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dankeohane's review
4.0
This is a really good collection of short essays by my absolute favorite film reviewer, Roger Ebert. I say essays because these don't seem to be reviews but rather revisits to his favorite films. He rewatched all of them and wrote his thoughts, so it gives some insight into his tastes and dislikes, and opens up new films for us to see which we haven't. There are some spoilers in them, so when I began to read and found myself wanting to see a movie Ihadn't yet seen, I'd stop reading and go back to it another time. This has been on the shelf as casual readings most of last year. Very enjoyable.
colonel2sheds's review
5.0
I defy you to read this book and not be excited to watch these films. The enthusiasm the they're spoken of with is contagious.
crankylibrarian's review
4.0
Luminous essays on what Ebert finds stirring or poignant or simply beautiful in great movies. The essays offer new insights, but also that sweet nudge of recognition, as he articulates precisely what you love about an actor or a scene "Yes...that's exactly what it feels like..."
A wonderful gift for movie lovers
A wonderful gift for movie lovers
lstmemery's review
5.0
I grew up reading Ebert's reviews but this is the first I read of his criticism. The films selected are a mix of the canonical (Casablanca and Star Wars) to the obscure (Woman in the Dunes and Greed) and all his essays are insightful and warm. It has put new films on my "to watch" list and given me a deeper understanding of the films I already love.
pussreboots's review
3.0
It is what it is. I don't always agree with Ebert's reviews or reasoning but I still respect him.
bachtalking's review
5.0
The essential guide for every film lover. You may not agree with everything he writes - I certainly do not - but Ebert has an undeniable passion for film that permeates each and every page of the book. If you love film, you will love this book, and gain an appreciation for the movies discussed within it that will linger with you the rest of your life.
theresidentbookworm's review
4.0
What makes a film great is fairly subjective. It depends on the viewer's tastes and preferences, and someone always finds something wrong with every film. That's just life. There are a handful of films the majority of people would agree are truly great: Citizen Kane, The Godfather, Gone with the Wind, etc. There are also films most people would agree are just universally bad: Grease 2, Catwoman, The Room, etc. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but if you really want to listen to someone's opinion on what makes films great and which are, it should be the late Roger Ebert's.
Mr. Ebert knew film. God, he knew film. He knew exactly what made a film good or bad, and he wasn't afraid to state it. More than that, he paid attention to the nuance of a film. Even if it didn't meet expectations, he could see what the filmmaker had attempted to do. I haven't seen every film in this collection of Ebert's Great Movies, but it still fascinated him. I liked reading analysis about film, and Mr. Ebert does it extremely well. The films in the book are varied; there are verified classics and children's films, art films and blockbusters. Mr. Ebert's intelligence and humor wrings through each of the essays. This was a man who unapologetically loved film. He believed it was important, and he makes you believe it too.
“As we leave the theater, we are absolutely convinced that the only thing keeping the world from going crazy is that the problems of three little people do, after all, amount to more than a hill of beans.”
Definitely recommended! I will watch these films and then read the next installments of Ebert's Great Movies. Rest in peace, Mr. Ebert.
Mr. Ebert knew film. God, he knew film. He knew exactly what made a film good or bad, and he wasn't afraid to state it. More than that, he paid attention to the nuance of a film. Even if it didn't meet expectations, he could see what the filmmaker had attempted to do. I haven't seen every film in this collection of Ebert's Great Movies, but it still fascinated him. I liked reading analysis about film, and Mr. Ebert does it extremely well. The films in the book are varied; there are verified classics and children's films, art films and blockbusters. Mr. Ebert's intelligence and humor wrings through each of the essays. This was a man who unapologetically loved film. He believed it was important, and he makes you believe it too.
“As we leave the theater, we are absolutely convinced that the only thing keeping the world from going crazy is that the problems of three little people do, after all, amount to more than a hill of beans.”
Definitely recommended! I will watch these films and then read the next installments of Ebert's Great Movies. Rest in peace, Mr. Ebert.
aeahb2's review
3.0
3.5 stars. I only read the essays on movies I've actually seen, so over 1/3 of the book was left unread (maybe even closer to 1/2).
thebobsphere's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing. Erbert's selection of films just get's my inner film buff drooling.