and Tim Curry chews his way through every line with relish and panache. The character of Frank N. Furter is much more complex and unpredictable than one might assume; he is not just a mad scientist posing as a drag queen, or indeed vice versa. Like the story he inhabits, he flits from one aspect to another - he is equal parts bawling child, narcissistic drama queen, sexual sadist and English gentleman, and it remains Tim Curry's finest performance. It's very hard to pin down exactly what makes Rocky Horror such a hoot to watch. Some of it is inthe songs, which are brilliantly written with syllable-stretching humour. Some of it is in the action scenes, from Meatloaf riding indoors on his motorbike to Dr. Scott's wheelchair becoming magnetised. But most of it comes from the knowledge that the film doesn't really care what you think, and that the cast were having a ball. Seeing Gray dance the Time Warp on a table is one of the best comedy moments of the 1970s. Inevitably, there are things about Rocky Horror which don't work, at least not anymore. In the final third the songs become more medley-based and the plot steadily peters out. Although the ending itself is befitting, there is a lot of filler in the floor show before we get there. This may be intentional, since cabaret shows are not known for being speedy affairs. But there is a still a sense of the film dragging and getting caught up in its own indulgences, particularly in the lengthy dance sequences. Because the plot is so much of a jumble, the film is incredibly uneven, with regard to the level of humour or horror on offer. Some scenes remain funny, others are scary, but others still seem incongruous or unnecessary. Janet's encounter with the monster ('Touch Me') is toe-curling, and the increasingly campy tone can become tiresome. Because everything is so full-on and over-the-top, there will always be some people who won't put up with all the non-sequiturs. In its darker moments the film wobbles as the desire to laugh begins to falter, and no amount of singing is going to bring those people back. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is trashy cinema at its most enjoyable. The story may be silly beyond belief and the acting is intentionally hammy, but the music is great and the overall experience is enjoyable. The film has such alacrity, such a cheerful readiness to make you forget the outside world, that you can't help falling in love with it just that tiny little bit. It isn't by any stretch a masterpiece, or a particularly rounded work. But as a musical, cult film and watershed, its importance cannot be underestimated.

• Wildaly M

  
  A classic.

• Carlos M

  
  An adorable hybrid of musical, comedy and horror parody with a delightful performance by Tim Curry, who steals the show and was probably having immense fun doing this movie. An original pastiche full of great songs, delicious over-the-top acting and well-inspired moments.

• Matheus C

  
  Now finally having seen the "Rocky Horror" phenomenon both on stage in its last West End theatrical production (with Richard O'Brien in person, nonetheless) and in one of its famed interactive sessions in a proper cinema, I can say for sure that the film doesn't… More
  Now finally having seen the "Rocky Horror" phenomenon both on stage in its last West End theatrical production (with Richard O'Brien in person, nonetheless) and in one of its famed interactive sessions in a proper cinema, I can say for sure that the film doesn't really work in the same way at home. It misses out on the energy and unpredictability of a crowd that is way too worried about having fun and putting on a show which might be even better and more elaborate than the film itself. So "Rocky Horror" is a musical which could be made in no era other than the 70s: a musical for the newly-liberated druggie counter culture which would later become the next generation's idea of a cult film. It's cheap, campy, trashy and kitschy, but somehow all the flaws and the obvious fact that none of the involved really knew how to make a movie work its way into the film's fabric to become its trademark. And besides the themes of tranvesticism, cannibalism and sexual and social liberation, everything is done in such an innocently stupid way, allowing it's audience to laugh at a hunky Frankenstein monster fondling Susan "muscle fan" Sarandon without feeling any guilt. And though the second half of the film is pretty downbeat, the energy of the good old timewarp just can't be denied.

• Zach B

  
  If you are ever going to talk about the history of cult film, this is the one film that will have a complete section of it's own. The back story to how The Rocky Horror Picture Show became what it is, is just as legendary as the film itself. Originally being a cult favorite stage… More
  If you are ever going to talk about the history of cult film, this is the one film that will have a complete section of it's own. The back story to how The Rocky Horror Picture Show became what it is, is just as legendary as the film itself. Originally being a cult favorite stage play, it was obvious that a major film company would go on to produce a film adaptation. Well, when this film premiered it was beyond bashed. So, in order to make money off of the film, it was released as a midnight film and as such became one of the most accomplish films in history of film (with having one honor of being the one film with the longest running time in theaters (been shown in theaters sense 1975)). But when people talk about how good this film is, they are never really talking about the film itself. They are talking about the experience of seeing it in theaters with a crowd. When you see this film in theaters, it is an experience unlike any other. Basically think of a crowd on crack, shouting lines at the film, and throwing things like rice and toast at the screen while people reenacting the film in the isles and below the screen. Let's just say that it is one of the great film traditions that has given this film such a strong love. But is this a good film? Well, if one sits down and watches it... it really is not. Let me explain: the story is a wonderful tribute to the Hammer horror films of the 50's and 60's plus it is a great celebration of being yourself and rock music, but the writing is not really that great and some of the song lyrics are not the best. In reallity, it is just a mediocre film at best. Then, why is it I give it such a strong rating then? Well, the answer is that while the film is mediocre, the message, the singing talents, and just the atmosphere of the film make it great. It is hard not to enjoy one's self when you see the bizarre and weird characters, hear the offbeat music, and start to find yourself strangely feeling for the characters as they search for their place in this world. Plus this film done one thing that I have observed that has happened to many people: this is a film that makes one question their own sexuality. The other main idea of the film is that you only live once so have fun and explore yourself. That is what this film tells you. Now, I am not saying go dress up as a transvestite, kidnap some people when they are asking for a phone, and then cause a line of events that involve your servants and sex servant. I am saying that this film basically says to just enjoy and express yourself while loving who you are. Acting, I only need to say one name and he has been complimented on about this performance so much that I am surprised he has not gotten sick of it yet. And that would be Tim Curry. Just, this was his first film role and he gave a ballsy performance as Frank N Furter which, to any other actor, this role would of been the first and only role he would of got. But, like all of Hollywood, once he became well known, everyone wanted him. With the exception of LEGEND, this is the best film that shows off his acting abilities. Plus his one hell of a singing voice. Basically this film is one that you can expect to continue on for years to come and there is still no sign of stopping this mad brain child of Richard O'Brien. With the television show GLEE having their tribute episode, you can expect people to experience this erotic nightmare and sensual daydream for many, many more years to come. Only one thing left to say: Let's Do The Time Warp Again!

• Tsubaki S

  
  I will never understand why this movie got any cult following at all.

• Adam K

  
  Many view this film as a cult following. I watched it for the first time the other day and could not stand it. I know it is suppose to be crazy, but I did not find it funny, and the songs were boring and over-rated. I did like Charles Gray's criminologist character narrating… More
  Many view this film as a cult following. I watched it for the first time the other day and could not stand it. I know it is suppose to be crazy, but I did not find it funny, and the songs were boring and over-rated. I did like Charles Gray's criminologist character narrating sections in between but overall I did not enjoy the film and can't say much more about it. I am usually fair but this really annoyed me, the combination of bad cinematography, suggestive behaviour and bad script's and cheesy acting really did it for me. * 1 Star

• Pierluigi P

  
  As far as wacky camp pastiche musicals is concerned I'll have Brian DePalma's "Phantom of the Paradise" over this any day. But I like this kind of unpretentious- tongue in cheek- maniacal gender blender stuff. Tim Curry looks as horrifying as funny. Great songs and… More
  As far as wacky camp pastiche musicals is concerned I'll have Brian DePalma's "Phantom of the Paradise" over this any day. But I like this kind of unpretentious- tongue in cheek- maniacal gender blender stuff. Tim Curry looks as horrifying as funny. Great songs and homages to classic horror and science fiction.

• Universal D

  
  Camp send-up of 50's sci-fi films and the purported sexual mores of the time is fast moving schlocky rocky fun.

• Jeff "

  
  I never really enjoyed musicals to be honest. But The Rocky Horror Picture Show is just totally different that what I thought about musicals in the past. I've never really embraced musicals, and never will. But Rocky Horror is different. This is one amusing Musical that combines… More
  I never really enjoyed musicals to be honest. But The Rocky Horror Picture Show is just totally different that what I thought about musicals in the past. I've never really embraced musicals, and never will. But Rocky Horror is different. This is one amusing Musical that combines elements of horror, comedy and rock music to create one of the weirdest and funnest musicals in history. The film is terrific, and I didn't think I'd enjoy it as much as I did. Tim Curry delivers a simply awesome performance as Frank N Furter and the music is great, and I'm a diehard metalhead.It's so clear as to why this film is one of the greatest Culy hits in the history of film, Rocky Horror is a definite must see film that can appeal to all sorts of demographics. This is not like Grease, which totally sucks, and I've never cared to see because the film looks too lame to watch, but Rocky Horror Picture Show is THE musical Horror Comedy to watch. This film puts all other musicals to shame. It's that simple. Like I've said, Rocky Horror is very weird, but thats what makes it a fun film to watch, the craziness of it all, the script, the songs, everything is so over the top that it just isn't boring.The characters are likeable and eccentric, and thats what makes this a unique viewing experience. Rocky Horror is the musical that every Horror fan needs to see. The film is flawless, fun, comical weird and thoroughly entertaining. If you haven't seen this one, definitely give it a look, you won't be disappointed. A flawless masterwork and The best musical, nothing since has been able to top this type of horror musical classic, and probably never will.

• Candy R

  
  Adult musical. Brad and Jane's car gets a flat tyre. They go to a castle to get help but there are strange happenings going on. Love the music. Tim Curry is excellent!

• Unknown H

  
  Perfection.

• AJ V

  
  Fantastic! One of my favourite musicals of all time. This movie is a cult classic, it's a combination of comedy, sci-fi, and horror my favourite genres, and the songs are so catchy and hilarious, I just love this movie. I highly recommend it.

• Fernando Rafael Q

  
  A film in which nothing makes sense and almost every song sounds the same; The Rocky Horror Picture Show is the very definition of camp. This undoubtedly bad film is strangely fascinating and sexy in a "guilty pleasure" sort of way. Vivid, colorful cinematography is a strong… More
  A film in which nothing makes sense and almost every song sounds the same; The Rocky Horror Picture Show is the very definition of camp. This undoubtedly bad film is strangely fascinating and sexy in a "guilty pleasure" sort of way. Vivid, colorful cinematography is a strong asset of this film where terrible acting (except for Tim Curry, of course) and terrible voices thrive.

• Spencer S

  
  One of the greatest movie musicals of all time. Tim Curry is the best you'll ever see, and Barry Bostwick is as clueless as ever.

• Film C

  
  i dont know how its so liked i swear i could have died of boredom with this movie!! Yes i give the movie the fact that it is the most weird and parculiar movie ive ever seen but thats noting to be proud bout!! It was annoying from tim curry to the weird blonde dude that must be… More
  i dont know how its so liked i swear i could have died of boredom with this movie!! Yes i give the movie the fact that it is the most weird and parculiar movie ive ever seen but thats noting to be proud bout!! It was annoying from tim curry to the weird blonde dude that must be compensating for something!! It was the worse actng i have ever seen, but nevertheless i still love susan surandon!! For a comedy cult horror there was nothing of either it wasnt funny and it didnt have that darkness scary about it just plan weird! I hated every moment of the movie its rubbish but clearly well liked!!

• Thomas B

  
  It's astounding. Time is fleeting. And so on. Full review later.

• Morgan S

  
  Requirements to be in this movie: You must have Amazing LEGS! lol I loved this movie. It was soo wierd and cooky! just like me! I really want to go and see it in a theater some time were i can through food and the screen and sing...or whatever they do! Just so much fun!

• Wahida K

  
  Gee this was boring.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings