The Gene Siskel-Roger Ebert era is truly over
It had to happen, but it's still sad. The weekly movie review show that Roger Ebert launched with the late Gene Siskel in 1975 is kaput.
Sure, Disney has tapped two guys who you probably never heard of to take over the "At the Movies" duties of Ebert (who's been off the show for about two years battling health issues) and Siskel's lightweight replacement, Richard Roeper, who couldn't reach a contract extension.
But, really, the show hasn't been the same since Siskel's death in 1999 (he's pictured here with Ebert). The show, born at a PBS station in Chicago, paired outspoken Sun-Times' film critic (Ebert) with his equally outspoken counterpart at The Tribune (Siskel). Their passion for film and depth of knowledge, combined with their spirited exchanges, was wonderful television as the show's title evolved from "Sneak Previews" to "Siskel & Ebert," reflecting their growing status with their famous thumbs-up or thumbs-down pronouncements. I loved watching them verbally spar over films or effusively praise them. I respected their opinions and couldn't wait to hear what they thought of the latest releases.
Together, they became arguably the two most famous film critics in the country. You can still watch their reviews by checking out the archives at this Web site ... for now, at least.
Yes, it's a wistful good-bye. As Siskel or Ebert use to say: "The balcony is closed."
Comments:
Aye, it truly is the end of an era. It was especially engaging when they disagreed and the sparks would fly like a machete on a grindstone.
I remember watching the tribute Ebert presented when Siskel passed. There were several lumps in the throat moments that particular program held for me. Through it all it was plainly evident that they respected... and really came to like each other.
Posted by: marcel at July 22, 2008 9:23 PM
This is definitely an end to an era. I never really pay attention to individual reviews, but look at a movie's percentage on RottenTomato. But I always would watch E&R just to see what they say. I'm glad Ebert is still writing reviews, but still it's not the same.
Posted by: Michael at July 22, 2008 9:43 PM
To me, Siskel and Ebert were the bert and ernie AND the New York Yankees of film reviewers combined...
I loved their input...
(and always thought that it was a typo when I'd go to rent something, see S&E gave it two thumbs up,
--and it sucked (often I'd watch it over again, just to see if I missed something...)
What was alway cool was that the points that they made (even if they really tore something to shreds,)
--were spot on, you LEARNED something, and always held the art of filmmaking sacred,
--and were not looking to trash the effort (unless it was truly damnable,)
--and then they just told it like it was.
My private indulgence, review wise, (and don't ask me to explain this,)
--would be the NY Mets of reviewers:
Gene Shalit... (Truly an acquired taste,)
---but he's always been worth listening to..
and the presentation, oy gevult, priceless...
Sometimes I wonder if guys like S&E are passing from our midst by the grace of God,
---because they are sort of outdated...
(People just don't know how to review stuff anymore, it's almost like truly understanding what makes something really great and worth going to see, and why, isn't known,
--nor considered worthwhile...
(sad.)
Posted by: wet towel at July 22, 2008 11:51 PM
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