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ryantlabee's review
4.0
I Hated, Hated, Hated This Movie, the uproarious compilation of cinematic condemnations by the late Roger Ebert, is a delightful rollercoaster ride through the abyss of terrible films. In this collection, Ebert fearlessly dives into the cesspool of moviemaking, armed with his acerbic wit and a keen eye for genuine atrocities. It is an exploration of cinema's darkest corners, a journey that paradoxically makes us yearn for the kind of terrible movies that can only be described as "magnificently bad."
Ebert's writing in this book is a testament to his legendary ability to captivate readers with his words. With each review, he skillfully weaves together an irresistible blend of sharp criticism, biting sarcasm, and his signature turn of phrase. His sentences dance and swirl, painting vivid pictures of the abominations he witnesses on screen. It's as if he's conducting a symphony of disdain, and we, the readers, are held captive by his eloquence.
What truly sets this collection apart is Ebert's ability to make us, against our better judgment, want to watch the very films he vehemently despises. His caustic comments possess an undeniable allure, seducing us with the promise of witnessing cinematic calamities that defy all logic and reason. Who could resist the temptation of a movie so horrendously bad that its "sincere idiocy...has to be seen to be appreciated"? This paradoxical pull keeps us turning the pages, eager to uncover more of Ebert's scathing reviews.
Beyond the sheer entertainment value, Ebert's critiques offer profound insights into the art and craft of filmmaking. He fearlessly exposes the flaws, laziness, and misguided decisions that plague these ill-fated productions. His reviews are not simply an exercise in tearing down mediocre films; they are a passionate plea for the preservation of quality cinema. Through his sharp observations and cutting remarks, Ebert urges filmmakers and audiences alike to strive for excellence and demand more from the movies they watch.
In addition to his unapologetic dissections of cinematic failures, Ebert also showcases his unwavering commitment to social consciousness and cultural sensitivity. He is not afraid to call out films for their racism, sexism, or perpetuation of harmful stereotypes. In a world where media representation matters, Ebert's willingness to hold filmmakers accountable for their insensitivity and ignorance is refreshing. His reviews serve as a reminder that cinema should be a platform for inclusivity and progress rather than a perpetuation of harmful tropes.
To experience I Hated, Hated, Hated This Movie is to embark on a journey of discovery and hilarity, guided by the unmatched wit and wisdom of Roger Ebert. As readers, we find ourselves simultaneously repelled and enticed by the cinematic monstrosities he describes. We are drawn to the abyss, mesmerized by the train wrecks that he dares to critique. Ebert's words resonate long after we finish reading, leaving us with a deeper appreciation for the art of filmmaking and a renewed commitment to seeking out true cinematic gems.
In conclusion, I Hated, Hated, Hated This Movie is a must-read for film enthusiasts and anyone with a love for sharp, incisive writing. Roger Ebert's collection of scathing reviews is an absolute joy to peruse, providing both entertainment and valuable insights. Prepare to be both appalled and fascinated as Ebert unravels the mysteries of these cinematic disasters, reminding us of the power and importance of great filmmaking.
Ebert's writing in this book is a testament to his legendary ability to captivate readers with his words. With each review, he skillfully weaves together an irresistible blend of sharp criticism, biting sarcasm, and his signature turn of phrase. His sentences dance and swirl, painting vivid pictures of the abominations he witnesses on screen. It's as if he's conducting a symphony of disdain, and we, the readers, are held captive by his eloquence.
What truly sets this collection apart is Ebert's ability to make us, against our better judgment, want to watch the very films he vehemently despises. His caustic comments possess an undeniable allure, seducing us with the promise of witnessing cinematic calamities that defy all logic and reason. Who could resist the temptation of a movie so horrendously bad that its "sincere idiocy...has to be seen to be appreciated"? This paradoxical pull keeps us turning the pages, eager to uncover more of Ebert's scathing reviews.
Beyond the sheer entertainment value, Ebert's critiques offer profound insights into the art and craft of filmmaking. He fearlessly exposes the flaws, laziness, and misguided decisions that plague these ill-fated productions. His reviews are not simply an exercise in tearing down mediocre films; they are a passionate plea for the preservation of quality cinema. Through his sharp observations and cutting remarks, Ebert urges filmmakers and audiences alike to strive for excellence and demand more from the movies they watch.
In addition to his unapologetic dissections of cinematic failures, Ebert also showcases his unwavering commitment to social consciousness and cultural sensitivity. He is not afraid to call out films for their racism, sexism, or perpetuation of harmful stereotypes. In a world where media representation matters, Ebert's willingness to hold filmmakers accountable for their insensitivity and ignorance is refreshing. His reviews serve as a reminder that cinema should be a platform for inclusivity and progress rather than a perpetuation of harmful tropes.
To experience I Hated, Hated, Hated This Movie is to embark on a journey of discovery and hilarity, guided by the unmatched wit and wisdom of Roger Ebert. As readers, we find ourselves simultaneously repelled and enticed by the cinematic monstrosities he describes. We are drawn to the abyss, mesmerized by the train wrecks that he dares to critique. Ebert's words resonate long after we finish reading, leaving us with a deeper appreciation for the art of filmmaking and a renewed commitment to seeking out true cinematic gems.
In conclusion, I Hated, Hated, Hated This Movie is a must-read for film enthusiasts and anyone with a love for sharp, incisive writing. Roger Ebert's collection of scathing reviews is an absolute joy to peruse, providing both entertainment and valuable insights. Prepare to be both appalled and fascinated as Ebert unravels the mysteries of these cinematic disasters, reminding us of the power and importance of great filmmaking.
thewallflower00's review
3.0
I enjoyed "Your Movie Sucks", and thought this one would be even better, because it might include more movies I'm familiar with. But that's not the case. It cuts off in 1999 and includes a ton of stinkers that I don't remember at all. (There's even a review of a MST3K movie, I thought that was a neat anachronism.)
This one seems to lack the vitriol that the sequel had. Probably because Ebert hadn't reached peak cynicism yet. I thought I'd enjoy hearing his witty evisceration of my nostalgic classics, but those were few and far between. It's too bad you can't buy just the reviews of the movies you want to read about.
This one seems to lack the vitriol that the sequel had. Probably because Ebert hadn't reached peak cynicism yet. I thought I'd enjoy hearing his witty evisceration of my nostalgic classics, but those were few and far between. It's too bad you can't buy just the reviews of the movies you want to read about.
yeah_nahnia's review
4.0
While at times I disagreed with some of his scathing reviews (although I have to admit that he's right about anyone who finds Very Bad Things funny), I found his reviews thoughtful and interesting enough to recommend to even those who didn't grow up watching Siskel & Ebert.
lunchlander's review
4.0
Is there anything more glorious than seeing a talented, insightful critic just tear into terrible art?
Maybe that's mean of me, but bad movies/comics/books etc. are offensive in that they waste our precious time and often insult our intelligence, and occasionally you need someone to stand up and yell "You suck!"
Metaphorically, of course. In print, rather than yelling. And with a lot more wit and style than that.
I don't always agree with Ebert's negative reviews, but there's always something entertaining about them. And this was one of those books that was very helpful in trying to build up a more useful, entertaining critical vocabulary when I was reviewing comics full-time.
Maybe that's mean of me, but bad movies/comics/books etc. are offensive in that they waste our precious time and often insult our intelligence, and occasionally you need someone to stand up and yell "You suck!"
Metaphorically, of course. In print, rather than yelling. And with a lot more wit and style than that.
I don't always agree with Ebert's negative reviews, but there's always something entertaining about them. And this was one of those books that was very helpful in trying to build up a more useful, entertaining critical vocabulary when I was reviewing comics full-time.
oohsarracuda's review
3.0
Originally read sometime in 2007, maybe earlier. Originally rated 4 stars.
Re-read 2018-2019. Ebert was in possession of a little sexism/female objectification (his review for Threesome would be better without mentioning Neve Campbell's [inconsequential to the plot] breasts, for example), and reading great clumps of reviews at a time makes this clear, but the way he wrote about a film he hated still brings me joy. Downgraded to 3 stars for mild dude-style grossness. Still fun reading, and great fodder for our Friday Night Bad Movies project.
Re-read 2018-2019. Ebert was in possession of a little sexism/female objectification (his review for Threesome would be better without mentioning Neve Campbell's [inconsequential to the plot] breasts, for example), and reading great clumps of reviews at a time makes this clear, but the way he wrote about a film he hated still brings me joy. Downgraded to 3 stars for mild dude-style grossness. Still fun reading, and great fodder for our Friday Night Bad Movies project.
jobinsonlis's review
4.0
Roger Ebert could be snarky in a really endearing way, the latter of which was invaluable and too often forgotten by his imitators. Even when I strongly disagreed with his review—the first two Hellraisers are great and I won’t hear otherwise—I laughed reading them. He was one-of-a-kind.
ashleylm's review
4.0
Ordinarily I'm not so enthusiastic about collections of essays—I prefer my non-fiction to read like novels, with beginnings, middles, climaxes, conclusions ... but this made for near-perfect bedtime reading, and when Mr. Ebert gets sarcastic, he's particularly funny. (I'm paraphrasing, but one line will stick with me, something like "it seemed like an experiment to find out how far you could slow down a film before it would stop completely.")
I don't think he hated all the movies in this book—some of them he seems to have enjoyed considerably, but for reasons of honour can't give them a good grade—so a more accurate but less lively title would merely be A Collection of My Reviews of Inferior Films.
I have even set out to watch a handful of the ones he recommended (against), and found one or two moderately appealling, but I see what he was getting at. Though the films be bad, though, the reviews are very well-produced indeed.
(5* = amazing, terrific book, one of my all-time favourites, 4* = very good book, 3* = good book, but nothing to particularly rave about, 2* = disappointing book, and 1* = awful, just awful. As a statistician I know most books are 3s, but I am biased in my selection and end up mostly with 4s, thank goodness.)
I don't think he hated all the movies in this book—some of them he seems to have enjoyed considerably, but for reasons of honour can't give them a good grade—so a more accurate but less lively title would merely be A Collection of My Reviews of Inferior Films.
I have even set out to watch a handful of the ones he recommended (against), and found one or two moderately appealling, but I see what he was getting at. Though the films be bad, though, the reviews are very well-produced indeed.
(5* = amazing, terrific book, one of my all-time favourites, 4* = very good book, 3* = good book, but nothing to particularly rave about, 2* = disappointing book, and 1* = awful, just awful. As a statistician I know most books are 3s, but I am biased in my selection and end up mostly with 4s, thank goodness.)
tvrasche's review
3.0
A pretty interesting read of Ebert's most hated movies. But keep in mind, it is a book entirely made of all movie reviews.