Thursday, April 4, 2013

RIP Roger Ebert (1942-2013)


It was a truly sad today when everyone found out that legendary film critic Roger Ebert had died at the age of 70 after years of cancer-related health issues. He was synonymous with not only film criticism, but the movies themselves as many budding cinephiles such as myself looked to his reviews, both on TV or in print, to gauge whether or not we should see the latest films. I don't always agree with his stance, but I always appreciated his general love for the movies. I still remember fondly looking forward to his show with Gene Siskel and whether or not they've given it a thumbs up or a thumbs down.

It's especially fitting that Ebert was afforded the opportunity to pen a sort of goodbye to his fans on his blog entitled "A Leave of Presence," which was posted only two days ago. In it, Ebert informed his readers his decision to cut down in writing reviews due to his cancer coming back.

Thank you. Forty-six years ago on April 3, 1967, I became the film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times. Some of you have read my reviews and columns and even written to me since that time. Others were introduced to my film criticism through the television show, my books, the website, the film festival, or the Ebert Club and newsletter.  However you came to know me, I'm glad you did and thank you for being the best readers any film critic could ask for.

[...] So on this day of reflection I say again, thank you for going on this journey with me. I'll see you at the movies.

Thumbs up for you, Roger Ebert.

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