Didn't know much about Roger Ebert other than he was a film critic. Saw the film over the weekend. Enjoyed it greatly. Ebert's love of films, optimism and sense of humour comes through right to the end despite his horrendous illness.
roger was a big fan of the up series of documentaries and even interviewed michael apted about the movies, that just shows his dedication to the art of film making, he didn't care about genre or classification, he just loved the art of telling a story, fiction or non fiction, that is the sign of a good critic.
I'm a person that will only see new movies in theaters. If a movie is simultaneously released day-and-date theatrically and on demand, I'll see it theatrically. If it isn't playing near me, I'll wait for it to play here me. I live in Michigan but I just happened to be in Chicago for college orientation, so yay, I saw it in a theater in Chicago! And I'm so glad that I did, because seeing a film theatrically really enhances one's experience, and if I watched this at home, I wouldn't have laughed or bawled my eyes out as much, nor would I have been as deeply touched and enthralled. This is an amazing documentary that is so unbelievably immersive and affective. I'll turn 18 in September and I've been reading Ebert's reviews since I was 12. His writing style and sarcastic humor was so inviting, and he was a person, not just a critic. This movie captures that so well, using archive footage of his television show with Siskel, excerpts from his memoir, and new footage of him in the hospital, which is as brave as it is heartbreaking. The direction is candid and the interviews are truthful, but the entire documentary is respectful. There's stuff in here that I didn't know about, and I applaud Ebert's family for their utter involvement in this project. The film is well-paced and balances different subjects, people, and themes very well without ever feeling crowded, and the movie flows from one piece to another seamlessly. The main thing about this documentary is how much of an effect it had on me. The ending that shows Ebert's final months and days is beyond powerful; it was like 12 Years a Slave in how much I cried. But it was a good cry, knowing that my emotions weren't being manipulated, because this is a expertly-crafted documentary that makes you close to its main subject, and then puts you in the place of his acquaintances and family. I could definitely see this again because of how interesting it is, and its emotional pull to it. But seriously, see this in a theater if you want to really appreciate it. It just isn't fair to see a documentary about Roger Ebert at home and not at the movies. 9.7/10, masterful, two thumbs up (duh), far above average, etc.
I rented this on 'pie tunes' the the other night, I had never heard of Ebert so it was a bit of a gamble. I really liked the way that he stayed true to himself, totally rejecting most attempts to reign in his personality and make it more mainstream or slick. The later footage of him in hospital is pretty horrifying in parts but also shows what is possible to achieve these days even when your body is weak. What a great character and what a great, supportive family.
This isn't a review, it's a love letter to film criticism... I saw the film years ago, knowing nothing about Ebert, but because of the film I became a fan of his... a film lover who was also a great writer, I've learnt so much from Ebert and Mark Kermode, who has kept the fire on... A great film and two great film critics!
It's funny. Nostalgia Critic also said he was retweeted by Roger Elbert. He even framed the tweet on his wall. And I know even more internet personalities / movie critics who were tweeted by Elbert. And that of course made them very happy. He was really cool for helping the little guys on the internet to become what they are today.
I saw Life Itself on Wednesday night at the Cork Film Festival and I think that Mark's review didn't do the film justice. It is really really good. I think it will be an Oscar contender for Best Documentary.
Ebert made me love and enjoy cinemas more and had seen some of his documentary on tv late at night and might see it again and great review mark another great legend and film critic
Yeah, but he gave "The Devils" ZERO Stars, Mark..... I agree with the observation that Ebert was The Better Writer, but Siskel was The Better Critic in terms of judgement. That also being said, we wouldn't be here if we weren't continually fascinated by the Rotund Dude. :)
Ebert truly is the film critic who elevated his medium to art. He taught me how to think about film.
A touching tribute to one legendary film critic, by another one.
Very nice to hear Mark sum up what was so great about Ebert here.
Yeah, it's at the same time a review and a little, lovely tribute.
I can sum it up: fat. Cancer, failed porno screenplays , met wife at Alcoholic Anonymous. That's Ebert!
Didn't know much about Roger Ebert other than he was a film critic. Saw the film over the weekend. Enjoyed it greatly. Ebert's love of films, optimism and sense of humour comes through right to the end despite his horrendous illness.
Really nice of Kermode to say those things about Ebert.
I look forward to see this hopefully.
roger was a big fan of the up series of documentaries and even interviewed michael apted about the movies, that just shows his dedication to the art of film making, he didn't care about genre or classification, he just loved the art of telling a story, fiction or non fiction, that is the sign of a good critic.
I'm a person that will only see new movies in theaters. If a movie is simultaneously released day-and-date theatrically and on demand, I'll see it theatrically. If it isn't playing near me, I'll wait for it to play here me. I live in Michigan but I just happened to be in Chicago for college orientation, so yay, I saw it in a theater in Chicago! And I'm so glad that I did, because seeing a film theatrically really enhances one's experience, and if I watched this at home, I wouldn't have laughed or bawled my eyes out as much, nor would I have been as deeply touched and enthralled. This is an amazing documentary that is so unbelievably immersive and affective. I'll turn 18 in September and I've been reading Ebert's reviews since I was 12. His writing style and sarcastic humor was so inviting, and he was a person, not just a critic. This movie captures that so well, using archive footage of his television show with Siskel, excerpts from his memoir, and new footage of him in the hospital, which is as brave as it is heartbreaking. The direction is candid and the interviews are truthful, but the entire documentary is respectful. There's stuff in here that I didn't know about, and I applaud Ebert's family for their utter involvement in this project. The film is well-paced and balances different subjects, people, and themes very well without ever feeling crowded, and the movie flows from one piece to another seamlessly. The main thing about this documentary is how much of an effect it had on me. The ending that shows Ebert's final months and days is beyond powerful; it was like 12 Years a Slave in how much I cried. But it was a good cry, knowing that my emotions weren't being manipulated, because this is a expertly-crafted documentary that makes you close to its main subject, and then puts you in the place of his acquaintances and family. I could definitely see this again because of how interesting it is, and its emotional pull to it. But seriously, see this in a theater if you want to really appreciate it. It just isn't fair to see a documentary about Roger Ebert at home and not at the movies. 9.7/10, masterful, two thumbs up (duh), far above average, etc.
Was hoping he would literally be reviewing life
I'd give it 6/10. Worth seeing once
josefgiven sounds about right
It's no exorcist - mark kermode
I rented this on 'pie tunes' the the other night, I had never heard of Ebert so it was a bit of a gamble. I really liked the way that he stayed true to himself, totally rejecting most attempts to reign in his personality and make it more mainstream or slick. The later footage of him in hospital is pretty horrifying in parts but also shows what is possible to achieve these days even when your body is weak. What a great character and what a great, supportive family.
This isn't a review, it's a love letter to film criticism... I saw the film years ago, knowing nothing about Ebert, but because of the film I became a fan of his... a film lover who was also a great writer, I've learnt so much from Ebert and Mark Kermode, who has kept the fire on...
A great film and two great film critics!
It's funny. Nostalgia Critic also said he was retweeted by Roger Elbert. He even framed the tweet on his wall. And I know even more internet personalities / movie critics who were tweeted by Elbert. And that of course made them very happy. He was really cool for helping the little guys on the internet to become what they are today.
Man, that is such a cool story about Nostalgic Critic. Didn't know Ebert tweeted that much.
I saw Life Itself on Wednesday night at the Cork Film Festival and I think that Mark's review didn't do the film justice. It is really really good. I think it will be an Oscar contender for Best Documentary.
Armond White disliked this video.
Ebert made me love and enjoy cinemas more and had seen some of his documentary on tv late at night and might see it again and great review mark another great legend and film critic
Great review.
Chris Stuckmann's review of Life Itself did not really do the film justice. I think that Kermode's review did it fair justice.
Check out Marks piano solo at 4.43-5.10
I was with him until he started playing the invisible piano at 4:43.
I LOVE Ebert.
Life Itself may be my favorite film of 2014 (it's in a dogfight with Birdman).
Death IT self failed at the box office
Thumbs up
Was hoping for more Abbott & Costello style mix up over Mark reviewing 'life itself'
lol it's impossible to find reviews of this that aren't hilariously titled
Yass queen :)
Something ironic about an outspoken film critic losing half of his mouth.
Yeah, but he gave "The Devils" ZERO Stars, Mark.....
I agree with the observation that Ebert was The Better Writer, but Siskel was The Better Critic in terms of judgement.
That also being said, we wouldn't be here if we weren't continually fascinated by the Rotund Dude. :)
Good guy, bad doc.
Ebert was the total uncool
Ebeast told losers which movie was good. His own sucked