Paddington 2 has replaced Citizen Kane on Rotten Tomatoes as the best-rated film of all time, finally.

Orsen Welles 1941 classic was knocked off its perch on Tuesday. The culprit? a negative review from the Chicago Tribune’s Mae Tinée, titled  “Citizen Kane Fails to Impress Critic as Greatest Ever Filmed,” from 80 years ago was unearthed. Oh yes baby, this kind of pettiness is the elixir of youth. Read an excerpt of the review below:

“You’ve heard a lot about this picture and I see by the ads that some experts think it ‘the greatest movie ever made.’ I don’t. It’s interesting. It’s different. In fact, it’s bizarre enough to become a museum piece. But its sacrifice of simplicity to eccentricity robs it of distinction and general entertainment value.”

The Chicago Tribune takedown marks the only negative review of Citizen Kane of the 116 featured on the critical aggregation website. However, it was enough to usurp the film from it’s 100% perfect status, to a 99% adequate production. Paul King’s 2017 sequel to the beloved Paddington franchise, however, remains a pristine touchstone of cinema.

I am fond of both films, though I will pose a question: which is the movie you’re coming back to when you’re in need of cheering up? Do you find joy in the downfall of an egomaniac publishing magnate or is it the kind-hearted adventures of a clumsy little marmalade-loving bear that reminds you how beautiful and silly life can be?

Love Film & TV?

Get the latest Film & TV news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine