Two Thumbs Down
What was once Siskel & Ebert for years became known as Ebert & Roeper back in 2000 following Gene Siskel's death (he died of a brain tumor).
And now, just 8 years after joining the show, Richard Roeper has decided to part ways with the iconic show that has made him famous.
The nationally syndicated show At the Movies with Ebert & Roeper will be changing once again.
And the reason for the split?
Looks like money of course!
Apparently Roeper and Disney-ABC couldn't come to an agreement over his new contract.
In a statement released by Roeper, he says, “Eight years ago this summer, it was my privilege to join Roger Ebert as the new co-host of ‘Ebert & Roeper,’ the sequel to the iconic movie-review franchise created by Roger and the late Gene Siskel. Over the last two seasons, as Roger has bravely coped with his medical issues, I’ve continued the show with a number of guest co-hosts, from celebrities such as Jay Leno, Harold Ramis and John Mellencamp, to critics such as A.O. Scott of the New York Times and Michael Phillips of the Chicago Tribune. It’s never been the same without Roger, but I’m proud of the work we’ve done, and I’m grateful to all the co-hosts who stepped in — and to the viewers that stayed loyal to the show.
Reoper adds, “Several months ago, Disney offered to extend my contract, which expires at the conclusion of the 2007-08 season. I opted to wait. Much transpired after that behind the scenes, but an agreement was never reached, and we are all moving on."
That basically means Disney didn't want to fork over the money Roeper was demanding.
He continues, “My last episode of ‘At the Movies’ will air the weekend of Aug. 16th-17th. I wish Disney the best of luck with their new show, whatever form it may take. In the meantime, it is my intention to proceed elsewhere with my ninth year as the co-host of a movie review show that honors the standards established by Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert more than 30 years ago. I will be free to share the details on that program in the near future.”
The Mouse House has money to burn. Shame on you Disney!
How do U feel about Roeper's departure?
[Photo via Getty Images.]
Headline of the 
Walk Of Shame
First
Re: fdg4t – I hate you lol
Disney is a fool. Reoper carried that show for the last 2 years.
ungrateful piece of shit
First!!!
I always thought he was something of a pompous asshole - any number of the substitutes
would be a welcome change
damn
Disney sucks ass holes!!
Jo is hot, she looks like a prettier Kim Kardashian.
I'm glad he's leaving. He is an idiot with horrible taste in films.
He was probably overpaid as it is. He shouldn't complain he probably got tons of money doing something most people dream of doing,
I love the way Ebert looks like a wax figure…………..lol
I have not watched a movie review of his or anyone else's for YEARS UPON YEARS soooooooooo…no skin off me…lol
who cares???
I don't get any of his salary so I could give two shits.
I live in Chicago and he was very popular here before he joined the tv show. He seems like a good guy. Disney made a mistake. Oh well, they will find two schmucks to fill the spot and the show will eventually be cancelled. Nice work Disney.
He probably just ruined his career. He'll likely never make the amount of money he was making on that show ever again. He's a nobody and will end up like MUSHY Fartone!!!
It wasn't just Roeper….Disney was dikkin Ebert around too, and THAT probby pissed off Roeper to the point of not wanting to work for them anymore. You must have noticed….this show hasn't given out any "Thumbs Up/Down" ratings in some time…they switchted to "See It/Don't See It". That's because Disney stepped in and claimed ownership of the "Thumbs…" trademark somwhow. I think it was a hardball negotiating tactic, as Ebert's been without a contract, too (even though he hasn't appeared, he's still a producer/owner of the show).
Anyhow…Roeper quit the show WITH Ebert's blessing…if not his direct order. Roeper's not crapping on those who gave him this show…both he AND Ebert are sick 'n tired of Disney…that's why he says he's going to launch a new, IDENTICAL, show somewhere else (and Ebert will be involved).
One word: GREED! He reviews movies for God's sake. How much does he think that is worth???????? And besides, you know opinions are like assholes–everyone has one. Good riddance if you are that damned greedy.
I never liked or watched Siskel & Ebert and couldn't stand Ebert in particular. Couldn't believe someone like that and the way he spoke got a job on TV. Roeper is a huge improvement and I will watch him wherever he goes.
Don't care. Never watched the show.
Eh… Roepers opinions are based off how much the studios pay him… But the other guy who has been doing the show rocks! I hope he stays! I normally agree with him…
Not being a total jerk or anything but I never watched this show anyway, i just heard about it. So i wish him the best of luck…
www.thoughts.com/beast22/blog
They both look like a pair of fat E.T. 's
Roeper's oppinion was usually valid. I agreed with him more often than Ebert.
They should pay him whatever he wants. With Ebert out ill, Roeper is the only person associated with that show any more. Too bad, but I'm sure his new show will be great.
who actually watches these 2 old farts??
I don't feel sorry for either of them! Disney obviously has money to burn, and this Roeper guy should feel lucky that he's probably getting paid 99% more than the majority of REAL U.S. workers to watch and review damn movies!
I've been reading his column for years and noticed that after he started to do the review show it wasnt as interesting. Hopefully he will continue to focus on the column bring it back to its old self.
Who cares? Does any one our age even watch that schizz anymore?
Re: dee –
Roeper is a tool and always was. (I can't believe that was the best they could find to replace Siskel.) Ebert will always be a legend…he knows film. Some of you who think otherwise should crawl back into whatever hole you've crawled out of (or at least get a clue while you are out amongst the rest of us.)
Richard Roeper is a tool. This is actually very good news for longtime fans of Siskel & Ebert; perhaps the show can now return to its roots of intelligent film criticism.
I didn't agree with Reoper very often (my tastes are closer to Ebert's), but he has carried the show since Ebert had to drop out, and he deserves a decent salary. shame on cheapskate Disney. Who do they think they are, Walmart?
Disney can suck a mouse dick for all I care…your right shame on them for letting great talent slip through the cracks!
Re: solon –
Ebert knows film but Roeper is a tool? You're an idiot. First of all rating a movie is subjective, most of these critics have a boring taste in films. Not to mention Ebert has given some pretty ridiculous critique, for example when he bashed the new Hulk movie for being too "violent"; I mean comon he was being stupid on that one.
Roeper is free to do what he wants. What concerns me is that the show will be cancelled, Ebert will no longer be paid. Lets hope he has lots of savings and good health insurance. Otherwise, he's screwed.
WHO CARES!!!!!!!!!
time for him to go. there is not a single movie this guy does not enjoy anymore. he gives see it to everything. Even the guest host shake their heads at him. Last night he recommended space chimps
siskel had pudding for brains. ebert's cool, but he's shrinking away. richard roeper was that show's future and only hope. the mouse needs to stop being so jewy!
Roeper will be lucky to get another show. He's boring as hell. He's still better than that asshole who thinks he owns "two thumbs up"- which is pathetic since that has been used since before he was BORN and THAT was a century ago. The one we called "the fat guy" was one of the worst film reviewers ever- he loved liberal agenda films. even when they were awful. He can keep his damn thumbs. Who cares? Sites like rottentomates and flickerchick have changed it anyway.
Does anyone even watch that show or care about what these two think?
I live in Chicago, too, and yes Roeper was popular…for being an arrogant douche. The only people who liked him were the wannabe elitist north shore jags. He was on the Roe Conn show the other day and he's still a huge douche.
THAT SUCKS!
I watch the show every Sunday, and I typically agree with Roeper!
I could care less
WOW Roeper is leaving faster than Perez hair:)
No idea what kind of money Richard Roeper is asking for, but Disney can well afford it. After 8 years, up-holding the show, throughout Roger Eberts' extended illness, I'd say Roeper should probably be paid very well.
Aren't all TV personalities overpaid? Why would Richard Roeper be any different? Disney, you cheapskates!
im fine with it…..his reviews were terrible
I never listen to what the critics have to say….most of the time they give thumbs up for the worse movie out and thumbs down for the best. They really need to get their heads out their asses. All they like is poo on a stick.
Good riddance, his reviews always sucked, never agreed w/any of them! Hope they get someone better, he actually liked Transformers
remember this name. ben lyons.
They made a big mistake hiring Roeper; can't imagine how he sold himself, or rather, I can. He's a petulant, egotistical jerk who can't appreciate non-mainstream films or women; I can't watch his reviews, so really haven't bothered since Ebert's illness. Two Thumbs Down on Roeper, and good riddance. He'll struggle, and deservedly so. Or is Perez defending him 'cuz he's bi-?
Ebert on the other hand is an educated, thoughtful, well-spoken [now alas, on paper only] man dedicated to the art of the cinema, and who is worth listening to even if you disagree with him, which I rarely do. Two Thumbs Up for Mr. Ebert, who will thrive at whatever he turns a hand to.
Good Riddins
I'm from around Chicago and yeah, Roeper was popular but mainly because of his arrogance and ego. I'm sure he demanded a ton of money from Disney and since the show isn't doing outstanding in the ratings, Disney probably figured they could get others to take over. Since Roeper took over, the ratings have been less than stellar. He can easily be replaced, Disney knows that, so why should they fork over any more cash?
I'm pissed. I actually liked Richard's reviews. I bet they'll get someone younger to take his place.
If he was carrying that show as he was for 2 years as he did, he deserves his cut. I'm sure that show is still paying Ebert even though he hasn't appeared on it for years.
It comes down to fairness. If siskle were doing that show with guest hosts indefinitely they'd give him an ass load of money.
I think both of them have horrible taste in films though. Especially Ebert who himself penned Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls. I dont think he should be allowed to have an opinion sometimes lol
He's been the backbone of the program since E-Brick got sick. Its gotta be insulting at some level to continue to be second banana to a guy that hasn't set foot on the set in two years. Roger's sick, but come on now, he should have let Roeper take the show on with top billing as soon as it became obvious that he wouldn't be coming back.
Shame on Disney? For what? Because they didn't want to pay the old windbag a higher salary? Grow up Perez.
ROEPER IS CREEEEEEPY!!
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ALWAYS LIKED EBERT!! HE MAY BE OLD BUT HE UNDERSTOOD FUNNY AND HE UNDERSTOOD ARTY.
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SISKEL SUCKED!
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IF EBERT IS TOO SICK TO COME BACK, GET A TOTALLY NEW MOVIE PERSON!
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LET ROEPER WALK, HE WAS LUCKY TO BEGIN WITH. NO TELEVISION EXECS WOULD HAVE EVER PICKED SOMEONE LIKE HIM WITH SUCH A LACK OF PERSONALITY IN THE FIRST PLACE IF HE DIDN'T ALREADY WORK FOR A CHICAGO NEWSPAPER AND FIT THE THEME OF THE SHOW.
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good riddance…he sucked!….they need some younger, fresher talk….
Who cares!!!!!!!
Ugh…Richard Roeper is a whiny little bitch. Every Chicagoian knows that! Good riddens.
As an avid watcher of the show, I have to say he does have some valid points. They haven't been using the "thumbs up/thumbs down" system in about a year, opting to use a system of "Buy it/Rent it/Skip it" recently. That change alone is enough to make Roeper want to walk, I believe. And without Ebert, who is not in any condition to film a show, there is nothing to keep him. I don't think he should be working on a new review show, as that's just a slap in the face to the program, but should just go back to being a print reviewer to maintain his integrity, and not be branded as a money grubber.
I loved Siskel and he died during my own illness. I was glad they picked Roeper as he was the best of the try outs. I honestly havent seen the show in a couple of years because I don't have local channels on my satellite and it was always on at 4 AM even when I did. I read their reviews online tho. I will follow both these guys to their new adventures. Both are intelligent and well written writers. Disney is the big loser here but then, they always have been in my household.
No Worries, for those of you have watched the original and latest installemnt of this show, you'll know that this Richard guy pales in compariosn in both wit, intellect, professionalism and cinema knowledge to the late Mr. Siskel not to mention the original "Fat-Man-in-the-Sweater", bless his ailing heart. In other words, this Dick Roeper guy really does suck. I always thought he brought down the caliber of Movie Critic and the show. SO Fuck him. I also think he injects a bit too much of his perv. in his reviews too. Sort of creepy. Love ya'll - VOX
Richard Roeper sucks ass. he knows nothing of older films and foreign films and he was never a good substitute for Gene Siskell. Amen and good riddance!
Sorry, but nobody cares. I did not even know that this show was still on. I go to Rotten Tomatoes to get my movie shit. The internet will be taking place of newspapers soon enough…mark my word.
roeper sucks anyway, he's an arrogant asshole and he doesn't know shit about movies. i hate seeing his face and hearing his voice.
Richard, what the fuck, dude? were gonna miss you man! now you need to get a show with dave karger. you guys have great chemistry. another candidate is tony scott, only if he would quit being so pessimistic. FUCK THE MOUSEHOUSE!
As a fellow Chicagoan and Southsider, I can talk about Roeper. He put the TOOL in tool. He would make sure NOT to hold the elevator at the old Sun Times bldg (now the sight of Trump Disaster and featured in Dark Knight), when my brother tried catching it on numerous occasions. This was an old bldg w/ slow elevator, so baby bro walked and beat the jagoff up the stairs. He is and always will be a jagoff.
Numbnuts! WHy didn't you mention that they're BOTH leaving:
"After 33 years on the air, 23 of them with Disney, the studio has decided to take the program named 'Siskel & Ebert' and then 'Ebert & Roeper' in a new direction. I will no longer be associated with it," Ebert's statement said.
wtf ! this sucks!!
Re: herbieblog –
I believe it should be "I COULDN'T care less.
Tell the whole story, Perez! Ebert is leaving too!!! It's not like Roeper is being a bitch about things.
I will watch a review show when chicks are on it. Not with either of these two windbags. Get some smart women, Disney. Grow the fork up.
I think Roeper was cool before he joined Roger. Fine by me either way. I miss his regular column as he is a damn fine writer. I think film critics are over rated anyway.
I am a loyal viewer and with both Ebert and Roeper gone, I will have to look for Roeper's new venture.
I trust him.
sorry to hear the news. i enjoyed his reviews (even if at times i did not agree) i am sure disney can spare the change too bad! all the best to Roeper, i am sure he will find another station that will be glad to have him on board
Please!! Some of you are talking about Disney having money to burn. No company has enough money to justify losing money on a show. You can't look at an entire corporation and decide because the company turns an overall profit that it should just dole out cash to people willy-nilly, even if the talent in question doesn't bring in the ratings or profits to justify their salary requests. Roeper is totally replaceable.
Sucks but considering Disney was already too cheap to pay Ebert to license the 'thumbs up' / 'thumbs down' thing and that Ebert doesnt seem to be coming back to the show anytime soon, it probably should end. I would def watch Roeper whereever he goes, hes a pretty funny dude. I wish Roger would get better so we could see him back on the balcony before Roeper goes.
fucking loser. good luck finding a better gig in this bush ruined economy. loser. be like 90210 kelly..hang on to the end and jump the shark. loser.
Roeper rocks… hopefully he'll move on to better things.
I'll miss Roeper - he's way better than Siskel or Ebert. Pay him whatever he wants, Disney. Cheap asses.
Roeper was a hack and will not be missed at all. He had no background in film or film criticism and I thought his "criticism" stunk. Ebert is sorely missed. Agree with him or not, you know he loved film. At least he's back to writing reviews. Roeper can return to the hack-land of columnists with no discernible talent where he belongs.
Roeper deserved whatever he asked for and Disney is just stupid. This guy has a good rep around the country and even w/ the young ppl. Stupid Disney, just stupid.
…. yawn…
Good I hate that queer Roeper. Ebert rules! I still miss Gene.
Glad he's gone! While I couldn't stand Gene Siskel - especially when he gave away The Crying Game plot twist - I still thought he was an okay critic. Roeper is a moron. Can't stand him either, but he is a ridiculously horrible critic. So long!
Re: kitty –
ol' richy worked at my grandfathers hardware store in dolton, il. while he was in high school. i saw richard at riva on navy pier afew years back, and he really did turn into a new money, elitist, pain in the ass. typical of south siders who have done well for themselves.
roeper is nothing without Mr. Ebert……….good luck finding any job or being recognize for what he has done!!!!!!……hahaha….
Ebert looks totally gay in that pic.