You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
funny
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
“We don’t agree on anything, but we’re both passionate about movies.” — Gene Siskel
“It’s not what a movie is about, it’s how it is about it.” — Roger Ebert
Read in honor of Roger Ebert’s 83rd birthday, Matt Singer’s “Opposable Thumbs” is a fitting tribute to two giants of film criticism—Ebert and his famously combative counterpart Gene Siskel. With wit, warmth, and an undeniable love of cinema, Singer explores not only the rise of “Siskel & Ebert” as a pop culture phenomenon, but also the deeper currents of respect, rivalry, and responsibility that fueled their partnership.
This book is a goldmine for fans of film criticism and film in general. Singer expertly traces the evolution of both critics—from their early days in rival Chicago newspapers to their ascent as unlikely TV stars, bringing the art of film discourse to mainstream audiences. He captures their personalities, their clashes (both hilarious and poignant), and above all, their shared belief that movies matter.
Through behind-the-scenes stories, archival research, and careful narrative balance, “Opposable Thumbs” offers a moving portrait of two men who shaped how generations engaged with cinema. For those of us who grew up watching them debate everything from “Do the Right Thing” to “Garbage Pail Kids”, the book is not only nostalgic but also surprisingly emotional.
One can’t help but wonder what Siskel and Ebert would make of the status of film today—where streaming algorithms, content saturation, and online discourse have transformed how movies are made and talked about. Would they embrace Letterboxd? Fight over Marvel fatigue? Champion indie gems? Probably all of the above—but they would, undoubtedly, keep talking, keep arguing, and keep caring.
In the end, that’s what “Opposable Thumbs” celebrates most: the passionate, often messy love of movies, and the power of disagreement to enrich our understanding of them. On Ebert’s birthday, there’s no better way to honor his legacy than by diving into this heartfelt chronicle of two critics who taught us that it’s okay to fight about art—as long as you mean it.
Read in honor of Roger Ebert’s 83rd birthday, Matt Singer’s “Opposable Thumbs” is a fitting tribute to two giants of film criticism—Ebert and his famously combative counterpart Gene Siskel. With wit, warmth, and an undeniable love of cinema, Singer explores not only the rise of “Siskel & Ebert” as a pop culture phenomenon, but also the deeper currents of respect, rivalry, and responsibility that fueled their partnership.
This book is a goldmine for fans of film criticism and film in general. Singer expertly traces the evolution of both critics—from their early days in rival Chicago newspapers to their ascent as unlikely TV stars, bringing the art of film discourse to mainstream audiences. He captures their personalities, their clashes (both hilarious and poignant), and above all, their shared belief that movies matter.
Through behind-the-scenes stories, archival research, and careful narrative balance, “Opposable Thumbs” offers a moving portrait of two men who shaped how generations engaged with cinema. For those of us who grew up watching them debate everything from “Do the Right Thing” to “Garbage Pail Kids”, the book is not only nostalgic but also surprisingly emotional.
One can’t help but wonder what Siskel and Ebert would make of the status of film today—where streaming algorithms, content saturation, and online discourse have transformed how movies are made and talked about. Would they embrace Letterboxd? Fight over Marvel fatigue? Champion indie gems? Probably all of the above—but they would, undoubtedly, keep talking, keep arguing, and keep caring.
In the end, that’s what “Opposable Thumbs” celebrates most: the passionate, often messy love of movies, and the power of disagreement to enrich our understanding of them. On Ebert’s birthday, there’s no better way to honor his legacy than by diving into this heartfelt chronicle of two critics who taught us that it’s okay to fight about art—as long as you mean it.
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
I’ve been a fan of Siskel and Ebert for years and was familiar with the broad strokes of their story so this book served as a deeper dive. Some anecdotes are more interesting than others. The book contains a lot of details about various deals and corporate contracts I wasn’t all that interested in. What stands out most is the duo’s persistent rivalry, often coming off childish and petty as they argue over things like who gets top billing. It is genuinely heartwarming to see the arc of their relationship mature into mutual affection over time. The tragically young deaths of both critics are treated with sufficient weight.
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this title.
What a great survey of Siskel and Ebert's complicated professional friendship, the impact their show had and still has, and a great list of underrated gems to check out after reading to boot. This is a fantastic overview of how Siskel and Ebert changed film criticism.
What a great survey of Siskel and Ebert's complicated professional friendship, the impact their show had and still has, and a great list of underrated gems to check out after reading to boot. This is a fantastic overview of how Siskel and Ebert changed film criticism.
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
funny
informative
fast-paced
I had a delightful time with this book.
This book made me sad for some reason lol Probably because it was a story of 2 friends who wanted to work together until they were old but couldn't because life happened. They died when they were like 50 and 70 if I recall correctly. Goes to show that life is short and you should really do everything you want to immediately instead of putting things off. I thought this would be a feel good story about 2 men who liked reviewing movies but I thought wrong clearly lmao Not much in this book was too educational imo but I found it heartwarming and liked it. Probably because at its core, this is a story about 2 people no one thought would get along at the beginning who learned to work with and love each other slowly over 20 years. I'm not sure anyone could really be upset at that premise lol
I really enjoyed this look into the two movie critics whose reviews were synonymous with my childhood. Two thumbs up!