Like I've said in other music video reviews, first impressions count. A music video is very short, so don't fool about. And Taylor fools about for a long time here, playing the nerd. Okay, so she is brimming over with self-confidence, and she pulls off the gag nicely, but during that first stretch, she lost me there for a while, I go, what if the whole video is like this? And I form an instant, forever-lingering negative opinion.
She won me back with that cute bit 'like, ever' but by then so much damage had been done...
Hate to be such a stick in the mud, but instead of the 7 this one might deserve for its eventual cuteness, I have to punish it with a mere 6.
A music video is a short but golden opportunity, and you have to shine, shine, shine, and shine throughout, so don't play the clown, unless you're coming up with something truly spectacular. Taylor has switched into taking it far too easy far too soon.
Of course, I have also mentioned that she does get away with it. The song is kinda catchy, lingers there in the back of your mind, and she is a spirited performer. Having tongue-in-cheek fun. And fun is what music videos are about.
But I have to be MEAN, even if it's four years too late to serve a purpose.
