Update on film critic Roger Ebert
I love movies. I’m a movie buff and always have been. I appreciate film critics, even when I don’t agree with them. So, today, on the anniversary of Roger Ebert’s 41st year reviewing movies for the Chicago Sun-Times, I’m glad to report that Roger Ebert will soon be back reviewing movies. Unfortunately, the same is not true of his ability to appear on his syndicated TV show, At the Movies with Ebert & Roeper.
In a letter to his fans, Roger wrote: “I am at last returning to the movie beat. After my current stay at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, I’m looking forward to opening night of my annual film festival at the University of Illinois on April 23, and I will resume writing movie reviews shortly thereafter. Are you as bored with my health as I am? I underwent a third surgery in January, this one in Houston, and once again there were complications. I am sorry to say that my ability to speak was not restored. That would require another surgery.”
I feel bad for Roger that he cannot appear on the show anymore; his last appearances were in 2006. I miss hearing his voice. I still read his reviews online, but the enthusiasm he would bring to the TV show — for good films and stinkers — has never really been equaled by Roeper. I’m also old enough to miss the great back and forth Roger used to have with Gene Siskel, his original TV partner.
Get well, Roger, and if you do someday are up to a TV return, I’ll tune in for sure. Thumbs up to that.
Stupid Movie Executive Quote of the Day
“We’re Not Looking For Home Runs”
- Tom Bernard, Co-President of Sony Pictures Classics (aka Where Good Films Go to Die) [indiewire]
Smart Movie Executive Quote of the Day
“When you have a quality film of this caliber made by amazingly talented filmmakers and actors who truly believe and support a project, you can only succeed. We knew [Juno] had cross over potential and it has resonated with audiences all across the country. The entire marketing, distribution and publicity team has poured its heart and soul into making this a phenomenal success and their efforts have been truly remarkable.”
- Peter Rice, Fox Searchlight President
The Overall Difference
- Sony Pictures Classics - 23 Film Releases in 2007 - $39 million
- Fox Searchlight - 15 Film Releases in 2007 - $130.8 million
Seven Video Clips from Adrienne Shelly’s Waitress
Waitress is a movie you would like a lot, but you have no desire to see. The film first premiered at Sundance and was a huge hit. Fox Searchlight bought it (hint: they buy the good films - Napoleon Dynamite, Garden State and a small film called Little Miss Sunshine), and they’ve been holding tons of sneak preview screenings throughout the country. And guess what? People love it. I have yet to find one person who didn’t. Surprisingly, even guy-guys love it. Still not sold? Check out some of the video clips after the jump.
“Bad Baby Pie” [01:26]
“That Was Earl Getting Me Drunk That One Night” [01:34]
Get the latest Flash Player to see this player.
“Five Minute Blind Date” [01:07]
Get the latest Flash Player to see this player.
“Yes´um You Better” [01:36]
Get the latest Flash Player to see this player.
“Jenna´s Pastry Heaven” [01:16]
Get the latest Flash Player to see this player.
“That´s a Bad Idea” [00:57]
Get the latest Flash Player to see this player.
“Are You Happy to See Me?” [01:58]
Get the latest Flash Player to see this player.
Written and Directed by: Adrienne Shelly
Produced by: Michael Roiff
Cast: Keri Russell, Nathan Fillion, Cheryl Hines, Adrienne Shelly, Eddie Jemison with Jeremy Sisto and Andy Griffith
Plot Synopsis: WAITRESS is the story of one woman trapped in a life from which she dreams of escape. Jenna’s (Russell) secret ambition is to save enough money from her waitressing job to leave her overbearing and controlling husband (Sisto). Jenna is a sharp, sassy woman with a gift for making unusual pies whose recipes are inspired by the trials, tribulations and circumstances of her life. An unwanted pregnancy changes the course of events giving her an unexpected confidence via letters to her unborn baby.
Waitress hits theaters today in limited markets and expands in the coming weeks. Check your local listings.