Siskel really was the only person on the planet that would confidently and competently take Ebert to task...and Ebert was so ready to calmly defend himself. These guys were the greatest of all time.
It really is a rare example (in the States) of two people having a genuine argument and doing it like grown-ups. They mean what they say, they get tough when they think it's warranted, but they don't shout over each other and they never get petty or personal. (OK, they get personal sometimes, but it's generally a backhanded compliment. "You don't like this movie because you know too much about movies." Never "you're an Ivy Leaguer", "you're from the Midwest", "you're a liberal", "you have too much money", etc.)
Seriously! It's honestly shocking to me that he would say platoon is better. Although it had it's realistic points I see platoon is more of a fiction than the story that full metal jacket is telling
I still don't understand why he disliked it so much. I don't know if perhaps it had to do with the fact that there were several other Vietnam War movies coming out at the time so it had more of a lesson impact. But I felt it was really unfair for him to say it was like a world War II movie I mean Urban combat can only be so different. And they even specifically mentioned in the movie how when they're in the City it's completely different than the jungle warfare they're used to
There have been critics who have dissed just about every one of Kubrick's films when they were released. Most of them have changed their minds a decade on.
Siskel was right. FMJ was masterpiece and Eberts thumbs down does not stand the test of time. After all, how many awesome movie quotes did we get from Benji the Hunted?
How many awesome movie quotes have we gotten from any of Chaplin’s films? FMJ rocks but Benji the Hunter (which is actually decent) is basically a silent film. Not the best comparison imo
The only thing I can think and this is playing devil's advocate well strongly disagreeing with Ebert is that maybe because of the other Vietnam movies that had come out recently kind of like the string of superhero movies now that the impact of a good movie was lessened?! 🤷♂️
@@ricardocantoral7672I think he's more just pointing out that there's a lot of impactful dialogue as part of the overall story that has become part of pop culture. I mean for God's sakes I must hear "I bet you could suck a golf ball through a garden hose!" On the internet at least a couple times a month. And I personally use a GIF or video clip the drill instructor saying "Well no shit"
We only went to theaters a few times a year when I was a kid--and it took forever for movies to release on home video. I used to watch these two and dream about finally being about to watch certain movies. It's pretty awesome to be able to watch the reviews with the hindsight of actually seeing the movie or having the option to watch the movies that they've reviewed.
Spaceballs....I agree it's not Mel Brooks best, but it made me laugh out loud more than once. And the Space Bar scene...with John Hurt and the alien doing the Warner Bros frog thing nearly killed me. I was laughing so hard, it hurt.
I fell asleep during the sixth time I watched the movie. But how many movies have I watched 5 times? So many movies were worth watching once, then I haven't seen again in 30 years, but maybe it's time to revisit a few of them? Of course it's the movies worth watching every year or so that stand out in one's mind.
@@oldschoolgnrfan6035 Ebert is right that Vietnam itself looks like a soundstage. And the tracking shot of everyone reciting a perfectly-timed wisecrack is absolutely eyeroll-worthy (and I don't buy into any post-hoc explanation that Kubrick was making some point or another about "the first televised war" in doing that. Even if that was his intention it doesn't land for me--it's just distracting).
I always preferred Siskel, even if I sided more with Ebert. Siskel was more analytical, which gave me a better idea what the film was about and whether it was the kind of film I enjoy; Ebert talked more about how he felt watching the film, which I couldn't really translate to anything, so I could only hope I would feel the same way.
@@sm5574 That's a great way of putting it, Scott. The Siskel & Ebert phenomenon. I feel sorry for the generations after us who never got experience their show. I found Ebert to be more scholarly in his approach, like he were some sort of college professor. Siskel was more like the everyman, the guy you'd want to have a beer with after seeing a movie.
I miss Siskel & Ebert, even though I found myself agreeing and disagreeing with them. Here are my thoughts: "Full Metal Jacket"- I thought only the first half was great, the second half got boring. B+ "Spaceballs"- Great fun and silliness, not just a parody of "Star Wars". B+ "Benji, The Hunted"- Great animal story film with cuteness, sadness, suspense, and surprises. It's a Benji masterpiece, I LOVED it. A+ Also, "Benji, The Hunted" is a film for all ages, not just children.
My first job as a teenager was at a movie theater where Full Metal Jacket and Spaceballs played, and I had the pleasure of seeing both movies many times on the big screen.
The fact that Ebert compared Full Metal Jacket unfavorably with Platoon is the giveaway. Platoon is not an anti war film; it’s too beautifully shot. For all its violence it actually ends up romanticizing war. Whereas Kubrick never romanticizes war, and Full Metal Jacket is a suitable final panel of his war triptych that also includes Paths of Glory and Dr. Strangelove. And far from being too late, it was actually prophetic for how we would be sold the Gulf War and the war in Iraq. I personally thought it was the best film he made in the second half of his career, post-2001. I usually side with Ebert over Siskel, but not here. Ebert got it very wrong.
Hard disagree. I like both films but nothing made me not want to go to war like watching Platoon. It captures the paranoia and miserable nature of the jungle so so well
@@joel29585 Yeah, I think it's telling that the military was willing to support the making of _Top Gun (1986),_ but not willing to support the making of _Platoon (1986)._
Siskel and ebert invented the format that has been milked to death since. Every network has their own version of that (espn, fox sports, cnn, Fox News). They pioneered this type of TV and no one has been able to top them since. Love seeing siskel push ebert on full metal jacket. They knew how to argue correctly.
Spaceballs was super funny! Always wish that Brooks had made at least a few more movies. It’s been several years since I’ve seen Roxanne. I remember seeing Benji The Hunted in the theater in 1987 as a child!
I always know Ebert loved Benji the Hunted due to an episode of The Critic. Roger and Gene fight and break up. Gene says Ebert like Benji the Hunted and Ebert points out Gene liked Carnosaur.
I'm almost always an Ebert over Siskel guy, but Ebert's take on FMJ is abysmal. He clearly still had 2001 and Dr. Strangelove in his mind for Kubrick and anticipated that level. Plus, Platoon and FMJ aren't really comparable aside from their both being about the same war. Kubrick's FMJ captures an American's fight against his own system while simulatenously existing within it while Platoon is about the existence of the soldier within the environment of Vietnam. I personally prefer FMJ tho
And you cant trash Spaceballs. It's one of the best comedies of the last 40 years. It's a better movie than most of the prequel trilogy and all of the sequel trilogy.
I love the Cyrano De Bergerac story. Especially the filmed Kevin Kline live play and the original old black and white Jose Ferrer versions. The original writing is brilliant. Roxanne was pretty good as well.
Kind of agree with Ebert on Full Metal. I think the first half of the film with the basic training scenes were by far the superior parts of the film. The second part of the movie with the Vietnam scenes had their moments, but for the most part devalued into your basic war movie.
I think what bothered Siskel about Ebert's reaction to Full Metal Jacket, and what Ebert didn't seem to understand, is that giving thumbs down is akin to saying, "don't see this movie'. I agree with Ebert, Full Metal Jacket is not a great movie, but it certainly is a good movie, and if anyone ever asked me if they should see it I would say "yes". Why Ebert didn't just give it a thumbs up, with reservations, I don't know. Also, he didn't seem to like the basic training part of the movie, which I always thought was the best part, the Vietnam action being a bit of a letdown.
The general rule was that 3 stars was the threshold for recommending a movie (thumbs up), and Ebert gave FMJ 2½ stars. Not to say they never bent the rule, but that's likely the reason.
Absolutely. ... Charlie Sheen never was an effective lead actor, and his thin voice and limited range have eroded over the years. I was no big 'Platoon' fan on first release, but I was only 18 then and thought I just missed something. Turns out I didn't. ... 'FMJ' is as good now as it was then. Kubrick is just a better artist than Ollie Stone.
Well, Roger was wrong. Full Metal Jacket has stood the test of time and has aged well. There are Internet communities where people discuss all things FMJ. Every US Marine and veteran considers that movie sacred ground because they could relate to every minute of it. Roger completely missed the point with the John Wayne references. The movie is anti-John Wayne. It describes war as a "World of $hit." It was a running theme throughout the film. Who the hell is discussing "Roxanne" with its corny plot and comedic devices pulled straight out of TV sitcoms. Original? The scene that Roger loved so much was a running gag on "Late Night with David Letterman." And before that, it had been used in "Threes Company." He also missed the mark on "Spaceballs." Today its considered a Mel Brooks classic. RIP to both of you
Platoon captured the cultural zeitgeist in a big way back then that it was almost impossible to not compare Full Metal Jacket to it. I'm glad Siskel was able to see it for what it's worth. Hopefully Ebert came around later in life in his opinion.
Agreed! I'm a sucker for movies about Vietnam, and Platoon is my least favorite movie in that sub-genre. It's got none of the technical brilliance of Apocalypse Now or Full Metal Jacket, none of the heart and character development of First Blood and Casualties of War, and none of the deep, contemplative emotions of The Deer Hunter. Platoon is the Saturday morning cartoon version of those films, and it feels like it was written by a high schooler who thinks he's deeper than he actually is.
@@PurpleMetal75 I agree with a lot of what you said. But honestly, I watched Apocalypse Now for the first time about 6 years ago and I wasn't very impressed. I won't say it was bad. I will give it points for originality. The concept of a rouge solider in Vietnam is interesting. Causalties of War is an amazing film. It's one of Penns best and also Fox.
@@goldentaco4970 I suppose it depends on which version of Apocalypse Now you're watching. The version I love the most is the original 2 1/2 hour theatrical version. The Redux is terrible. I haven't seen the Final Cut, but it sounds like it didn't fix the major issues with the redux. If you haven't seen the theatrical version, I highly recommend seeking it out!
I’m surprised about Ebert’s FMJ opinion because it’s usually Siskel who pans great, classic films like this. It just goes to show that they both get it wrong about half the time. What is he talking about when he said it’s a lot of stuff that’s been done before? I’m sorry, but no, not like this, like, at all. Totally unique and haunting.
Well, I wasn't impressed with Full Metal Jacket, but I am not sure I recall what I disliked about it. I agree that Paths of Glory and Dr Strangelove showed Kubrick at his best. I think it was Danny Peary who noted in his Alternate Oscars that the crazy generals of Strangelove are practically the same as the "sane" generals of Paths. Which is definitely disturbing.
I didn't see _Paths of Glory_ but I just now read the plot on Wikipedia. I seem to recall hearing that the Russians launched artillery to prevent their troops from retreating in the war in Ukraine, similar to what was suggested in this movie. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Late in the first World War, the Americans had to learn the lessons the French and British learned the hard way: that courage or valor alone doesn't take ground.
I've always sort of been with Roger on full metal jacket. I think we all can agree that the first section of the movie with R. Lee Ermey is a masterpiece, but after that it's very pedestrian.
When my friend became a USAF Brigadier General I introduced him as General Jack D Ripper. Thank heaven the other general officers laughed out loud. Then I pinned his stars on him.
FMJ is nothing like Platoon. I don't know what Ebert was talking about there. I mean, they don't even seem like they're about the same war, as Gene pointed out.
It's kind of annoying that Ebert mispronounces Stanley Kubrick's last name several times in his review. It's pronounced "Coo-Brick," not "Cue-Brick." One would think he would know better - being a film critic and all. But nope.
I think I saw it once, but didn't care much for it; I don't remember the details. I much prefer Steve Martin in _L.A. Story,_ and Daryl Hannah in _Splash._ The latter had such an impact on the culture that "Madison" became a common girls' name.
. I've always loved these guys overall, but once in a while one, or both of them could kind of go off the rails, as Roger SO clearly does this time !! Thumbs Down on Full Metal Jacket and Spaceballs, and Thumbs Up on Roxanne and Benji The Hunted for Roger (20:39), absolutely WRONG on ALL FOUR (obviously, in my opinion) !! It almost seems as though for this one episode, for whatever reason, he purposely was just trying to go the opposite way that most people expected him to go. And I do find it interesting that though Gene would occasionally have one of those 'dumbfounding' reviews (you know.....the kind that left you as the viewer sitting at home going, "I can't believe he loved/hated that film !!"), it usually was Roger (again, in my opinion) that was more often voting a thumb up, or a thumb down for a film you were SURE he would go the other way on !! That said......isn't that why we watched and (usually) loved these guys ?? .
I think he said in another episode, or on Letterman, that a good rating on one genre of movie, does not compare to that of another. Like horror, for instance. These usually are not great movies, but inexpensive to make, and when they find a good one they give it a high rating. Perhaps seeing _Benji the Hunted_ as a kids' movie puts it in that category against other kids' movies. They also talk about how a movie that aims low and makes it, might not be worth seeing; but one that aims high and almost makes it could be worth seeing.
That quarter of 87 was fire at the movies. I love Roxanne. Such an underrated movie. Saw this so many times as a kid and will watch it whenever it’s on.
Siskel really was the only person on the planet that would confidently and competently take Ebert to task...and Ebert was so ready to calmly defend himself. These guys were the greatest of all time.
It really is a rare example (in the States) of two people having a genuine argument and doing it like grown-ups. They mean what they say, they get tough when they think it's warranted, but they don't shout over each other and they never get petty or personal. (OK, they get personal sometimes, but it's generally a backhanded compliment. "You don't like this movie because you know too much about movies." Never "you're an Ivy Leaguer", "you're from the Midwest", "you're a liberal", "you have too much money", etc.)
@@RobMacKendrick come on, don't lump us all in together lol
Gene rightly not letting Ebert off the hook on Full Metal Jacket. Lol.
Seriously! It's honestly shocking to me that he would say platoon is better. Although it had it's realistic points I see platoon is more of a fiction than the story that full metal jacket is telling
I'm only here for Benji the Hunted, the others are lightweights.
"BOREDOM! BOREDOM WITH BENJI RUNNING"
One of the great moments in television
I miss these two so much.
They don't make 'em like that, anymore. Love your name!
I generally agree with Ebert, but he got Full Metal Jacket wrong. Thirty+ years on, and it is a masterpiece.
I still don't understand why he disliked it so much. I don't know if perhaps it had to do with the fact that there were several other Vietnam War movies coming out at the time so it had more of a lesson impact. But I felt it was really unfair for him to say it was like a world War II movie I mean Urban combat can only be so different. And they even specifically mentioned in the movie how when they're in the City it's completely different than the jungle warfare they're used to
There have been critics who have dissed just about every one of Kubrick's films when they were released. Most of them have changed their minds a decade on.
It probably made him uncomfortable lol
Ah! The Full Metal Jacket disagreement! A classic tv moment!
The Blue Velvet disagreement got far more heated though.
Followed by the Benji the Hunted disagreement! A high watermark episode for this show.
In a weird way, this is why I love Ebert. He was honest
Siskel was right. FMJ was masterpiece and Eberts thumbs down does not stand the test of time. After all, how many awesome movie quotes did we get from Benji the Hunted?
How many awesome movie quotes have we gotten from any of Chaplin’s films? FMJ rocks but Benji the Hunter (which is actually decent) is basically a silent film. Not the best comparison imo
@@joel29585You measure the quality of film by quotes?
The only thing I can think and this is playing devil's advocate well strongly disagreeing with Ebert is that maybe because of the other Vietnam movies that had come out recently kind of like the string of superhero movies now that the impact of a good movie was lessened?! 🤷♂️
@@ricardocantoral7672I think he's more just pointing out that there's a lot of impactful dialogue as part of the overall story that has become part of pop culture. I mean for God's sakes I must hear "I bet you could suck a golf ball through a garden hose!" On the internet at least a couple times a month. And I personally use a GIF or video clip the drill instructor saying "Well no shit"
I love what Gene Siskel had said to Roger Ebert, the "boredom" part in "Benji The Hunted."
Siskel is right over FMJ as a piece on its own rather than compared to Kubrick's other masterpieces.
Siskel clearly won this episode
A rare moment
Full Metal Jackey this week and Adventures in Babysitting the next. Vincent D'Onofrio had a banger start to his career.
and his physical appearance is sooo different
We only went to theaters a few times a year when I was a kid--and it took forever for movies to release on home video. I used to watch these two and dream about finally being about to watch certain movies.
It's pretty awesome to be able to watch the reviews with the hindsight of actually seeing the movie or having the option to watch the movies that they've reviewed.
Spaceballs....I agree it's not Mel Brooks best, but it made me laugh out loud more than once. And the Space Bar scene...with John Hurt and the alien doing the Warner Bros frog thing nearly killed me. I was laughing so hard, it hurt.
I fell asleep during the sixth time I watched the movie. But how many movies have I watched 5 times? So many movies were worth watching once, then I haven't seen again in 30 years, but maybe it's time to revisit a few of them? Of course it's the movies worth watching every year or so that stand out in one's mind.
The first half of Full Metal Jacket is absolutely brilliant! Excellent performances with true intensity.
That's the thing about 'Full Metal Jacket'. The second half drops off quite a bit from that incredible first half.
@@oldschoolgnrfan6035 Ebert is right that Vietnam itself looks like a soundstage. And the tracking shot of everyone reciting a perfectly-timed wisecrack is absolutely eyeroll-worthy (and I don't buy into any post-hoc explanation that Kubrick was making some point or another about "the first televised war" in doing that. Even if that was his intention it doesn't land for me--it's just distracting).
"Consider your thumb. Look at your thumb over the weekend" - Gene Siskel
😂 laughed pretty good at that one.
I liked his simple "No I'm not" when Ebert said he should be ashamed of himself 😁
I side with Siskel a lot more than I realize.
40 years ago I sided with Roger. Now I agree, I'm more with Gene.
I always preferred Siskel, even if I sided more with Ebert. Siskel was more analytical, which gave me a better idea what the film was about and whether it was the kind of film I enjoy; Ebert talked more about how he felt watching the film, which I couldn't really translate to anything, so I could only hope I would feel the same way.
@@sm5574 That's a great way of putting it, Scott. The Siskel & Ebert phenomenon. I feel sorry for the generations after us who never got experience their show. I found Ebert to be more scholarly in his approach, like he were some sort of college professor. Siskel was more like the everyman, the guy you'd want to have a beer with after seeing a movie.
@@clownnookieWell, Ebert did win a Pulitzer, so his prose (on which it was based) was quite eloquent. But I like beer too :)
@@bravehome4276 (*laughs) What can I say ? It was a winning combination. Now all we have to focus on is all these rotten tomatoes...
I miss Siskel & Ebert, even though I found myself agreeing and disagreeing with them. Here are my thoughts:
"Full Metal Jacket"- I thought only the first half was great, the second half got boring. B+
"Spaceballs"- Great fun and silliness, not just a parody of "Star Wars". B+
"Benji, The Hunted"- Great animal story film with cuteness, sadness, suspense, and surprises. It's a Benji masterpiece, I LOVED it. A+
Also, "Benji, The Hunted" is a film for all ages, not just children.
My first job as a teenager was at a movie theater where Full Metal Jacket and Spaceballs played, and I had the pleasure of seeing both movies many times on the big screen.
This rarely happens but I really enjoyed All the films reviewed in this episode.
They’re both right. The basic training half is absolutely riveting movie making. The second half is routine.
This has always been my view as well
The fact that Ebert compared Full Metal Jacket unfavorably with Platoon is the giveaway. Platoon is not an anti war film; it’s too beautifully shot. For all its violence it actually ends up romanticizing war. Whereas Kubrick never romanticizes war, and Full Metal Jacket is a suitable final panel of his war triptych that also includes Paths of Glory and Dr. Strangelove. And far from being too late, it was actually prophetic for how we would be sold the Gulf War and the war in Iraq. I personally thought it was the best film he made in the second half of his career, post-2001. I usually side with Ebert over Siskel, but not here. Ebert got it very wrong.
Hard disagree. I like both films but nothing made me not want to go to war like watching Platoon. It captures the paranoia and miserable nature of the jungle so so well
@@joel29585 Yeah, I think it's telling that the military was willing to support the making of _Top Gun (1986),_ but not willing to support the making of _Platoon (1986)._
I agree, Roxanne is lighthearted charming love story 👍🌟🌟🌟🌟
Siskel and ebert invented the format that has been milked to death since. Every network has their own version of that (espn, fox sports, cnn, Fox News). They pioneered this type of TV and no one has been able to top them since. Love seeing siskel push ebert on full metal jacket. They knew how to argue correctly.
Spaceballs was super funny! Always wish that Brooks had made at least a few more movies.
It’s been several years since I’ve seen Roxanne.
I remember seeing Benji The Hunted in the theater in 1987 as a child!
I wish Brooks was not compelled to only do satire.
@@ricardocantoral7672 Literally only directed a single “non satire” movie, not many people remember it; Life Stinks.
@@patrickc3419 You forget The Producers which was one of his most brilliant films. Life Stinks was a boring slog.
@@ricardocantoral7672 Believe it or not I’ve actually never seen Producers (only the remake).
@@patrickc3419 Dude, please rectify that. The 1968 film is better.
I always know Ebert loved Benji the Hunted due to an episode of The Critic. Roger and Gene fight and break up. Gene says Ebert like Benji the Hunted and Ebert points out Gene liked Carnosaur.
Me too!
Carnasaur was a good movie 😏
Great episode.
I'm almost always an Ebert over Siskel guy, but Ebert's take on FMJ is abysmal. He clearly still had 2001 and Dr. Strangelove in his mind for Kubrick and anticipated that level. Plus, Platoon and FMJ aren't really comparable aside from their both being about the same war. Kubrick's FMJ captures an American's fight against his own system while simulatenously existing within it while Platoon is about the existence of the soldier within the environment of Vietnam. I personally prefer FMJ tho
And you cant trash Spaceballs. It's one of the best comedies of the last 40 years. It's a better movie than most of the prequel trilogy and all of the sequel trilogy.
I love the Cyrano De Bergerac story. Especially the filmed Kevin Kline live play and the original old black and white Jose Ferrer versions. The original writing is brilliant. Roxanne was pretty good as well.
Kind of agree with Ebert on Full Metal. I think the first half of the film with the basic training scenes were by far the superior parts of the film. The second part of the movie with the Vietnam scenes had their moments, but for the most part devalued into your basic war movie.
I generally side w/ Ebert in their disagreements, but Siskel eviscerated Roger on Benji and Full Metal Jacket.
Benji’s Metal Jacket
I found Ebert’s critique on FMJ to be much more convincing, though his defense of Benji is baffling. It boils down to “it’s for kids so who cares?”
He was disappointed in F.M.J. and as we know disappointment is a B****.
Ironically, George Lucas would not permit Brooks to do any "moichandising".
Great episode
And Roxanne is another great classic of 1987
Ebert so completely missed the boat with FMJ it's hard to believe he was a credible critic. Out of his mind.
He's not that far off. The middle third of FMJ when we first see Vietnam is a real slog on first viewing.
I think what bothered Siskel about Ebert's reaction to Full Metal Jacket, and what Ebert didn't seem to understand, is that giving thumbs down is akin to saying, "don't see this movie'. I agree with Ebert, Full Metal Jacket is not a great movie, but it certainly is a good movie, and if anyone ever asked me if they should see it I would say "yes". Why Ebert didn't just give it a thumbs up, with reservations, I don't know. Also, he didn't seem to like the basic training part of the movie, which I always thought was the best part, the Vietnam action being a bit of a letdown.
The general rule was that 3 stars was the threshold for recommending a movie (thumbs up), and Ebert gave FMJ 2½ stars. Not to say they never bent the rule, but that's likely the reason.
Yeah Ebert was wrong about this one.
Full Metal Jacket is a classic. Platoon and, honestly, most of Oliver Stones' movies have aged poorly.
Disagree. Platoon still pretty powerful.
Absolutely. ... Charlie Sheen never was an effective lead actor, and his thin voice and limited range have eroded over the years. I was no big 'Platoon' fan on first release, but I was only 18 then and thought I just missed something. Turns out I didn't. ... 'FMJ' is as good now as it was then. Kubrick is just a better artist than Ollie Stone.
Wall Street did. Michael Douglas killed it but everyone else was pretty, meh. The whole thing was just a dry lecture.
Well, Roger was wrong. Full Metal Jacket has stood the test of time and has aged well. There are Internet communities where people discuss all things FMJ. Every US Marine and veteran considers that movie sacred ground because they could relate to every minute of it. Roger completely missed the point with the John Wayne references. The movie is anti-John Wayne. It describes war as a "World of $hit." It was a running theme throughout the film.
Who the hell is discussing "Roxanne" with its corny plot and comedic devices pulled straight out of TV sitcoms. Original? The scene that Roger loved so much was a running gag on "Late Night with David Letterman." And before that, it had been used in "Threes Company."
He also missed the mark on "Spaceballs." Today its considered a Mel Brooks classic.
RIP to both of you
Full Metal Jacket is so much better than Platoon it's not even funny. Platoon was over rated.
I have to agree with you! In my opinion Full Metal Jacket is the better film.
Platoon captured the cultural zeitgeist in a big way back then that it was almost impossible to not compare Full Metal Jacket to it. I'm glad Siskel was able to see it for what it's worth. Hopefully Ebert came around later in life in his opinion.
Agreed! I'm a sucker for movies about Vietnam, and Platoon is my least favorite movie in that sub-genre. It's got none of the technical brilliance of Apocalypse Now or Full Metal Jacket, none of the heart and character development of First Blood and Casualties of War, and none of the deep, contemplative emotions of The Deer Hunter. Platoon is the Saturday morning cartoon version of those films, and it feels like it was written by a high schooler who thinks he's deeper than he actually is.
@@PurpleMetal75 I agree with a lot of what you said. But honestly, I watched Apocalypse Now for the first time about 6 years ago and I wasn't very impressed. I won't say it was bad. I will give it points for originality. The concept of a rouge solider in Vietnam is interesting. Causalties of War is an amazing film. It's one of Penns best and also Fox.
@@goldentaco4970 I suppose it depends on which version of Apocalypse Now you're watching. The version I love the most is the original 2 1/2 hour theatrical version. The Redux is terrible. I haven't seen the Final Cut, but it sounds like it didn't fix the major issues with the redux. If you haven't seen the theatrical version, I highly recommend seeking it out!
I’m surprised about Ebert’s FMJ opinion because it’s usually Siskel who pans great, classic films like this. It just goes to show that they both get it wrong about half the time. What is he talking about when he said it’s a lot of stuff that’s been done before? I’m sorry, but no, not like this, like, at all. Totally unique and haunting.
Well, I wasn't impressed with Full Metal Jacket, but I am not sure I recall what I disliked about it. I agree that Paths of Glory and Dr Strangelove showed Kubrick at his best. I think it was Danny Peary who noted in his Alternate Oscars that the crazy generals of Strangelove are practically the same as the "sane" generals of Paths. Which is definitely disturbing.
I didn't see _Paths of Glory_ but I just now read the plot on Wikipedia. I seem to recall hearing that the Russians launched artillery to prevent their troops from retreating in the war in Ukraine, similar to what was suggested in this movie. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Late in the first World War, the Americans had to learn the lessons the French and British learned the hard way: that courage or valor alone doesn't take ground.
One of the best arguments in the history of the show.
wow the tension near the 20:38 minute mark.
I've always sort of been with Roger on full metal jacket. I think we all can agree that the first section of the movie with R. Lee Ermey is a masterpiece, but after that it's very pedestrian.
When my friend became a USAF Brigadier General I introduced him as General Jack D Ripper. Thank heaven the other general officers laughed out loud. Then I pinned his stars on him.
This comming from the man who like Benji the hunted.
I loved how they had more contention over Benji the hunted than full metal jacket
30 years later FMJ has only gotten better.
ROger is right about 90% of the time. i rarely disagree with his reviews
4:20 - a giant 'set' ALL filmed in the deserted docklands of London !!!
some real spicy takes here
FMJ is nothing like Platoon. I don't know what Ebert was talking about there. I mean, they don't even seem like they're about the same war, as Gene pointed out.
"You should be ashamed of yourself!"
"No I'm not"
5:48 - Later later later later
15:55 is why you're here.
If I Didn't Know Better you would think that these two are going to come to blows at some point and put up their Dukes as they say
Cynical me is thinking their director wanted them to pseudo-duke it out, to improve ratings :)
It's kind of annoying that Ebert mispronounces Stanley Kubrick's last name several times in his review. It's pronounced "Coo-Brick," not "Cue-Brick." One would think he would know better - being a film critic and all. But nope.
Full Metal Benji
I loved Roxanne it was beautiful and funny and finally after 200 years Cyrano got the girl.
I think I saw it once, but didn't care much for it; I don't remember the details. I much prefer Steve Martin in _L.A. Story,_ and Daryl Hannah in _Splash._ The latter had such an impact on the culture that "Madison" became a common girls' name.
Benji the Hunted is a hilarious title.
Full Metal Jacket isnt great??? Bah!
Cliche shots? Come on, Ebert.
Boardum with benji running allways kills me😅
Ebert: "I recommend movies for kids that are bad. Our mext novie is Cop and a Half . . ."
I hated Roxanne so much as a kid. It was on constantly and I didn't get it or ever find it funny.
Ebert Thumbs Down Spaceballs and Full Metal Jacket but Thumbs up for Benji the Hunted? And Siskel thumbs down for Casino?
Siskel also gave thumbs down for Scarface.
I have no idea why Ebert didn’t like this movie. I thought it was brilliant.
I'm with Roger on Full Metal Jacket...
Eberts worsts show
Close to it. He's bullshit on Full Metal.
@@mowm88 He also totally missed the boat on Blue Velvet
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I've always loved these guys overall, but once in a while one, or both of them could kind of go off the rails, as Roger SO clearly does this time !!
Thumbs Down on Full Metal Jacket and Spaceballs, and Thumbs Up on Roxanne and Benji The Hunted for Roger (20:39), absolutely WRONG on ALL FOUR (obviously, in my opinion) !!
It almost seems as though for this one episode, for whatever reason, he purposely was just trying to go the opposite way that most people expected him to go.
And I do find it interesting that though Gene would occasionally have one of those 'dumbfounding' reviews (you know.....the kind that left you as the viewer sitting at home going, "I can't believe he loved/hated that film !!"), it usually was Roger (again, in my opinion) that was more often voting a thumb up, or a thumb down for a film you were SURE he would go the other way on !!
That said......isn't that why we watched and (usually) loved these guys ??
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Roger and Gene agreed in 'Roxanne', so were they both wrong?
@@arturovillaluz2053
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Roxanne wasn't a horrible movie, I just didn't care for it.....either way, still miss both of these guys.....
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Ebert admits his rating is bubkis.
I think he said in another episode, or on Letterman, that a good rating on one genre of movie, does not compare to that of another. Like horror, for instance. These usually are not great movies, but inexpensive to make, and when they find a good one they give it a high rating. Perhaps seeing _Benji the Hunted_ as a kids' movie puts it in that category against other kids' movies.
They also talk about how a movie that aims low and makes it, might not be worth seeing; but one that aims high and almost makes it could be worth seeing.
That quarter of 87 was fire at the movies. I love Roxanne. Such an underrated movie. Saw this so many times as a kid and will watch it whenever it’s on.
Spaceballs isn't good. It is the most quotable bad movie ever. Lots of gags, lots of dead air.
Roger’s description of Full Metal Jacket is the same description I’d use of Saving Private Ryan. Cliche.
I'm absolutely shocked that he could dislike full metal jacket that's really jaw-dropping.
Roger was so closed minded and the funniest scene in Roxanne was the dart board scene
Platoon better than Full Metal Jacket? No wonder I think Ebert is a bad film critic.
Aby chance at changing the backdrop to resemble an 80s living room? That pattering is too distracting.
I had a lot of people complain about the wallpaper. So, we've since changed it.
@@ThatOldTV Oh nice! I figured an 80s style living room backdrop would be a good theme.
How can any reputable film critic give a bad review for ANY Kubrick film? Pathetic.