EbertAndRoeper Tagged Articles at Cinematical

I can't say that I got as much of a chance to grow up on "Siskel & Ebert" as much as most of my colleagues -- and not a whole lot of "Ebert & Roeper" either, for that matter -- but I recognize and appreciate the value of two film critics trying to encourage a more popular dialogue about movies. However, ratings and quality both took a dive once Roger Ebert and Richard Roeper took their leave and were promptly replaced by Ben Lyons and Ben Mankiewicz.

Well, since that pairing wasn't exactly cutting it, the show's producers have (wisely) opted to swap out the duo for the Chicago Tribune's Michael Phillips and the New York Times' A.O. Scott, who both have previously appeared in lieu of Ebert when he had taken ill and proved their own considerable intelligence and mutual respect for one another, the medium, and their audience.

How many of you still tuned in for the show's latest incarnation? And how many of you are as considerably relieved as many of us that things should take a turn for the better with proper print critics in the seats again come September 5th?

I'm sure I wasn't the only one sad to see Ebert & Roeper officially head off the air recently, but those of you really hurting will be happy to know the show made one final appearance last night during the season premiere of Entourage on HBO. And what a review they gave Medellin -- the fictional Pablo Escobar biopic starring Vincent Chase (Adrian Grenier) in a horrible fat suit. Last season on the show, the movie premiered at Cannes and was booed off the stage. Thus, at the beginning of this episode (and via Richard Roeper), we learn poor old Medellin went straight to DVD.

My favorite part of the episode, however, comes when Ari Gold (Jeremy Piven) enters his office the morning after the Medellin review aired on Ebert & Roeper. And so, for a bonus treat, check out that scene after the jump (though keep in mind a couple of F-bombs are dropped). Love this show. Welcome back boys!

Oh internet, is there anything you can't do? As Monika told you last week, a good portion of Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert's classic television reviews have hit the net, and I can't get enough. It used to be I'd have to head down to the Museum of Television and Radio to find old material like this, but I couldn't sit and watch in my boxers there (Believe me, I tried). In addition to the sweater vest - packed Siskel and Ebert material, there's all of the Ebert and Roeper reviews and the Not Siskel and Not Ebert reviews. These include the occasionally awkward celebrity guest shows, like Roeper with John "Cougar" Mellencamp! You can also find cool extras like Roeper talking about the Sopranos finale and answering the question "Have you ever walked out of a movie?" Head here to get started, but be warned, it's mighty easy to get hooked! What reviews are you guys checking out? Have you found any that particularly stand out?

If I had to give you the best place to start, it would be this glorious special episode where Ebert sits down with Martin Scorsese to pick the best films of the 1990s. I've had this on tape since it first aired -- my favorite film critic and my favorite film director having a passionate conversation, it's pure gold. Their choices are terrific, but be prepared to be confused by Scorsese's #1 choice: "Now I'm cheating a bit with my choice for the #1 film of the 90's because it was actually made in '86." Insane, but I guess you don't tell Scorsese he's got to follow the rules. I checked out reviews of some of my favorite films from the last twenty years -- Planes Trains and Automobiles, Unforgiven, Fargo, etc, but these guys are the most fun when they're in complete agreement on hating something. For a perfect example, check out this review of one of Ebert's least favorite movies -- North. And these aren't on the site, but if you've never seen this clip and this clip of the pair ripping each other apart while trying to tape promos, make it a priority. They feel like SNL sketches. Incredible stuff, and believe it or not -- Not Safe For Work!