The Reviews That Nearly Broke Me: Renny Harlin and Johanna Harlin

Episode Summary Do film critics still matter? Renny and Johanna Harlin explore how film criticism has changed and how reviews can shape audience perceptions before they even see a movie. Drawing from more than 40 years of filmmaking, Renny reflects on his relationship with critics. He explains the value of criticism and the emotional impact harsh reviews can have on filmmakers who spend years creating a project. They discuss how commercial genres like action, horror, thriller, and comedy can be judged differently from art films. Renny also shares how filmmakers can become defined by their careers. The conversation turns to social media, where TikTok, Instagram, and online commentary can quickly shape the narrative around a film. Renny revisits films whose reputations changed over time, including Citizen Kane, Fight Club, The Greatest Showman, and his own Cutthroat Island. He also recalls the painful reviews of his first film, Born American, and how they were later turned into marketing. The episode closes with rapid-fire questions and advice for aspiring filmmakers. Renny reminds creators that they do not need everyone’s approval. Sometimes one person who believes in you is enough. What We Cover Do film critics still matter? Critics versus audiences How social media changed film criticism Art films versus commercial genre movies Why filmmakers get stuck in certain creative lanes Renny's experience producing Rambling Rose Why action films can face different expectations The emotional impact of negative reviews Learning from constructive criticism Movies that found appreciation later Citizen Kane and Fight Club Revisiting Cutthroat Island Why Johanna loves The Greatest Showman The brutal reviews of Born American Turning bad reviews into marketing Rapid-fire questions about Hollywood Advice for aspiring filmmakers Finding one person who believes in you Chapters 00:00 — Do Film Critics Still Matter? 02:52 — What's Happening at Harlin House 03:05 — Preparing Their Next Movie in Madrid 04:15 — A Big Announcement Is Coming 05:45 — Building Something That Lasts 08:48 — Critics vs. Audiences 09:30 — Art Films vs. Genre Movies 13:05 — Renny on Rambling Rose 15:26 — Why Renny Loves Action Filmmaking 16:03 — How Filmmakers Get Labeled 20:20 — Renny's Most Common Criticism 21:25 — What Makes Criticism Fair? 22:37 — Should Filmmakers Read Reviews? 24:44 — The Social Media Critic Era 28:39 — No Movie Has to Be Perfect 29:30 — Movies Critics Got Wrong 31:10 — Revisiting Cutthroat Island 32:16 — The Greatest Showman 33:18 — Renny's Most Painful Review 34:43 — How Born American Survived the Critics 36:07 — Critics, Influencers, and Moviegoers 38:13 — 10 Rapid-Fire Questions 39:37 — Advice for New Filmmakers 40:48 — Final Thoughts Key Takeaways Film critics still have value despite their changing influence. Social media can shape opinions before audiences see a movie. Genre filmmakers can face different expectations from critics. Harsh reviews can have a lasting emotional impact on creators. Constructive criticism can help filmmakers improve their work. A movie's original reception does not define its legacy. Critical, commercial, and cultural success can look very different. Filmmakers should keep creating despite negative opinions. One person who believes in your work can change your career. About Renny & Johanna Harlin Renny Harlin is a filmmaker with more than 40 years of experience across Hollywood and international cinema. Johanna Harlin is a producer who works alongside Renny in developing and producing their projects. Through Harlin House, they share filmmaking stories, industry lessons, family life, and advice for the next generation of creators. Other Ways to Listen and Watch 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2rFGuoW... 🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theharlinho... 🌐 Website: https://harlin.house/