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Capone Thumb Wrestles (and Interviews) the Legendary Roger Ebert!!!

Booberry cereal...is good by Stereotypical Evil Archer	Oct 13th, 2008 09:33:43 AM

I love Ebert by I am_NOTREAL	Oct 13th, 2008 09:37:12 AM
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.
Great interview! by coen_fan	Oct 13th, 2008 09:38:36 AM
Man, I miss Roeper and Phillips and Ebert.
Taste the black sperm of my vengeance, Ebert! by Knuckleduster	Oct 13th, 2008 09:39:56 AM
That's for Godzilla.
What a legend. by Fortunesfool	Oct 13th, 2008 09:42:15 AM
Oh, and first, bitches!
dammit by Fortunesfool	Oct 13th, 2008 09:42:36 AM

Capone, awesome article. by Stereotypical Evil Archer	Oct 13th, 2008 09:45:11 AM
it's good to know that Ebert is working harder than ever.
Congratulations Capone! by Marxeffect	Oct 13th, 2008 09:45:52 AM

Great Read by chaplinatemyshoe	Oct 13th, 2008 09:58:55 AM
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.
Great choice of interview by LitCrit621	Oct 13th, 2008 10:02:33 AM
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.
I wish i had more hands by g-ride9000	Oct 13th, 2008 10:08:51 AM
so I could give you 4 thumbs down
Ebert is awesome.... by DANNYGLOVERS_DICKBLOOD	Oct 13th, 2008 10:10:52 AM

Great interview, just not long enough! by waitingimpatientlyforingloriousb astards	Oct 13th, 2008 10:12:26 AM
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!
Has started showing his age in his reviews by lex romero	Oct 13th, 2008 10:16:28 AM
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.
Roger Ebert is the Man by The Boz	Oct 13th, 2008 10:17:52 AM
He's getting even better with age too. I hope to shake his hand at some point during the Chitown Film Festivities.
Class act. by Stuntcock Mike	Oct 13th, 2008 10:19:57 AM
The Scorsese book is on order as we speak.
finally and interview worth reading! Thanks Capone by Jugdish	Oct 13th, 2008 10:21:08 AM
Roger- keep up the good work bro- hopefully the sun times won't push you out like they did to Robert Feder..
Haha, the Ritz Brothers!!! by bluebottle	Oct 13th, 2008 10:24:43 AM
Harry, only you.
I really like Roger Ebert by Samus Aran	Oct 13th, 2008 10:35:58 AM
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.
Re: Lex Romero by Fuckles	Oct 13th, 2008 10:46:05 AM
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.
Someone mentioned Billy Bush... by seanny_d	Oct 13th, 2008 10:54:22 AM
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.
"Ebert truly is a class act." by Mockingbird Girl	Oct 13th, 2008 10:55:56 AM
I wholeheartedly agree.
Four stars for Lakeview Terrace, Rog? by Nasty In The Pasty	Oct 13th, 2008 11:00:53 AM
Honestly?
Interesting interview, Capone. It's tough to interview our heroe by The Reluctant Austinite	Oct 13th, 2008 11:23:29 AM
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.
that new show is a fucking abortion... by DANNYGLOVERS_DICKBLOOD	Oct 13th, 2008 11:27:59 AM
...with a topping of period blood.
Dark City by LarryTate	Oct 13th, 2008 11:50:14 AM
I just rewatched/listened to Ebert's commentary on the Dark City Blu-ray disc last night. Great stuff!
EBERT GOTTA EAT but he can't! by most excellent ninja	Oct 13th, 2008 12:07:10 PM
BANG
great stuff man by T 1000 xp professional	Oct 13th, 2008 12:07:30 PM
good good interview
Had no idea.. by DiamondJoe	Oct 13th, 2008 12:11:06 PM
..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.
I often disagree with him.... by BangoSkank	Oct 13th, 2008 12:18:31 PM
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.
So Capone,,,,, you still haven't answered me ... by TRON	Oct 13th, 2008 12:19:13 PM
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?
DiamondJoe... by BangoSkank	Oct 13th, 2008 12:20:50 PM
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.
When I was in sixth grade, my parents got me a book of Ebert's r by mefrog	Oct 13th, 2008 12:21:42 PM
...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.
...Ebert's reviews by mefrog	Oct 13th, 2008 12:21:54 PM
Tight.
Really? by DiamondJoe	Oct 13th, 2008 12:22:37 PM
That's great, thanks for the heads up, will be checking them out
Ben Lyons is the Sarah Palin of film criticism. by Vic Twenty	Oct 13th, 2008 12:43:34 PM
The lights are on, but nobody home. Wherefore art thou Roeper and Phillips? And Digital Ebert?
tragedy by 3rdrate	Oct 13th, 2008 12:55:33 PM
It's a fucking tragedy this guy has lost his voice. Thank god he can still speak through the written word.
2009 is the Ebert year by The Boz	Oct 13th, 2008 12:58:04 PM
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!
Vic Twenty is the Obama of the TB. by ccchhhrrriiisssm	Oct 13th, 2008 01:04:21 PM
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.
I miss the old show by krushjudgement	Oct 13th, 2008 01:06:35 PM
This younger version sucks.
Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls by Darthkrusty	Oct 13th, 2008 01:13:53 PM
"This is my happening and it freaks me out!" Thanks Mr. Ebert for writing such a fun film.
No news... by Bone-In Foray	Oct 13th, 2008 01:15:42 PM
...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.
Change AICN can believe in. by Vic Twenty	Oct 13th, 2008 01:22:39 PM
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 dunno... by Bone-In Foray	Oct 13th, 2008 01:26:29 PM
I thought Vic Twenty's point was perfectly clear - though, it apparently required some semblance of intelligence to properly decipher.
Thanks, Roger (and Capone)! by DarthCorleone	Oct 13th, 2008 01:32:15 PM
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 new version of the show is SHOCKINGLY bad... by chromedome	Oct 13th, 2008 01:32:27 PM
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.
wow, a new personal "best" for typos in a post.... by chromedome	Oct 13th, 2008 01:34:16 PM
Can a Talkbacker get an Edit Function!!
can a talkbacker get an edit f? by frankenfickle	Oct 13th, 2008 01:36:36 PM
talkbacker, please!
That was a good read by Animation	Oct 13th, 2008 01:43:39 PM
I always enjoy Ebert stuff, and that was a good read. Very cool.
Shadow of Colossus is Art!!!!!!!!!! by Orionsangels	Oct 13th, 2008 02:15:07 PM
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.
Aside from that. I do love Ebert. by Orionsangels	Oct 13th, 2008 02:18:00 PM
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.
At the Movies rocked, period. by aboriginal	Oct 13th, 2008 03:02:03 PM
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.
TRON by 0007	Oct 13th, 2008 03:13:52 PM
Don't be surprised; I wrote him a really heart-felt letter back in 2004 and am still waiting for a reply.
awesome interview by Gungan Slayer	Oct 13th, 2008 03:24:05 PM
Good interview Capone, and I'm glad to hear that Ebert is doing better now.
Vic Twenty... by ccchhhrrriiisssm	Oct 13th, 2008 03:46:24 PM
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!
CCCHHHRRRIIISSSM: by uberman	Oct 13th, 2008 03:53:16 PM
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.
uberman... by ccchhhrrriiisssm	Oct 13th, 2008 03:54:47 PM
Are you mental? Ummm...your tirade is really scary. Besides, I wasn't even talking to you!
Chasm by Vic Twenty	Oct 13th, 2008 04:18:40 PM
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.
The fact that I disagree with many of Mr. Ebert's reviews... by C Legion	Oct 13th, 2008 04:22:53 PM
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.
Roger Ebert by Vic Twenty	Oct 13th, 2008 04:25:21 PM
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.
I AM NOT MENTAL!! I AM A PROUD REPUBLICAN.... by uberman	Oct 13th, 2008 04:31:55 PM
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!
Cool guy by hank quinlan	Oct 13th, 2008 04:43:02 PM
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.
Roger Ebert is God by djscott95	Oct 13th, 2008 04:44:58 PM
That is all.
Has Ebert ever revised his review of Blue Velvet? by Riley Martin	Oct 13th, 2008 04:50:56 PM
The movie seemed to not only go over his head, but it circled the stratosphere over his head for the last 20 years. I bet he's embarrassed by the review now.
Jonathan Rosenbaum's Better... by grungies	Oct 13th, 2008 05:13:43 PM
Even if he often invites facepalms when it comes to mainstream films.
Rosenbaum's a Twit by The Funketeer	Oct 13th, 2008 05:22:23 PM
It had to be said.
Thanx Capone - Great Interview! by Annie The Pod Racer	Oct 13th, 2008 05:48:27 PM
Ebert IS an inspiration to us all, & this could never of been a "long interview."
What's the story eith Pick of the Week? by NoodlesHahn	Oct 13th, 2008 05:58:21 PM
What was the movie trailer they were talking about?
Ebert's claim that Games can't be high art by bottombrick	Oct 13th, 2008 06:14:03 PM
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.
And I'd like to say by bottombrick	Oct 13th, 2008 06:22:40 PM
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.).
I like Ebert allot... by The Amazing G	Oct 13th, 2008 07:02:17 PM
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
also, wow Capone you're 40? by The Amazing G	Oct 13th, 2008 07:02:57 PM
I am shocked!
Siskel was saner by BrowncoatJedi	Oct 13th, 2008 08:52:58 PM
Ebert is going senile. His opinions are so bizarre and inconsistent the past few years.
Metal Gear Solid is art, no question. by worldofwarcraft	Oct 13th, 2008 09:04:18 PM
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.
One of the odd things about the new show by Big Jim	Oct 13th, 2008 09:13:39 PM
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.
Even when he is being a prick, he's a great read... by Billyeveryteen	Oct 13th, 2008 09:26:07 PM
Video game? Asshole. Movie? God.
I Give This Interview TWO THUMBS UP by thelordofhell	Oct 13th, 2008 10:19:37 PM
Uh-oh, I hope I don't owe money to Mr. Ebert and Ms. Siskel now.
Stay well Roger! by topaz4206	Oct 13th, 2008 11:53:51 PM
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!
Awesome interview by Sirius-Black	Oct 13th, 2008 11:55:20 PM
Thanks, Capone
the new version of At the movies, to put it mildly, is... by heavenlykid	Oct 14th, 2008 01:28:47 AM
Sort of like getting fucked up the ass with a sandpaper covered hippo dick. Don't you dare fade away Ebert. PRODUCE ANOTHER SHOW.
MEN-CHILDREN UNITE! by LaserPants	Oct 14th, 2008 05:44:58 AM
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!
I always read Roger's new reviews every Thursday night/Friday. by Err	Oct 14th, 2008 08:26:56 AM
Stay well Roger.
Why do people continue to kiss his ass? by matthooper8	Oct 14th, 2008 12:22:33 PM
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.
matthooper8 by Samus Aran	Oct 14th, 2008 01:50:44 PM
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.
Ebert Inspires Me by Stacy Without An E	Oct 15th, 2008 05:54:36 PM
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.
Thanks Capone, by MGTHEDJ	Oct 15th, 2008 11:24:04 PM
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
Good critic,but by ominus	Oct 16th, 2008 02:47:36 AM
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.
Erm, Alison Bailes is just as awful as Ben Lyons by Powers Boothe	Oct 16th, 2008 10:55:31 AM
I guess folk give her a free pass 'cause she's attractive anad has that posh accent.
I dig Ebert but his Blue Velvet review was by Powers Boothe	Oct 16th, 2008 10:58:10 AM
unforgiveable. 22 years later and I still can't forget it.
The Best There Is by ByTor	Oct 16th, 2008 06:30:18 PM
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.
Well... by cornponious	Oct 16th, 2008 07:22:26 PM
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.
The best... by dogu4	Oct 23rd, 2008 08:40:51 AM
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.
Ebert is the greatest! by Darth Thoth	Oct 24th, 2008 10:36:46 PM
The absolute greatest! God bless that man. What an inspiration. Capone- great job brother. Keep it up!

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Capone Thumb Wrestles (and Interviews) the Legendary Roger Ebert!!!

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