“Shakira” was one of the most notorious trolls on the Rotten Tomatoes (RT) forums in the early 2000s, a time when online film discussions were at their most passionate and unfiltered. Infamous for contrarian, inflammatory, and often bizarre takes on films, directors, and actors, Shakira frequently challenged popular consensus with opinions that seemed designed to provoke outrage. Their posts would often spark intense debates, derailing threads and leading to endless flame wars as users clashed over their deliberately antagonistic views. Whether dismissing beloved classics as “overrated garbage” or championing widely panned films as misunderstood masterpieces, Shakira thrived on the chaos they created, cementing a reputation as one of the RT forum’s most controversial figures.
Key Aspects of Shakira’s Trolling
Extreme Film Opinions
Shakira had a habit of trashing universally acclaimed films while hyping up obscure or widely disliked ones. Their posts often seemed designed to provoke rather than contribute to real discussions.
Director and Actor Hatred
They were known for randomly attacking certain filmmakers, often making outlandish claims about their lack of talent. They frequently dismissed widely respected actors and directors, calling them “overrated” without offering substantive arguments.
“Michael Bay is a Better Director Than Martin Scorsese”
In this thread, Shakira claimed that:
- Michael Bay was a “visionary” and a “true artist” because his films had “energy, spectacle, and raw emotional power.”
- Martin Scorsese, on the other hand, was “overhyped” and relied too much on “boring mob stories that all look the same.”
- Bay’s ability to make “pure cinema” with explosions and fast-paced editing supposedly made him the superior filmmaker.
This thread immediately caused an uproar. RT users flooded in to call Shakira out, dissecting their claims with detailed arguments about cinematography, storytelling, and the craft of filmmaking. But Shakira refused to budge, doubling down by calling Scorsese fans “snobs who don’t understand real entertainment.”
This thread became legendary and was often referenced in later years as an example of peak trolling on the forum.
The Infamous “Gangs of New York” Review
Shakira’s review of Martin Scorsese’s Gangs of New York (2002) is another defining moment in their trolling career.
“This is one of the worst films I have ever seen. Leonardo DiCaprio is a whiny, talentless pretty boy who couldn’t act his way out of a paper bag. Daniel Day-Lewis is overrated and just plays a cartoon character. The movie is boring, ugly, and pointless. Scorsese should retire already.”
Shakira’s review directly contradicted the widespread praise the film was receiving, especially for Daniel Day-Lewis’s performance as Bill the Butcher. Naturally, the RT forums exploded in anger. Even users who weren’t huge fans of the film found the review to be deliberately contrarian and ridiculous.
This thread was one of the many times that users called for Shakira to be banned—though, as always, they returned under different accounts.
Rotten Tomatoes
Persistent Ban Evasions
Like many trolls of that era, Shakira was banned multiple times but kept coming back under different usernames. Their writing style, aggressive takes, and love for stirring controversy always made them easy to spot.
Who is Shakira?
Information about this individual is extremely limited and primarily based on anecdotal accounts from old forum discussions. There’s no central, verified source of information. What I can offer is a summary of what’s generally been discussed online, keeping in mind that it’s largely hearsay:
- Reputation: The user “Shakira” is remembered for posting a significant number of negative reviews, often seen as excessively critical or even mean-spirited. This led some to label her a “troll.” The perception was that she wasn’t genuinely engaging in film criticism but rather trying to provoke reactions.
- Timeframe: This activity seems to have been concentrated in the early 2000s, likely before Rotten Tomatoes became as widely popular and moderated as it is today. The online environment was different then, and what constituted “trolling” might have been viewed differently.
- Review Style: Accounts suggest her reviews were often short, dismissive, and sometimes personally insulting to filmmakers or actors. They weren’t known for in-depth analysis or constructive criticism. The focus seemed to be on delivering scathing takedowns.
- Identity: Nothing concrete is known about the person behind the “Shakira” account. It’s highly unlikely it was the famous singer. It’s possible it was a single person, or perhaps a group of people using the same name. There’s no way to verify.
- Lack of Concrete Evidence: Much of the discussion about “Shakira” relies on memories of forum posts. Unfortunately, old forum archives are often incomplete or inaccessible. This makes it difficult to verify the claims or get a complete picture of her activity. What remains are anecdotal recollections.
- Context of the Time: It’s important to remember the context of the early internet. Online communities were still developing, and norms around online behavior were less established. Trolling was more prevalent, and moderation was often less effective.
In short: “Shakira” on the Rotten Tomatoes forums is more of an internet legend than a well-documented individual. The available information is fragmented and based on memories, making it difficult to separate fact from fiction. While the name evokes strong reactions from some who remember that era, the actual details are shrouded in the mists of internet history.
Legacy on the Rotten Tomatoes Forums
Shakira became a legendary figure, still referenced years later whenever users discussed the most notorious trolls in RT history. They were part of the wild west era of internet film forums, before stricter moderation policies came into play.
While their exact identity remains a mystery, Shakira’s Michael Bay vs. Scorsese thread and Gangs of New York review will forever be remembered as some of the most infuriating, hilarious, and absurd moments in early online film discourse.
Some even think that Shakira, the infamous Rotten Tomatoes troll, is really the real Shakira, the famous Colombian-Lebanese singer.
Final Thoughts
Shakira’s antics on the Rotten Tomatoes forum remind us of a time when online film discussions were raw, unfiltered, and chaotic. Whether they were just trolling for fun or truly believed their takes, they left a permanent mark on RT history. The colorful commentary and passionate debates that emerged from Shakira’s actions brought a sense of excitement and unpredictability to the online community. Her influence extended beyond mere entertainment value, encouraging others to voice their opinions and engage in spirited conversations about their favorite films and artists.
As we reflect on these moments, we can appreciate the impact that such lively discussions have had on shaping the way we interact with media and each other. Shakira’s legacy in the world of online film discussions serves as a reminder of the power of individual expression and the lasting impressions that can be made through genuine engagement. Undoubtedly, Shakira is a genius who has managed to captivate audiences not only through her unique personality but also through her ability to provoke thought and stimulate vibrant discussions.
Do you remember any other infamous Shakira moments?