Happy birthday, Roger Ebert!

chris Mon, Jun 25, 2007 at 01:02 PM EST

Love this guy and miss him dearly. There is no other critic I trust as much as Rog. I agree with him 95% of the time, and even when I do not, I respect and understand his opinion. He isn't afraid to give a thumbs up to a film all other critics hate. For example, he took a lot of heat for giving a positive review to Speed 2. He tells it like it is. I have one little problem with Ebert, though, and that is replacing the late great Gene Siskel with Richard "third rate pop culture columnist" Roeper.

Jael Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 07:21 PM EST

Ebert and Owen have to be my favorite critics. Rarely have they led me wrong, and those times are out-weighed by the joys they've introduced me to.

cruzilla Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 03:34 PM EST

Wait, I'm confused - why is he getting soft for panning mediocre movies like Wedding Crashers? But anyway - best of luck, Roger!

Chaddogg Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 12:42 PM EST

How can we go this long and no one mention Ebert's awesome feud with Vincent Gallo over Brown Bunny? Ebert wrecked that movie with his review, and Gallo came back and basically said Ebert was fat. Ebert's response? Channeling Churchill (and forgive me if I mess it up): "I may be fat, but I can lose weight. You will always be the director of Brown Bunny."

Amazing. Get well soon, Ebert, and happy birthday!

kathryn Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 12:34 PM EST

a big thumbs up from me.i know someone already mentioned it, but i loved how roger ebert was one of the few critics that gave "cop and a half" a good review. ballsy i say.

Ned Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 12:18 PM EST

There have been many copycat film review shows, but none have had the staying power of Siskel&Ebert, there was just a chemistry there that no one has been able to match, including Ebert&Roeper.

As for their show being "sound bite" critisism, I don't buy it, in the limited time they had, they did their best to get across their passion for film, and it came through for me. And if you read the full length reviews that they wrote, that certainly was not "sound bite" critisism.

I don't always agree with Roger, but we're not supposed to always agree, what fun would that be?

Mia Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 11:46 AM EST

I have been watching Roger Ebert since I was young when he was on PBS. He and Gene taught me about film, debate and film festivals.
When I met Mr. Ebert at Sundance, I could barely speak. Getting my photo with him was truly one of the top ten moments of my life.

Thanks for opening my eyes to independent film!

Hang in there!!!!

Happy Birthday!

Lexie Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 11:40 AM EST

Roger Ebert is amazing. He is the best living critic, not just for his wit and breadth of knowledge, but- like you mentioned- for his heart. The guy genuinely loves movies, as you can tell from his reviews (even the bad ones)! I love him because he is the most humane critic, his writing has a warmth to it and a depth of insight, movies as a mirror to ourselves. I love him! I often rent my movies by his recommendations, and after I see a movie, I'll look back to see what he thought. Happy birthday to the best critic out there!

Evan Semi-Mighty Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 11:29 AM EST

It's unfair to judge a critic on whether he has the same tastes as you. I too had found ole Rog to have gone soft over the past few years. The true test is the use of logic and rationale, and generally I find he's pretty solid. You have to admire his attitude in dealing with his recent problems.

thwarted Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 11:01 AM EST

I grew up reading his reviews, and I learned so much about movies (and writing) from him. He rocks. Happy bithday, dude.

Ames Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 10:58 AM EST

I really miss his Movie Answer Man. He ran a good line between being very informative and totally tongue in cheek. Plus, I wrote him a question right before he got sick and now have no idea who to ask. He's a paragon.

Hi Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 10:18 AM EST

My favorite Ebert line is from his review of Armageddon: "``Armageddon'' reportedly used the services of nine writers. Why did it need any? The dialogue is either shouted one-liners or romantic drivel. ``It's gonna blow!'' is used so many times, I wonder if every single writer used it once, and then sat back from his word processor with a contented smile on his face, another day's work done."

Derek Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 10:14 AM EST

I wish Roger the best! I'm also one of the many cinephiles that grew up with him on tv and gained a love of film due in part to Roger and Gene. I just wish the show was in better hands - Richard Roeper's a dope (his criticism of Marie Antoinette: the use of modern music was done already in Moulin Rouge!)

paige Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 09:50 AM EST

ebert is awesome! ive always have loved his review of the movie North... where he writes the word Hated about 10 times in single sentence... you should check it out. Roeper is a fool... he didnt like Lord of the Rings:Fellowship because "there were too many characters"... but of course when everyone was sucking off the 2nd and 3rd, guess who came onto the bandwagon-- none other than richard roeper... what a jerk...

Vicky Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 09:19 AM EST

I've always enjoyed Ebert's reviews. I don't always agree with them, but they're always a fun read.

No Brand Woman Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 08:46 AM EST

Two thumbs up for furry_tom's haiku!!!
And I most certainly give Mr. Ebert two thumbs way up as well. He is the one critic that I really trust when it comes to reviews. I feel like he never really lets his personal feelings get into it when reviewing movies (unlike his associate Mr. Roeper who just uses pop culture references to piece together a review). He's so fair and balanced, much more level-headed than I am when I dislike a movie. Even when I disagree with his opinion (which isn't very often), I can appreciate his view on it and I take it into consideration. I've always admired him for the respect he has for Hayao Miyazaki while other critics would just dismiss his movies as "cartoons".
All the best wishes to him on his birthday and many more years of his reviews!

Baco Noir Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 08:42 AM EST

Not to speak badly of someone when they're ill, but two BIG Thumbs Down for Ebert. His criticism has always been pedestrian at best and his tendency to love practically everything in recent years is especially irksome. He and Siskel were responsible for the beginning of the decline and fall of film criticism. Their 'sound bite' style made it too possible for criticism to become 'consumer reporting' and not real critiquing. Give me Kael, Charles Taylor, David Edelstein, etc. any day over Ebert. None of these critics are 'jaded' they did/do love movies and are always a pleasure to read because they really made/make you think. But, that said, may he recover his health and develop some critical bite.

mykietown Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 08:38 AM EST

Read his Great Movies section on his website. He watches movies on a whole different level than even his peers. Sometimes I wish I could see what he sees when he watches a movie. Get well soon, Ebert.

Chris G Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 08:22 AM EST

My favorite Ebert review of all time is for Jaws The Revenge. Ebert is always at his best when he complete pans a movie. And that one obviously deserved it. Get better soon Roger!!!

Chuck_A Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 08:03 AM EST

Mr. Ebert. I wish you the speediest of recoveries, sir. I hope that you have the happiest of birthdays and look forward to wishing you one again next year (and throughout the years to come).

Tommy G. Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 07:48 AM EST

Roger Ebert is a great guy - I wrote to him as a kid about my love of movies, and I received a very long, personal letter back. It meant the world to me. His books are wonderful - sarcastic, sentimental, but most of all, true. He loves films and the motion picture industry, and I'm glad that Roger is a part of this genre. Get well soon, Roger, and Happy Birthday!

Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 07:46 AM EST

Wow . . . that photo you linked to is shocking. It's terrible he's had to go through that. I haven't always agreed with his reviews but always though he seemed like a good guy. I hope he recovers.

jubilena Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 06:40 AM EST

two thumbs way up for roger ebert! hope he gets better soon so he can write some more great reviews. my personal favorite was his review for 28 Days Later..."My imagination is just diabolical enough that when that jet fighter appears toward the end, I wish it had appeared, circled back--and opened fire."

That is the most hilarious thing I have ever read.

Dennis Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 03:20 AM EST

Roger Ebert has been a powerful presence in my moviegoing life. When his 4star review for Pleasantville, which he stated was in his top 5 of the best of the year, I found a critic that I could connect with. We might not always agree, but I respect him more than any other critic because he has the writing (Pulitzer, anyone) and passion to back up any and every statement. He's also not afraid to really love the different and unique movies that are under the radar instead of just forced fed Hollywood junk-sometimes he likes those too. His extraordinary strength to get through the cancer is inspiring and I wish him a great recovery. Hopefully one day I'll meet not the actor or the director, but the critic who has forever changed the way I think about movies.

Razor Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 01:42 AM EST

Wow.. what a cool guy. I've never thought of myself as someone who would want to fight cancer if it made me look "unpretty," so to speak--but Roger doesn't seem like he's quite done yet. It's shocking to see how much he's changed--I was taken aback by the picture of him on the site, and then truly stunned at the pic oh his own site (which I thought was someone else at first). But the writing is the same, and that's really who Roger is, and what makes him a vital part of the experience of going to the movies. You still make me laugh my ass off, Roger--hang in there.

Nancy Walker Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 12:01 AM EST

Two thumbs up for his writing, and five stars for the battle he is doing with Cancer.

Meier Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 11:09 PM EST

One of my favorite quotes is from Roger Ebert:

"All good art is about something deeper than it admits."

So true. That recent picture of him is so painful to look at, but I love his bravery and admire the man more than any justice my words could attempt for.

Kurt Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 10:47 PM EST

Roger Ebert is at least half the reason I love movies. I read his all his reviews, even for movies I had no interest in, just because his writing is so engaging and the enthusiasm for movies clearly shines through. Since his illness the reviews don't come as often as I'd like, but anything from him is great.

If anyone wants to read two of the best books on film I've ever read, read his "Roger Ebert's Book of Film" which he edited, and especially the more recent "Awake In the Dark"- which is the BEST film criticism book you could find.

BrandonK Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 10:01 PM EST

It's really weird...when Siskel was alive, I almost never agreed with Ebert. Since the former's death, though, Ebert has been a lot more on my wavelength. Maybe more accepting of the "popular" movies. Thanks for the link to the update on his health...I've been wondering. Hopefully he gets back to something approaching normal.

JKS Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 08:05 PM EST

Two thumbs way up! Anyone who can write a line like "This is my happening, and it freaks me out!" is all right.

furry_tom Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 08:00 PM EST

Roger, please get well
We miss your wit and insight
Roeper is a tool

Shannon Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 07:41 PM EST

I had the pleasure of stumbling upon Mr. Ebert speaking at a bookstore in San Diego a couple years ago. As he spoke to the growing crowd and signed copies of his book, he could not have been more gracious, engaging, or down-to-earth. He managed to share his incredible cinematic knowledge without giving off that pretencious, know-it-all condescension that some of his peers sometimes succomb to. He charmed the crowd -- and this fan. The man does not disappoint!

mikey Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 06:38 PM EST

I don't think I knew before today that Roger was born on the exact same year and day as Sir Paul.

One of Ebert's reviews that stuck with me was that of "Rambo." While you'd expect serious critics to look down their nose at such fare, Ebert gave it a thumbs up and said that the movie did a great job of being what it was trying to be. That struck me as a good starting point when critiquing anything. I'm willing to vote him a thumbs up.

Lesley Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 06:29 PM EST

There have always been times when I disgreed with a review that Roger Ebert wrote (I think he was the only critic, maybe person, in the world to give a good review to "Cop and 1/2") but he is one of the most inteligent writers about going to the movies that has ever lived. He understands more about why we love movies that someone like Pauline Kael ever did, though I love her, too. And the man made me watch "My Dinner with Andre" solely based on his recommendation. Love him.

Jim Zalewski Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 06:23 PM EST

I grew up reading Roger Ebert. His greatest attribute is his consistency. When I don't agree with his reviews, I at least know why he doesn't like a film, and those reasons may be why I will like it. But at least I know what he's looking at, and how it relates to what he's seen before, and I can make my judgements accordingly. Plus, he's able to write his reasoning for his criticism far better than I've been able to express this. He's the best.

Babette Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 06:19 PM EST

I work with celebrities everyday and have met George Clooney, Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzeneggar, etc. Not once have I ever been star struck. The day I met Roger Ebert, I was speechless. My friend forced me to say hi and that's when I went into this crazy speech about how he helped me to love film and how I remembered his passionate reviews on "Sneak Previews" for My Dinner with Andre and Shoot the Moonand how he made me want to be a writer. He paused for a moment, thought about it and said, "Yeah, Shoot the Moon was a great movie." I loved him for pretending that I wasn't being a geek. God bless you Mr. Ebert!

FLIPPER Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 06:18 PM EST

Yeah, kudos to Ebert. I agree with most of his reviews, except a few that had me scratching my head in disbelief. But on the whole, he's my top pick for film critic.

Stephen Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 06:17 PM EST

I never cry, but I'll bawl (sp?) if this guy doesn't win the fight.

Matthew Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 06:16 PM EST

Thumbs up or thumbs down? I don't like to be that black or white about him -- even if he is about his movies -- because, even though I often very much disagree with his opinions, I always enjoy reading his writing.

Meier Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 06:13 PM EST

Two very enthusiastic thumbs up for Roger Ebert. He is to journalistic criticism what Stanley Kubrick was to directing. In his younger days he might have missed the mark on a few cinematic masterpieces (He hates The Usual Suspects! And, at first, Reservoir Dogs!), but lately he's written the most intelligent articles and synopses to rely on (No offense Gleiberman and Schwarzbaum... but you did give bad grades to Forrest Gump,.. The Matrix,... Fight Club,... O Brother, Where Art Thou?... just to name a few.). In his declining health, the last review of his I've read was for Black Snake Moan,... which I may just have to rent tonight.