The only thing Roger loved more than movies

Starring: Roger Ebert, Chaz Ebert, Gene Siskel, Martin Scorsese, Werner Herzog, Ava DuVernay, Errol Morris, A.O. Scott, Ramin Bahrami

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"... for me, the movies are like a machine that generates empathy. It lets you understand a little bit more about different hopes, aspirations, dreams and fears. It helps us to identify with the people who are sharing this journey with us." - Roger Ebert

Why watch this? This man took movies very serious. His reviews were honest, accurate and often brutal.

Plot Summary: This documentary explores the life and career of the influential film critic Roger Ebert. It covers his journey from a childhood journalist to a Pulitzer Prize-winning critic, including his famous partnership with Gene Siskel and his later battle with cancer. The film uses interviews, clips from his work, and reflections on his personal life to portray his impact on film criticism and culture.

Dad's Preview: Roger Ebert was a film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. He and fellow critic, Gene Siskel, co-hosted several TV shows were they verbally spared about their movie reviews. They coined the film phrase "two thumps up".  I loved their passionate, intelligent film critique. Ebert was also a film author who penned several books, my favorite being Your Movie Sucks, about low-rated films. This biopic documentary is powerful, poignant and inspiring. It recounts his career, including lots of footage after his jaw bone was removed due to cancer. He wrote reviews right up to his death. Wherever you are, Gene, know that you impacted me and my love of film, and for that, I salute you with two BIG thumbs up!  

Kartemquin Films, Film Rites, CNN Films; Magnolia Pictures