Cool News
Capone Thumb Wrestles (and Interviews) the Legendary Roger Ebert!!!
Hey everyone. Capone in Chicago here.
In so many ways on so many levels I feel like every review I've written, and certainly every interview I've conducted, has led up to this. To say that Roger Ebert and his late partner Gene Siskel were inspirations to both me and virtually every critic (certainly online) working today is to require a redefinition of the word "inspiration." I literally cannot remember a time in my life when I was not watching Ebert on television. And although I don't actually think it contributed to my decision to move to Chicago for college in 1986 (for those of you without math degrees, yes, I am 40), I can't swear that it didn't.
The light that Siskel & Ebert threw not only on the mainstream's best and worst films, but also on a vast array of foreign films, independent works, and smaller Hollywood offerings that I otherwise never would have seen, transformed me from a person who watched and absorbed as many films as was humanly possible through most of my 20s into someone who wanted to analyze and write about film. I'm sure the story is the same for so many critics around the country and world.
Around the time I hit 30, my admiration for Roger's work and opinions went from something I did at a distance to something I was able to do in person, shortly after I started writing for Ain't It Cool and shortly after Harry first co-hosted "At the Movies" with Roger. That's when I started getting invited to a few press screenings at Chicago's famed screening room, and I first had the opportunity to talk to Roger (albeit it in a group of critics, but that didn't stop it from being fun and lively).
This interview came about for one very simple reason: I was the first critic to review the new and disapproved "At the Movies" syndicated show that Ebert and Siskel built. Apparently that review set off a shitstorm of "activity" in many camps. Roger was the first to email me. He was in Toronto, doing one of the things he loves best: covering a film festival. He hadn't seen the newly reformatted, recast show (a program that gets worse by the week) at the time, but what I wrote had apparently been forwarded to him and Richard Roeper and I'm sure one or two other people connected to the show. I'm not tooting my own horn here (okay, maybe a little), but my point is that I got notes from or had conversations with some surprising people in the days after my original review ran. Anyway, I figured since I had Ebert's ear, I'd ask him to talk to me on the record about a variety of topics.
The first thing I'm going to do before you read this is direct you to an excellent recent article written by my Chicago-area comrade at TimeOut Chicago, Hank Sartin. In the wonderfully written piece, Sartin describes Roger's medical history and condition better than I ever could. So if you're curious, please check this out for details. The story also does a marvelous job of describing the inspirational partnership between Ebert and he wife, Chaz. It's a love story every movie geek can appreciate and admire.
One of the many things that the article touches on is that Roger in unable to speak these days, which is why my interview with him was conducted via email. I've had few burning questions that I've been wanting for years to ask Roger, so forgive the blatantly personal nature of a couple of my inquiries. But mostly I just wanted to set the record straight on a couple of show-related things, Roger's workload, and how/if his medical struggles have changed the way he reviews films. I hope you like reading this as much as I've enjoyed corresponding with Roger and Chaz these last couple of weeks via email and in person. If things go as I think they will, I may have one more interview connected to "At the Movies" for you in the near future. And let me throw open the invitation to either of the current hosts: if they would like to have a conversation on the record, feel free to contact me.
Above many other things, Roger has been a fearless supporter of AICN, Harry, and mine for many years, and as much as I tried to avoid blatant hero worship, I did want him to know that his work and passion has been appreciated. Enjoy...
Capone: What is your current health status?
Roger Ebert: Excellent. The after-effects of surgery remain, of course, but I am in excellent health, attend all the screenings, went to Toronto, write more than ever.
Capone: You've been using your blog and various columns in the Sun-Times over the last couple of years to update your readers as to your condition. Has the actual act of writing played a factor in your recovery? And what have been some of most surprising reactions to these status updates?
RE: Oh, yes. Writing has always been the central occupation of my life, and I'm never happier than when I'm writing something. None of the reactions have been surprising, but so many of them have been heartwarming.
Capone: I'm not sure how aware you are of this, but I get a steady stream of emails from our readers asking about your condition, among other things. Were you aware this was going on?
RE: Good lord! Tell them to visit www.rogerebert.com and judge for themselves. In addition to everything else, I've started the blog, which is enormously satisfying for me. Check out the entry, "Confessions of a blogger."
Capone: Alright, onto the more important questions. When you reviewed the 2005 film CHAOS, why did you feel it necessary to drag an unsuspecting Ain't It Cool News critic named Capone into your discussion, and are you aware of how cool people thought he was as a result of your doing so?
RE: Should have known Capone never forgets and never forgives. Actually, I approved of your review. I just thought you should have thrown up a little more.
Capone: Let's talk about the demise and painful rebirth of the "At the Movies" television show. When you first wrote me, you said you hadn't seen the "re-imagined" vision for the show. Have you seen the show now? And what were your immediate reactions?
RE: I am intrigued by the notion that a critic's "pick of the week" can be for the trailer of a movie he hasn't seen, and which won't come out for another two months. Apart from that, I will simply commend you for your review of the show on Ain't It Cool.
Capone: There was so much gossip and misinformation floating around concerning 1) how the show lost the "Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down" format; and 2) what role, if any, you played in the Roeper-Phillips version of the show. Can you walk us through the way you were informed that the Thumbs would no longer a part of the show, and that the show was effectively being taken off the air.
RE: First off, Marlene Siskel and I never pulled our thumbs off the show. It remained welcome to use them. Disney, for its own reasons, announced that I had taken the thumbs off, and I responded on my site with a statement that I had done no such thing. I remained in very constant contact with Richard, Michael and our heroic producer Don DuPree right up until the final show.
Capone: Why do you think Disney killed "Ebert & Roeper At the Movies"?
RE: [They] wanted a younger demographic. The numbers I've seen indicate that's one of several areas area where they have lost viewers.
Capone: Much like your medical updates, you also found your blog/columns a useful place to set the record straight on the status of the show. How have your liked your new role as your own publicist?
RE: I'm great at it.
Capone: What is your relationship like with Richard Roeper these days? Was there ever a time when things felt strained while he was doing the show and you were at odds with Disney?
RE: We have a solid friendship. Never strained, because we were on the same side. He knew I wished they were using the thumbs.
Capone: I'd only been working for AICN for a little over a year when you first invited Harry Knowles to come to Chicago as a guest host in 1999, so his first trip here was the first time I'd met him face to face. Why did you think Harry would be a good co-host for the show? And what was the response from the critical community about bringing in an online critic and general rabble-rouser like Harry?
RE: I thought he would bring energy, enthusiasm and a lifelong background of moviegoing to the show, and I was right. The "critical community" was mixed-to-positive. They were still getting used to the fact of a site like AICN.
Capone: What do you remember about your first contact with Harry prior to meeting him? What do you remember about your initial meeting with him?
RE: I think I met him for the first time when he flew in for the show. He was exactly as I expected him to be. He started right in lecturing informing me about the greatness of the Ritz Brothers.
Capone: Several of the larger online film sites have been purchased or are otherwise operated by larger corporations now, making them a part of the system to which they were once the antithesis. Rather than fight against these upstarts, the studios have started buying them up. What is your reaction to this?
RE: It's capitalism. The key question: When those sites think the studio's movies stink, do they say so? We were with Disney for years and never experienced the slightest attempt to control our opinions. In fact, when Rich Frank was the head of the Walt Disney Studios, his speeches would include a clip reel of Gene and me trashing his movies. Except for the final days, I have nothing but praise for the way Disney handled the show.
Capone: How has your view of "digital entertainment journalists" and online critics changed over the years, or has it?
RE: It has always been high. I was on the internet very early, in the old CompuServe days. Had my own forum. The blog has now allowed me to resume that relationship with readers.
Capone: Have these sites changed the way moviegoers perceive or go into films? For the better or worse?
RE: Moviegoers by and large flock to tentpole movies and are shy of films they fear might actually challenge them. As a result, studios increasingly depend on Oscar nominations to fuel their less conventional films. A bad situation. My advice to moviegoers, if they truly care about good films: When you're making your plans, look for the film in your market that has the least hype and the best reviews. That's the one to see.
Capone: Back to you, since getting back into writing again post-surgeries, do you feel that your critical mind has been softened, hardened, or been altered in any way?
RE: I am more aware of simply being grateful for the way movies work on me, and everyone else. During some of the early days after surgery, I really benefited from the escapism. I don't know if my reviews have been altered in any way, but see my blog post titled, "You give out too many stars!"
Capone: Outside of your travel schedule, are you back to where you were before your health became in issue, in terms of your screening and writing schedule?
RE: Absolutely. I'm actually reviewing more movies than ever, because I'm making an effort to review even more indies, docs and imports.
Capone: You've got a new book out on Martin Scorsese. Why was now the time to put together this book?
RE: I have to give credit to John Tryneski and Rodney Powell of the University of Chicago Press for their encouragement. I wrote the first review Marty ever received, and was right in predicting he would be a great director. Siskel would always ask me, "When are you going to do your Scorsese book?" Now I have. I would like to correct any impression that the book simply collects my old reviews. Of course it does, but I'd guess up to half the book is brand new.
Capone: You've also expressed interest in writing a book on your good friend Werner Herzog, who referred to you when I interviewed him as a "soldier of cinema." What's your best story about time you spent with Herzog?
RE: Yes, Herzog would be my next director. I loved the time he took me to his hotel room at Telluride to show me two of his new documentaries. I thought they were fabulous. One was about a town in Russia where the people crawl out on the ice of a deep lake because they believe they can see a city of angels on its bottom. When the ice is too thin, they might fall in. Too thick, and they can't see it. So the ice creaks as they crawl out there. Herzog then revealed he made the whole thing up. But here's the thing with Herzog: Sure, there was no city and nobody thought there was one. But they were really crawling on the ice, and it was really creaking.
Capone: You started your weekly reviews for the Sun-Times the year before I was born. How does it strike you when people one-third your age tell you that you got them interested in not just watching good movies, but also analyzing and writing about film? Does it sit well with you be called an inspiration?
RE: When that happens, it makes me very pleased, and grateful to the many people who inspired me. What goes around, comes around.
-- Capone
capone@aintitcoolmail.com
-
+ Expand All
-
even when I think he's wrong about a movie, which is fairly often. I also clearly remember the Sneak Previews days. Good to hear he's doing well.
-
Man, I miss Roeper and Phillips and Ebert.
-
That's for Godzilla.
-
Oh, and first, bitches!
-
it's good to know that Ebert is working harder than ever.
-
Ebert's writing has gone a long way in helping shape the way I watch movies. His truism of movies being about what feels true and not what is true has been particularly useful to me as a filmgoer.
-
Out of all the interviews done on this site, this is the only one I've ever been interested in and read till the end. Great taste Capone. It is so sad to see the destruction of a truly great show. Disney made the wrong decision on this one. I also watched the first episode of "At the Movies", figuring I'd give it a chance, and was sorely disappoint to see it morph into an "E" wannabe glam trash show. (I felt it rivaled this year's Golden Globes and half expected Billy Bush to walk out at any second.) Bravo to Capone for tracking down Ebert on this one. Bravo to Ebert for his continued passion for film. He continues to be a revelation for us armchair film critics who only wish they had a fraction of Ebert's expertise and knowledge. Mr. Ebert, you are an inspiration to us all. I can't wait to see what you do next. Please don't let your anything hold you back, whether it be physical or corporate.
-
so I could give you 4 thumbs down
-
Oct 13, 2008 10:12:26 AM CDT
Great interview, just not long enough!
by waitingimpatientlyforingloriousbastards
I agree with I am_NOTREAL, in that I really appreciate Ebert even though I frequently disagree on a movie. He professionalism, humor, and passion for movies is contageous and exciting. May he continue to review for many more years!
-
His digs at "video games" seem incredibly narrow minded, especially for a man who loves films, and surely knows that films have not always been considered art, it seems hypocrtical to throw comments at video games, that he clearly has little interest or personal knowledge about.
Just little things like his hitman review, that clearly has no knowledge of the game but is happy to say that the incessent action scenes are obviously a hold over from teh video game. The irony of course being that the hitman series were never about a high body count.
Apart from that, a fantastic critic. -
He's getting even better with age too. I hope to shake his hand at some point during the Chitown Film Festivities.
-
The Scorsese book is on order as we speak.
-
Roger- keep up the good work bro- hopefully the sun times won't push you out like they did to Robert Feder..
-
Harry, only you.
-
I genuinely was and still am concerned for his health- and that is completely unusual for me to care about someone that I don't personally know. I don't always agree with Roger on his movies but I do always respect his opinion, and I ALWAYS love the style in which he presents his opinion. There is a man that I truly believe loves the movies- and I believe he has a heart. Get even better Roger.
-
To Ebert's credit, he liked "Hitman" (one of the few critics, or movie-goers for that matter, who did) and awarded it three stars. But you're right, he's too hard on videogames but I just suspect that he's not aware of the new form of narrative that is being born out of games like ICO and Bioshock, to name a few. Regardless, Ebert is a hero to me. He taught me the most honorable of filmmaking rules that I live by to this day and that film is "not what you say but how you say it." This guy is a class act all of the way. Had he not been so passionate about the little films I probably would have never seen "Junebug," "George Washington," or "Dark City" - all three which I consider classics. He's more than a critic; he's an educator. I'm thankful that he's still writing and I wish him the best in his recovery.
-
I've never seen a television personality whose neck I wanted to snap more than that man's. He is everything that is wrong with entertainment "journalism" these days.But Ebert truly is a class act. Its unfortunate that he cannot speak and I hope that one day we will be able to hear him debate movies again. He really does inspire me to write (although for a personal blog that nobody reads.)Excellent work Capone.
-
I wholeheartedly agree.
-
Honestly?
-
Oct 13, 2008 11:23:29 AM CDT
Interesting interview, Capone. It's tough to interview our heroe
by the reluctant austinite
I used to write weekly film reviews for LEO (Louisville Eccentric Observer), as well as conduct various celebrity interviews. I always found it easier to interview someone whose work I never cared for or who I was less familiar with than someone I grew up with and respected. That can be stressful, and sometimes disapointing. My editor at LEO wrote Roger to lash him for his good review of "Mission Impossbile," but Roger actually took time to write back in defense of his opinion. I thought that was very kind and professional. You see, I grew up watching Roger and Gene and they were instrumental in informing my opinion of film in my formative years. I still own the Criterion laserdisc of John Carpenter's "Halloween" because it includes the show where they review the film and deconstruct the slasher genre that followed in its wake. I miss Gene dearly, as I thought there was never another foil for Roger that could ever match his passion for film equally. Their opinion battles are legendary. Now, for today's kids, Ben Lyons is a smart young guy who does indeed love film, but he doesn't yet have the experience to host a show like this. His experience isn't with public television, but with the flashy, trashy E network. He needs to unlearn that school of thought. I hope he gets the chance. Anyway, I do miss Roger's televised reviews, and always loved the joy expressed by both of them in B-cinema on their "Guilty Pleasures" episodes. I hope someone steps up to carry the torch.
-
...with a topping of period blood.
-
I just rewatched/listened to Ebert's commentary on the Dark City Blu-ray disc last night. Great stuff!
-
BANG
-
good good interview
-
..of Ebert's condition. Glad to see he's still writing though, he's a fucking good reviewer. In the UK we never got his show with Siskel, and I've spent hours on YouTube watching them review my childhood classics in the eighties. Got to say though: They were wrong about Krull, its fucking great.
-
but he had a huge role in how I view movies, and my appreciation for the cinema. Thanks for the interview. And a thank-you to Mr. Ebert, as well.
-
You now have mentioned that you lived in DC,,,now I know it was prior to 1986. I tried to move to Illinois in fall of 1985 (Lasalle -Peru), all I remember on TV is the start of Oprah and Empire Carpet commercials. Now Oprah and empire commercials are everywhere. I grew up in my teens in Glover Park and went to Wilson High,,,, were you in NW DC?
-
You don't need youtube, there are years (and years) worth of shows on their website. Maybe all of them, from the beginning... and I believe, all for free.
-
Oct 13, 2008 12:21:42 PM CDT
When I was in sixth grade, my parents got me a book of Ebert's r
by mefrog
...thus my movie interest was born. I idolize the guy, even though I do feel like he needs to open his mind up about video games if he's gonna consistently compare loud dumb action flicks to them. But he is a cinematic legend, and always will be. This interview was a fantastic thing to wake up to.
-
Tight.
-
That's great, thanks for the heads up, will be checking them out
-
The lights are on, but nobody home. Wherefore art thou Roeper and Phillips? And Digital Ebert?
-
It's a fucking tragedy this guy has lost his voice. Thank god he can still speak through the written word.
-
Starting, well, I guess now, I am going to use Rotten Tomatoes and heed Ebert's advice. The best reviewed film playing in Chicago is the one I will be going to see each week. There is so much stuff that plays at the Landmark and Music Box that I never get my ass too. Well, now I will!
-
He is full of fuzzy words but with nothing truly there for intelligent people to actually give a damn. . . .
By the way, this was a GREAT interview, Capone! Ebert has been one of the critics that I have checked with nearly every time before spending $ on a film. While I might not always agree with his overall grade of the film, I have always held his explication of the film itself with high regard. -
This younger version sucks.
-
"This is my happening and it freaks me out!" Thanks Mr. Ebert for writing such a fun film.
-
...regarding a new show? I know Rog is presently in no condition, but I still enjoyed the show with Roeper/Phelps - in spite of themselves and even as the show wallowed in the throes of its eventual demise. What I enjoyed was that they bickered constantly... perhaps a throw-back to the Roger/Gene shows of old.
-
Lyons is a blank slate. So is Palin. That does not mean I'm an Obama supporter, just observant. But if you must compare me...
Look, we can't afford four more years of the same old talkbacks by Craszzzzm. Reading his ramblings have gotten us, and him, nowhere. If foot-tappings in the men's room are your cup of tea, by all means, meet Chisum in there every afternoon. Otherwise, just say NO to the crazy.
BTW, I miss Ebert on television very much and the void caused by his absence has yet to be filled. -
I thought Vic Twenty's point was perfectly clear - though, it apparently required some semblance of intelligence to properly decipher.
-
I enjoyed the read. And if you happen to read this talkback, Mr. Ebert, I wrote you a fan letter four or five years ago. (I'm sure you receive many of them.) Thanks again for the many years of helping enrich my appreciation of film.
-
The "amazing" thing about it is that it got approval by suits and presumable some heavily inebriated focus groups. The overwhelming tone/vibe of the show is "Look At Me, I Am A Celebrity Now, Too! My Opinion Is Important, And My Teeth Are So White!"L The flat, impersonal, talking heads "round table" is anything but a round table, and is an incredible time-wasting filler bit, with addition people who almost giggle with delight at their own new-found 'celebrity'.And Ebert is right: I was dumbfounded when the Pick of the Week as a trailer for a film that is not out yet, and the guy actually said something like "this looks like it WILL be great". He is on somebody's Bribe-roll.
-
Can a Talkbacker get an Edit Function!!
-
talkbacker, please!
-
I always enjoy Ebert stuff, and that was a good read. Very cool.
-
Ebert said video games can't be considered art. I beg to differ. Has he ever been to the 8-bit museum? No! Has he even played a video game in recent years? No, he admitted to that. So I don't think that qualifies him to say whether video games can be art or not. Thank you very much. That is all.
-
I like many of you grew up with Ebert & Siskel. It's part of my childhood. I just think the Ebert of today is out of touch.
-
It was always the highlight of my evening on the weekends growing up and as a kid it was fun to see if my opinion stacked up against those two and always got a kick outta yellin' at them for not agreeing with me.
-
Don't be surprised; I wrote him a really heart-felt letter back in 2004 and am still waiting for a reply.
-
Good interview Capone, and I'm glad to hear that Ebert is doing better now.
-
Can't you talk about something without worshipping your inexperienced, unqualified ultra-liberal candidate (B. H. Obama) and the expensive, San Francisco-style change that he would bring? That being said: I really miss Ebert on television. He has been a staple of my viewing habits for as long as I can remember. I might have always agreed with his opinions, but they were certainly intelligent opinions. I am glad that I can read his reviews, but I look forward to the day that I can once again HEAR them! We're pulling for your voice, Roger!
-
STOP WATCHING MOVIES...THEY ARE MADE IN HOLLYWOOD, WHICH IS KINDA CLOSE TO SAN FRAN...THEY ARE MADE BY RICH JEWS WHO HATE OUR US FOR OUR FREEDOM...TAKE UP SOMETHING AMERICAN, LIKE BOWLING AND BLOG ABOUT THAT...YOU DO NOT BELONG HERE ON THESE ULTRA LIBRA BABY KILLING SOCIALIST AGENDA ANTI AMERICAN TERRORIST LOVING MOVIE SITES...GO AWAY BEFORE YOU HEAR SOMETHING THAT CONTRADICTS YOUR AWESOME POLITICAL MINDSET.
-
Are you mental? Ummm...your tirade is really scary. Besides, I wasn't even talking to you!
-
I didn't mention Barry at all. I believe I stated that Ben Lyons gave off the same vibe as Sarah Palin. Empty Suit. And you won't find me calling Obama the most qualified candidate for the job. Because he isn't. Curb your paranoia.
Oh, and Obama's lack of qualifications does not make Sarah Palin less stupid. It just doesn't. I wish it did. -
Oct 13, 2008 4:22:53 PM CDT
The fact that I disagree with many of Mr. Ebert's reviews...
by c legion
is irrelevant, as we all have differing taste in Cinema. No critic can please everyone all of the time.What I love about his reviews is his passion, his very obvious love for the medium, and his eloquent, idiosyncratic take on what he has experienced.He is a master of his oft denigrated art.Mr. Ebert's voice still, thunderously, drowns out the dross.
-
is the subject of this talkback and I think we'll all agree that the world is a much more interesting place with him in it.
Good luck on your recovery Roger, and be well. -
And as such, you should not call me, a fellow patriot, 'mental'. I, like you, seem to be stuck here on this libral cool-aid movie site. I know its B.S., yet I find myself drawn here like a moth before the flame. Of course, I was raised to self-flaggelate myself with whips whenever I had a thought that differed from the purity of my Republican beliefs. To avoid such nasty thoughts, I only watch movies featuring John Wayne or Chuck, that Karate guy with the porn star mustache who does ads for Chinese made fitness machines, Wilford Brimley, Kirk Cameron and Scott Baio. The newer Charlton Heston movies are great but few and far between. I hate his old stuff as he was such a Civil Rights guy back then. Where did that get us? Yep. Barrack Hussien Obama, he of the Rev. Wright America Hating church and Bomb America First terrorist Bill Ayers. So, the answer is no. I am not mental but I believe prayer can cure all forms of mental illness, which really is just demonic forces trying to confuse people. Like you, Ccchhhrrriiisssm, I am a real American, out to vanquish the forces of darkness that seek to rectify the Bush years and welcome in the age of Godless socialism. Keep spreading the word, brother!
-
I watched Ebert and Siskel from the time I was a little kid. They were really the only movie show on when there was just like 4 channels. And even into my 20's I was always searching for them since they were never at a set time. I used to love their top ten worst movie shows. Hilarious. I watched all the various permutations that followed. And I will miss them. The shows reign is a special era for cinema lovers. I also was a big fan of Ebert's written work and his funny books of movie cliches. One of my favorite Ebert insights that I still use is his standard of judging a movie by what it sets out to do rather then some phantom standard. I love that. On a personal note in '99 my friend was an intern on Letterman. Ebert was a guest. And my friend was such a fan, and he asked him a few qustions but Ebert seemed rushed, my friend tried to let him go. But once Ebert found out he was from Austin (the Harry Knowles connection!), he talked to him for 10 minutes about movies, particularly Fight Club and Three Kings which weren't out yet. My friend said he one of the coolest and most approachable guests he met during his time there.
-
That is all.
-
Even if he often invites facepalms when it comes to mainstream films.
-
It had to be said.
-
Ebert IS an inspiration to us all, & this could never of been a "long interview."
-
What was the movie trailer they were talking about?
-
didn't include a single point not lobbed at movies by literature critics in the early days of cinema. Nevermind that a movie is a subset of a game, that games include everything possible in movies and an extra dimension beyond that. Its one thing to say games are in their infancy and haven't yet achieved the level of art possible in movies (although fans of Ico, Metal Gear, Square's gems, etc. would probably disagree) but to claim that they never will or could is preposterous.
-
that I too am indebted to ebert's reviews, I didn't see El Topo, Seven Samurai, or Aguirre until after his words on them piqued my interest, but alot of times he just doesn't get it (Cronenberg, etc.).
-
sure I don't always agree with him, but that's a given, you're not going to agree with somebody 100% of the time and although I strongly disagree with him when it's comes to video games, I'm willing to agree to disagree
-
I am shocked!
-
Ebert is going senile. His opinions are so bizarre and inconsistent the past few years.
-
Made me feel more than Dark City did, which only bored the hell out of me all 3 times I tried to watch it. Video games will reach a higher acceptance as the art form continues to become increasingly profitable, while movies seem to be getting shittier everyday in this world of make or break opening weekends. It's got nothing to do with improved graphics or online playability; these are only tools to work with. The art is just too new for people. I just hope some forward minded directors would get with it already and go on staff for more games. I wanna seeWong Kar Wai do a Final Fantasy game. Or a Guillermo del Toro do Zelda. Or even a Michael Bay Contra! With pissing giant robot bosses, of course.
-
I've seen them review movies a week AFTER they have opened. Righteous Kill was one such movie. To be fair I hadn't seen the previous week's show, so they may have reviewed it then too. However, the review I saw was their roundtable review which aired on the film's second weekend. All the critics said to "Skip" it. Maybe someone didn't want the negative reviews to interfere with the opening weekend?Also, I still maintain that the "Rent It" rating is a cop-out. It's a way for the reviewer to say "don't go see it" without actually saying that; it's a negative review with a positive spin. I liked the thumbs because they were either one or the other. I don't want some wishy-washy "rent it" rating since I can't rent it for at least 3 months. The show has a DVD segment. THAT is where rentals should be mentioned. If you are giving me options for a newly released film, my only options upon its release are "See It" or "Skip It". If they truly want to go impose a third, quasi-recommendation for a film on opening weekend, they should have a "Illegally Download It" rating.
-
Video game? Asshole.Movie? God.
-
Uh-oh, I hope I don't owe money to Mr. Ebert and Ms. Siskel now.
-
Of course we don't always agree -- the only person I always agree with is me. But he is and always will be my favorite movie reviewer of all time. See you at the movies, Roger!
-
Thanks, Capone
-
Oct 14, 2008 1:28:47 AM CDT
the new version of At the movies, to put it mildly, is...
by heavenlykid
Sort of like getting fucked up the ass with a sandpaper covered hippo dick. Don't you dare fade away Ebert. PRODUCE ANOTHER SHOW.
-
40 years old and still doing this? Lets all do the Peter Pan (Heterosexual version) 4VR! We should all be proud men-children. Growing up is for squares. Seriously!
-
Stay well Roger.
-
His reviews have become a joke. Did anyone read his Spider-Man 3 review? It's not the fact whether he liked it or not, I actually didn't. It was the fact that he clearly didn't understand one second of it. Most of his reviews over the last few years are absolutely useless. Let's also not forget his bias for a certain type of filmmaker. He has been doing that for 25 years. If you don't know already, do a little research and put 2 and 2 together, it's quite astounding.
-
Curious about the Spider-Man 3 review you mentioned, I looked it up and read it. I wanted to know what it was he apparently didn't understand about Spider-Man 3. Well perhaps I am missing the point of Spider-Man 3 as well because Ebert basically hit the nail on the head with his review. He criticized every weakness and the major horribly awkward contrivances that movie had. He clearly is observing the same weird conundrum I am observing when he wonders how Sam Raimi could direct such a terrific film as Spider-Man 2, and then immediately afterwards direct such a disaster as Spider-Man 3. There was simply not a single second to understand about that movie- it was nonunderstanable- that is why we call it a "mess". I hope I have made it clear why there remains great reason to respect Roger Ebert. He may not be always right- but I believe he is a very objective reviewer. And as for the previous poster who says that Ebert is biased towards certain types of directors- I believe the bias that you are talking about his his attraction to directors who make quality movies. Too bad that he doesn't praise garbage directors who have no bussiness being in Hollywood. The main point is, when I listen to Ebert review a movie, I believe that he truly means what he says- like it or not.
-
As someone undergoing Dialysis treatments, I am so happy to hear Ebert rebound from his earlier ailment. He's an inspiration & I'm so glad he's back to true form. Capone, do you know of any plans to resurrect the show with a new syndicator? Even if you didn't agree, you were always guaranteed intelligent, honest opinions on the latest films. I tried to watch the new version and it's like an Entertainment Tonight version of reviewing movies: quick cuts, no depth and "experts" who haven't even seen the films they're reviewing & rely on heresey. Congratulations to Ebert and stay strong.
-
Great interview. I've been watching Ebert since the PBS days, and not having his show on the air is a real loss. The "new version" is just not at the same level. Ben M. is trying to uphold the standard, but Jeffrey Lyons' son is just not ready for the gig. he's too focused on the "celebrity/business/salary" aspects of movies and not the art of movies. Can Disney and NBC Universal negotiate a trade. Send the kid to his daddy and have Alison Bailes join Ben.-----later-----m
-
not that good.
his reviews are biased.
ofcourse when you review something,you cant avoid having a bit of your personal opinion on it.
but being a profesional critic,u have to eliminate your personal taste,prejudice,thesis etc from the start.
-
I guess folk give her a free pass 'cause she's attractive anad has that posh accent.
-
unforgiveable. 22 years later and I still can't forget it.
-
He still runs rings around most other reviewers. Like everyone else has said, even when I disagreed with him I still enjoyed his reviews.
And I'm not going to try and defend his stand on video games, but if your counter-argument depends on bashing Dark City, then you're not going to convince anybody. Fell asleep three times trying to watch it? You need Ritalin or something. Dark City is fucking brilliant.
And if you ever want a laugh, do a search for his zero-star or half-star reviews. When he tears into a real piece of crap, it's usually hilarious. -
I was GOING to write this big long piece about how i never missed an episode of Sneak Previews on PBS when i was young. About how I idolized these guys, and how much I loved seeing Gene and Roger spar, and agree, on the films they were reviewing. About how I nearly cried when i heard that Gene had passed away. About precisely how much these two guys meant to me... But now i find myself simply wanting to ask one question...
Roger Ebert isn't gay?
Honestly, i'm very surprised. -
As in "wishing Roger the best of health" and as in "Ebert's reviews are the best and this interview of him is right up there." I'd mention also, as a sometime Chicagoan/Austin/OakPark guy, and subscriber to the Sun Times, I've greatly enjoyed and appreciated a number of Roger's other essays on topics as varied as social justice, education and my favorite, the recent bans of burning leaves in the fall. I'm living out among the cornfields of Indiana now, caregiver to my old gaffer, and we're still lovin' movies...and burnin' leaves at will and inhabiting that famous illustration by McCutcheon. Thanks again, Capone and much thanks and love to Roger from us.
-
The absolute greatest! God bless that man. What an inspiration. Capone- great job brother. Keep it up!
Readers Talkback
User Login
Top Talkbacks
- To Commemorate The 3D Release Of STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE, George Lucas Wants You To Know...Greedo Shoots First!! -- 435 total posts 435 posts
- There's a STAR TREK video game that is going to lead into JJ's STAR TREK 2 apparently... -- 88 total posts 88 posts
- AVENGERS enemy revealed as pink boardgame pieces... You might suffer some form of elation... SPOILERS!!! -- 86 total posts 80 posts
- Rest In Peace Bethesda’s Adam Adamowicz -- 76 total posts 76 posts
- The Sensorties Revisit The Friday Docback (And Still Smell)!! DOCTOR WHO Story #7 Again, The Coming Of Season/Series 7, And More!! -- 69 total posts 69 posts
- Quint travels to Barsoom and visits the John Carter set!!! -- 127 total posts 62 posts
- SPACE 2099!! -- 159 total posts 61 posts
- Friday Brings SWEEPS DAY NINE!! Gab Here About Tonight’s FRINGE!! Plus Einstein on TIM, Wiig On PORTLANDIA, MAHER, CLONE, GIFTED, GRIMM, SPARTACUS, SUPERNATURAL, GOLD RUSH And More!! -- 88 total posts 60 posts
- Wanna smell like the Hulk? What about Cap? Consider yourself a Thunder God or a unisex God of Mischief? -- 58 total posts 57 posts
- Ridley Scott's Next Will Be Cormac McCarthy's THE COUNSELOR! -- 50 total posts 50 posts