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A review by fatima_d
Opposable Thumbs: How Siskel & Ebert Changed Movies Forever by Matt Singer
5.0
Much like Matt Singer, I watched Sneak Previews and its other versions at weird hours as a kid to a young adult. The book peels back what went on from the failed pilot to the two sparring critics uniting for better pay and control over their content.
The book shows the care and research Singer put into the book to show how Siskel and Ebert took the audiences to their own film school while dealing with the conflicts behind the scenes between the two rival journalists. The book benefits from diverse points of view, from past producers to the wives who knew these men well. It's a richly written book, and its first two chapters give a sense of their individuality and how it informs how they look at movies. (The chapter about Gene Siskel and his love for Saturday Night Fever was especially moving.)
For generations who didn't grow up with Siskel and Ebert, it's worth the read to see how people can disagree and yet grow to respect one another. For many who will pick up the book with fond memories of watching them on PBS or syndication, a walk down memory lane with a glimpse of what made the shows special.
The book shows the care and research Singer put into the book to show how Siskel and Ebert took the audiences to their own film school while dealing with the conflicts behind the scenes between the two rival journalists. The book benefits from diverse points of view, from past producers to the wives who knew these men well. It's a richly written book, and its first two chapters give a sense of their individuality and how it informs how they look at movies. (The chapter about Gene Siskel and his love for Saturday Night Fever was especially moving.)
For generations who didn't grow up with Siskel and Ebert, it's worth the read to see how people can disagree and yet grow to respect one another. For many who will pick up the book with fond memories of watching them on PBS or syndication, a walk down memory lane with a glimpse of what made the shows special.