The Rise and Fall of What The Flick: YouTube’s Lost Film Critics
Remember when finding honest movie reviews meant heading to YouTube and catching the latest What The Flick episode? For years, this show was the go-to destination for film enthusiasts seeking thoughtful, unfiltered commentary from critics who weren’t afraid to speak their minds.
The Golden Era of YouTube Film Criticism
What The Flick stood out in the crowded YouTube landscape by bringing together professional film critics like Ben Mankiewicz, Christy Lemire, and Alonso Duralde. These weren’t just random people with cameras – they were established voices in film criticism who brought their expertise to a new platform, making complex film analysis accessible to everyone.
Why It Worked So Well
The magic of What The Flick lay in its chemistry. The hosts would bounce ideas off each other, disagree openly, and engage in the kind of spirited debate you’d have with your friends after leaving the theater. They didn’t just tell you if a movie was “good” or “bad” – they dug deep into themes, technical aspects, and cultural impact while keeping the conversation engaging and relatable.
The Format That Changed Everything
Each episode followed a simple but effective format: the critics would watch a new release, gather around a table, and share their thoughts. No fancy effects, no gimmicks – just honest discussion. They’d use their signature rating system, which became a trusted gauge for viewers deciding which films to watch.
The Unexpected Decline
Despite its popularity and influence, What The Flick faced challenges as YouTube’s landscape evolved. The shift toward algorithm-friendly content and changing viewer habits meant that longer-form, discussion-based content struggled to maintain its foothold. The show’s parent network, The Young Turks, eventually made the difficult decision to end production.
Legacy and Impact
What The Flick’s influence can still be felt today. It helped establish a template for online film criticism that combined professional insight with accessible discussion. Many current YouTube film critics cite the show as an inspiration, adopting elements of its format while adding their own unique spin.
Looking Forward
While What The Flick may be gone, its impact on digital film criticism remains significant. The show proved that there was an audience for intelligent film discussion online, paving the way for today’s diverse landscape of film commentary channels. For those who watched regularly, it felt like being part of an exclusive film club where everyone’s opinion mattered, and the conversation never got stale.
The show’s end marked the close of a particular era in YouTube’s history, but its legacy lives on through the countless creators it inspired and the viewers who learned to approach film criticism with both passion and analytical depth.
