Thumbs Up to Roger Ebert

Yesterday, one of the saddest things in the history of entertainment had happened. Roger Ebert, the critic and writer for the Chicago Sun Times, passed away. Because of Ebert's unfortunate passing, I decided to take this time to reflect on how much Roger Ebert has meant to the industry, and to me.

Roger Ebert began writing for the Chicago Sun Times in 1967. In 1975, he began co-hosting a weekly film called Sneak Preview. Three years later, Gene Siskel became a co-host when the show was picked up by PBS for national distribution. The two critics became famous for coining the phrase "Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down!". They eventually invented the words "Two Thumbs Up!"

In 1982, they moved from PBS to launch a similar syndicated television show called At The Movies With Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert. It was a weekly show where they discussed and reviewed the latest films.

And this was not just any ordinary review show, where they just said "The movie's good! Go see it!" or "The movie's not very good. I recommend not seeing it." These two would discuss and describe every film they saw as if it was the Bible. These men took film seriously. To them, film was not a pass time. It was a way of life.

From Citizen Kane to The Godfather. From Star Wars to E.T. The Extra Terrestrial. From Who Framed Roger Rabbit to Beauty and the Beast. If these two saw a movie they really loved, and I mean really really REALLY loved, they would gush about it like a school girl.

And if they saw a movie they hated, like North or Jaws: The Revenge, they would rant and rant and rant. And each rant would be as hilarious as the last.

And, on many occasions, the two would disagree on a film. One of them would like the film, and the other would totally hate it. And when they disagreed, they didn't merely end the review by saying "Oh, okay. Well I guess we all have different tastes." No. These two would go at it like two little boys fighting over a G.I. Joe action figure. These two would argue and argue. Even if it was over a kids film like Good Burger. These two were very passionate about film.

They were both different kinds of critics. Gene Siskel was more analytical. He would foucus on every, tiny, solitary, little detail that most people would ignore. Meanwhile Roger Ebert preferred to look at the big picture. He preferred to see every film as an experience. These two different personalities were the perfect match-up to each other. Their chemistry was a perfect balance. They were so different, and yet so similar. Even though they had different styles and personalities, they both agreed on one thing: they absolutely LOVED the movies.

On February 20, 1999, Gene Siskel passed away from complications of surgery. It was a sad day in the movie world, almost like yesterday. Roger Ebert felt sad and devastated that his partner and friend had gone.

But the show must go on. Siskel and Ebert was later changed to Roger Ebert at the Movies, and it had weekly critics guests like Leanord Maltin and Joel Seigel. Finally, in 2000, Richard Roeper came on as a replacement for Gene Siskel. The show was changed to Ebert and Roeper. Even though Richard Roeper could not compare to the sharp wit and charisma, or the same passion to cinema, that Gene Siskel brought to the show, Richard Roeper proved to be a worthy successor. He had a good chemistry with Roger Ebert.

Sadly, in 2006, Roger Ebert suffered from Thyroid cancer in his lower jaw. So he had to leave the show. He was later replaced with Michael Philips. Richard Roeper later quit, because he was displeased with the direction the show was going. The show got worse and worse, and eventually was cancelled in 2010. They tried to revive the show with Ebert Presents At The Movies in 2011.

Roger Ebert continued to write reviews for the Chicago Sun-Times, until his death on April 4, 2013 yesterday.

I discovered Roger Ebert when I was watching Bonus Features on the DVD of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. I was watching the trailers and TV spots. One of the TV spots was "Reviews". It said critics quotes about the film. The TV spot said "Ebert & Roeper give it Two Thumbs Up!" I asked my Mom "Who's Ebert & Roeper?" Mom said "Oh, they are movie critics." She told me all about them. I eventually looked up videos of Ebert and Roeper on YouTube. I would watch them for hours and hours. I later discovered Siskel and Ebert. I would watch those for hours and hours as well.

I discovered Roger Ebert written reviews through Rotten Tomatoes. His reviews to me were a work of art. I absolutely adored his sharp wit, his open mind, and his indescribable love for movies. All my life, I have loved movies. I love to think about them, I love to talk about them, I love to watch them, I love to read about them. Roger Ebert understood that passion I had. This man lived and breathed movies. I loved reading Roger Ebert's reviews so much, it inspired me to become a movie critic myself. And that is why I write reviews on this blog occasionally.

Roger Ebert, I hope you are in Heaven reading this. I want you to know just how much you inspired me. If it wasn't for you, I would never have even considered becoming a writer. If it wasn't for you, I would think of my love for movies as an unhealthy obsession. You taught me just how important it is to love movies.

Yesterday, I had my Eagle Scout Board of Review. And in one part of the review, the Board Members asked me what Merit Badge I would add if I could. I told them "I would add a pop culture badge. A badge where you have to learn the history of movies, TV, and music. I think movies are important to learn about. To quote the late Roger Ebert, "Movies are important, because they affect the way we think and feel. In some ways positively. And in some ways negatively." I passed my Board of Review. And the fact that I used a quote by you, Roger Ebert, just makes the experience so much more rewarding.

When I grow up, I have always wanted to be an actor/writer/director/comedian. And for years, I have always dreamed of reading Roger Ebert's reviews of my films. But now, I'll have to wait until I meet him in Heaven to hear his reviews of my films.

I hope you are in Heaven right now, with Gene Siskel, eating popcorn, and reviewing every future film release.

Thank you Roger Ebert. You will always be remembered. To you, I give... Two Thumbs Up!

See you at the movies!

My Top 5 Favorite Steven Spielberg Movies

There are few directors in this world that are as talented as Steven Spielberg. Steven Spielberg is arguably the greatest director that ever lived. He has directed and produced some of the biggest hits in Hollywood. Many of the films he's directed have gone down in history as some of the greatest, most iconic films of all time. Everyone has their favorite Steven Spielberg film. Tomorrow one of his most popular films, Jurassic Park, will be re-released in 3D. To celebrate, I'm going to count down my top 5 favorite Steven Spielberg movies. Now keep in mind, this list is very short. So I won't include ALL of his films. If I exclude any of your choices, you can write it down in the comments below. Now go pop some popcorn, and let's dive right in!

5.) Lincoln

Over the years, historians have always had their own idea of what Abraham Lincoln was like in real life. We have images of him. But we don't have any video or radio footage of the famous president. There have been countless films, plays, and TV specials based on the president's life. But none have been as deep, entertaining, or as emotional as Steven Spielberg's most recent film, Lincoln. Lincoln tells the story of Abraham Lincoln (Daniel-Day Lewis) trying to abolish slavery, with the help of Thadeus Stewart (Tommy Lee-Jones). The film is rich with beautiful performances and sharp writing by Tony Kushner. And as I said, the performances are beautiful. Sally Fields is wonderful as Mary Todd Lincoln, Tommy Lee Jones is hilarious and irresistible as Congressional leader Thadus Stewart. But the true star of the movie is Daniel Day Lewis. His performance as Abraham Lincoln is up there with Charlton Heston's Moses as one of the greatest portrayals of a historic figure. He plays Honest Abe as a man who loves to communicate with stories and parables. A man with patience, sensitivity, and wisdom. Daniel Day Lewis doesn't play Lincoln as a myth, but as a man. He makes you relate with Lincoln as much as you look up to him. This film is not for everyone though. If you are not a fan of history, you may find the film tedious and boring. But if you are a history enthusiast, Lincoln will hold your attention, and make you love your country all the more. In short, Lincoln is a true American landmark.

4.) Jurassic Park

The film is based on the novel by Michael Crichton. This movie has a very interesting concept. What if we can make dinosaurs come back to life? What if man walked with dinosaurs again? These are the questions that John Hammond (Richard Attenborough) asks. He decides to take dinosaur DNA from mosquitoes, and use the DNA to clone dinosaurs, and open a theme park in a far away island. He invites Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neil), Dr. Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern), and Dr. Ian Malcom (Jeff Goldblum), to come inspect his theme park for future guests. At first, things go very well. Until a T-Rex breaks loose from his cage and starts attacking the guests. It's a big race to escape the island from being eaten, and return to society. Jurassic Park is just one big thrill ride from start to finish. I also love it how, even though it's sort of a horror/thriller movie, the characters are not just 1-dimensional idiots who you want to see the dinosaurs eat, like most horror movies. In Jurassic Park, Steven Spielberg does a great job of making you care for the characters, and root for them to get off the island. The script by David Koepp is filled with a lot of humor and heart. And usually, I'm not a huge fan of CGI. I am usually more of a fan of practical effects, like puppets and stop motion. But the CGI on the dinosaurs is some of the best CGI ever used in motion picture. When Jurassic Park first came out in 1993, the special effects were very groundbreaking. It was definitely the Avatar of its day. And to this day, the CGI on the dinosaurs is still very impressive. And who can forget the John Williams music? No Spielberg movie is complete without some John Williams pixie dust. Williams' score really gives the movie a sense of awe. It's as if the dinosaurs actually are back, and are roaming the earth! So, with a great story, amazing visuals, great characters, and a beautiful score, Jurassic Park is good old-fashioned prehistoric fun!

3.) Jaws

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Just two notes, and you have a villain. Based on the book by Peter Benchley, Jaws tells the story of a man eating shark terrorizing the peaceful beach of Amity Island, leading the Mayor to close down the beach. So it's up to Officer Brody (Roy Schneider), Dr. Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss), and Captain Quint (Robert Shaw) to sail out to the middle of the sea and hunt down the sea beast before he eats another soul. This is a tale that's not for the faint of heart. For almost the entire first half of the movie, you never really see the shark. You only see his victims being eaten, you see blood, and you hear the sinister John Williams music. Even in the scenes where nobody is being killed or eaten, you're still scared. You hear the characters talk about the shark, and it leaves you on the edge of your seat biting your nails. And that right there describes the brilliance of this horror film. Steven Spielberg is very smart to keep his audience guessing, waiting in deep anticipation. The shark doesn't show up until the last 20 minutes of the film. And when he does, the audience jumps out of their seats, spilling their popcorn. And this is just a robot shark that barely worked on set. If Jaws was made today, they would have just used CGI. That would be easy. But too easy. Because the shark was a robot, that makes you appreciate all the hard work and dedication the prop designers put into it. But it's not just the shark that makes this movie work. The cast couldn't have been better. The chemistry between Roy Schneider, Richard Dreyfuss, and Robert Shaw is just perfect. They are not just 1-dimensional characters in a horror movie. They are real, human people that you care for. My favorite scene in the movie, oddly enough doesn't involve the shark. But rather those three characters. It's the Indianapolis speech made by Captain Quint. And the fact that it's based on a true story just makes it more chilling. And the John Williams music. I doubt this movie would be half the classic it is without John Williams chilling score. Even if you've never seen Jaws, you at least recognize the score. If they play that music when you're swimming, you better get out! Many years later, Jaws continues to scare people from going in the water.

2.) Raiders of the Lost Ark

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Who doesn't love Indiana Jones? (Well, besides Nazis.) Indiana Jones is in many ways the ultimate action hero. He's got it all: the hat, the whip, the gun, the ladies, a phobia (snakes), the awesome theme song, etc. His first big screen adventure was in the 1981 classic, Raiders of the Lost Ark. The story follows Dr. Jones (Harrison Ford) on a quest for the legendary lost Ark of the Covenant, before the Nazis get to it. He is joined by his ex-girlfriend Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), and his close friend Sallah (John Rhys-Davies). Indiana Jones and his friends have to fight nazis, snakes, and escape booby traps at every turn. Can Indy and co. make it to the Ark on time before the Nazis? And will they be able to handle its mysterious powers? As you can see, Raiders of the Lost Ark is the kind of film that grabs you by the arm the second it starts, and it never lets go. You are on the edge of your seat 98% of the time. The characters are all lovable and unforgettable. Harrison Ford gives probably his best performance of his career. He's not just playing Han Solo again. He's playing Indiana Jones, and entirely different character. And he plays him with wit, and heart. Karen Allen is very hot and very feisty as Marion Ravenwood. The action scenes are well done. The opening scene with the booby traps is the greatest opening scene in an action/adventure film. The music by John Williams is great as always. Why his "Raiders of the Lost Ark" score lost an Oscar to Chariots of Fire is a mystery to me. So many years later, Raiders of the Lost Ark holds up very well. With great performances, a great score, unforgettable characters, and a great story, Raiders of the Lost Ark is a true treasure to behold.

1.) E.T. The Extra Terrestrial

Out of all the films on this list, E.T. is probably the closest to Steven Spielberg's heart. Steven Spielberg's parents in real life were divorced, and so are Elliot's. So in some ways, this movie is a biopic of the director. The story centers around a boy named Elliot (Henry Thomas) and his suburban family. He feels very lonely and friendless. But one night, Elliot comes across a strange alien creature who he adopts into his house. His sister (Drew Barrymore) calls him "E.T.", which means "Extra Terrestrial". The kids later find out that he is from outer space, and is trying to get back to his home. The kids do their best to hide him from their mom, and the authorities, and help him get back to his home planet. But, as the film progresses, Elliot and E.T. develop a personal relationship, which makes it harder and harder for Elliot to let E.T. go. But E.T. teaches Elliot that friends never leave you as long as you keep them in your heart. As you can see, E.T. is a heart warming story about childhood, loyalty, friendship, and never letting go. It's the kind of tale that can make a grown man almost cry. The ending scene is one of the most tear jerking in any film. It's up there with Toy Story 3. But the film is filled with a lot of great comedy as well. The scenes where E.T. is discovering the world around him are very charming and very funny. It's strange how the character, E.T., is an alien from outer space. When you first see him, he looks bizarre. But when he first eats those Reecess pieces, you start to fall in love with him. Much like Jaws, if E.T. was made today, the alien would be CGI. But this was made in the 80s, so he is a puppet. And I think that makes him even more adorable, and more real. The performances in the film are all beautiful. Henry Thomas is brilliant as Elliot. He gives, what I think is, the best performance by a child actor ever. The way he cares for E.T. is just so heart warming. He's the most relatable character in the movie. Another performance I love is Drew Barrymore as Gertie. She is the 2nd cutest thing in this movie, behind E.T. And then there's the music by John Williams. You've heard me gush over John Williams enough. But I just want to say that I think E.T. The Extra Terrestrial is his best score ever! Yes, I think it's better than Star Wars! And given his career, that is saying a lot! I always get chills at the back of my neck when I hear Williams' score. I could go on and on about this film. All I want to say is that E.T. The Extra Terrestrial is out of this world! (Sorry about the pun.)

And those are my top 5 favorite Steven Spielberg movies. I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I did writing it. God bless!