Roger Ebert R.I.P.

I remember watching Siskel and Ebert's original review for "Halloween" on their first PBS movie review show in the late 70's. I remember how adamantly they championed the film and it's director John Carpenter against the many detractors who panned it for it's "mindless violence". S & E defended the film vigorously calling it smart, edgy, and brilliantly directed. Time proved them right of course. As critics they were always insightful and took chances in their commentary. I remember how passionately they defended Spike lee's controversial "Do the Right Thing" in 1989. I cant say I agreed with his opinion all of the time (He disliked much of David Lynch's work for instance) but when Ebert loved a film, you knew it and he defended his informed position with vigor, prose and intelligence. He will be sorely missed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-c3nXYo-51M