Cinemusings

Is it possible for film critics to review fellow film critics? Well, I sure hope so. I'm going to start off by taking a look at some of the guest critics who have taken Ebert's place in the chair since his recent hospital stay. I would like to first and foremost take this time to send my best to the Ebert family. I know Ebert is an inspiration, hero, and god to all of us online and published film critics. If not for him, there would be no us. That is always to be remembered.

With that said, it was a nice change of pace to have critics step in for Ebert and switch it up. I love Ebert and Roeper, but sometimes you can tell they get a little tired of their job and can be going through the motions. It's nice to have a fresh face in to discuss topics, movies, and give a new perspective. A lot of times with films they review, you know for sure if Ebert will like it, or if Roeper will hate it. With the guests critics, it is really up for grabs.

The first critic to step in for Ebert was Jay Leno. I was very impressed with Leno. I did not expect much from him, but he really had some solid opinions, thoughts, and a lot of knowledge about movies. I have tapes of Ebert/Roeper on Leno and it is always a good time. Leno is not afraid to call them morons and tell them they are wrong. That is vital in having a critic on there. I remember when Roeper first started he was a little gun-shy and afraid to call Ebert out. Which is what made Siskel and Ebert so great. Roeper has gotten better and more ballsy since then.

Leno was one of my favorites without a doubt. He was funny, insightful, and knew a lot about the industry. He has worked and been around a lot of the industry, so he knows what works and what does not. I was glad to see him give Miami Vice a thumbs down as I agreed with him on it. I also enjoyed his Shadowboxer debate with Roeper. He gave it to Roeper while having some fun along the way. This was a good introduction to the guest critic.

Jay Leno's grade: B+

Sadly, Kevin Smith was next on the guest critic list. Now, I am not a fan of Kevin Smith. I find him annoying, obnoxious, overrated, unoriginal, and a self promoter to the highest degree. Here he was lazy, often rude to Roeper, self centered, self promoting, and downright irritating. He gave a half-assed get well wish to Roger and basically used the show to promote himself and his movies. He gave a thumbs up to Step Up for no other reason than to fight with Roeper about it. I was waiting for Roeper to smack him upside his fat head.

Kevin Smith was like that fat kid in your college courses. He doesn't want to be there, does not care, and makes it miserable for everyone else involved. He was the worst critic out of them all. Please don't invite him back. Damn it, I just read he is back next week. Awful.

Kevin Smith's Grade: F

My favorite out of all the critics was up next in John Ridley. He was very smart and gave a great filmmakers perspective. I also enjoyed immensely his discussion with Roeper about Accepted. He was calm, cool, and gave a new perspective on movies. I agreed with almost everything he had to say. He used to host a film review show on AMC and he was right at home in this environment. He knows what people want to see and what is worth their money. He should be invited back again. He was great to listen to. I learned a lot.

John Ridley's Grade: A

Next up was Toni Senecal. She was easy on the eyes, but not on the ears. She was like a giddy school girl as she wore pound and pounds of jewelry. She seemed sweet and nice, so I don't want to bash her too much, but she got on my nerves. She didn't really have much to say and what she did say was incoherent babble. She was grateful, kind, and seemed to enjoy being there, so that's a plus. I just didn't really enjoy listening to her.

Toni Senecal's Grade: D

From the Chicago Tribune Michael Phillips was in this week. He seemed like a very bright, intelligent, well-spoken, and studied film critic. He knew his stuff. But on camera, he came off extremely shy and awkward. He seemed out of place, tone, and just didn't know how to act. I imagine he was very intimidated being in that chair, and I can't say I would have done much better, but he seemed out of sync. I liked what he had to say, just not his delivery. If that makes sense.

Michael Phillips Grade: C

For two weeks we then had Aisha Tyler. She was better than I expected, although not too memorable. I was happy to see her for one week, but by week 2, I was looking for someone else. She was not afraid to voice her opinions, which I enjoyed. And all of her opinions were well thought out and made sense. She came off as a very intelligent woman, just not a very entertaining one.

Aisha Tyler's Grade: B-

Fred Willard was the last critic as of this column who has stepped in. He had his moments, but overall was underwhelming. I think being an actor, he was too kind on a lot of films. He's just a nice guy. So he didn't really want to give any films thumbs down or get too vocal. He was just there to have fun. Which is fine and dandy, but I would have liked a little vocal backlash from him. This is a case of an actor not being hard on other actors and filmmakers because he is an actor himself and has been around it. So he is easier on the process.

Fred Willard's Grade: C+

Who is next in the chair? Any chance of me getting a shot? How about Felix? Please?

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