Two Thumbs Down

Filed under: TV News

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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.]

    Posted: Jul 21, 2008 at 12:00 pm / Email this  »

    90 comments to “Two Thumbs Down”



    1. 1

      First



    2. 2

      Re: fdg4t – I hate you lol

    3. zakko says – reply to this


      3

      Disney is a fool. Reoper carried that show for the last 2 years.

    4. jenn says – reply to this


      4

      ungrateful piece of shit

    5. ama says – reply to this


      5

      First!!!

    6. Al says – reply to this


      6

      I always thought he was something of a pompous asshole - any number of the substitutes
      would be a welcome change

    7. ama says – reply to this


      7

      damn

    8. Brien says – reply to this


      8

      Disney sucks ass holes!!

    9. bhvgv says – reply to this


      9

      Jo is hot, she looks like a prettier Kim Kardashian.

    10. rache says – reply to this


      10

      I'm glad he's leaving. He is an idiot with horrible taste in films.

    11. GoGat says – reply to this


      11

      He was probably overpaid as it is. He shouldn't complain he probably got tons of money doing something most people dream of doing,

    12. seape says – reply to this


      12

      I love the way Ebert looks like a wax figure…………..lol

    13. Angel says – reply to this


      13

      I have not watched a movie review of his or anyone else's for YEARS UPON YEARS soooooooooo…no skin off me…lol

    14. annie says – reply to this


      14

      who cares???

    15. Paige says – reply to this


      15

      I don't get any of his salary so I could give two shits.

    16. KATH says – reply to this


      16

      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.

    17. Becca says – reply to this


      17

      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!!!

    18. Chity says – reply to this


      18

      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).

    19. Vanes says – reply to this


      19

      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.

    20. dee says – reply to this


      20

      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.

    21. Marta says – reply to this


      21

      Don't care. Never watched the show.

    22. Laris says – reply to this


      22

      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…

    23. ME! says – reply to this


      23

      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

    24. Nader says – reply to this


      24

      They both look like a pair of fat E.T. 's

    25. Jaddd says – reply to this


      25

      Roeper's oppinion was usually valid. I agreed with him more often than Ebert.

    26. Batma says – reply to this


      26

      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.

    27. bucke says – reply to this


      27

      who actually watches these 2 old farts??

    28. LK says – reply to this


      28

      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!

    29. that says – reply to this


      29

      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.

    30. Angel says – reply to this


      30

      Who cares? Does any one our age even watch that schizz anymore?

    31. solon says – reply to this


      31

      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.)

    32. Jimmy says – reply to this


      32

      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.

    33. MamaS says – reply to this


      33

      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?

    34. Roman says – reply to this


      34

      Disney can suck a mouse dick for all I care…your right shame on them for letting great talent slip through the cracks!

    35. Gardo says – reply to this


      35

      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.

    36. movie says – reply to this


      36

      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.

    37. fagat says – reply to this


      37

      WHO CARES!!!!!!!!!

    38. jay says – reply to this


      38

      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

    39. justi says – reply to this


      39

      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!

    40. lilo says – reply to this


      40

      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.

    41. movie says – reply to this


      41

      Does anyone even watch that show or care about what these two think?

    42. kitty says – reply to this


      42

      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.

    43. kelly says – reply to this


      43

      THAT SUCKS!
      I watch the show every Sunday, and I typically agree with Roeper!



    44. 44

      I could care less

    45. a says – reply to this


      45

      WOW Roeper is leaving faster than Perez hair:)

    46. PoeEd says – reply to this


      46

      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!

    47. billy says – reply to this


      47

      im fine with it…..his reviews were terrible

    48. poo o says – reply to this


      48

      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.

    49. wtvr1 says – reply to this


      49

      Good riddance, his reviews always sucked, never agreed w/any of them! Hope they get someone better, he actually liked Transformers

    50. willi says – reply to this


      50

      remember this name. ben lyons.

    51. dub1 says – reply to this


      51

      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.

    52. HAM says – reply to this


      52

      Good Riddins

    53. kalia says – reply to this


      53

      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?

    54. Cris8 says – reply to this


      54

      I'm pissed. I actually liked Richard's reviews. I bet they'll get someone younger to take his place.

    55. joce says – reply to this


      55

      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



    56. 56

      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.

    57. Gwen says – reply to this


      57

      Shame on Disney? For what? Because they didn't want to pay the old windbag a higher salary? Grow up Perez.



    58. 58

      ROEPER IS CREEEEEEPY!!
      .
      ALWAYS LIKED EBERT!! HE MAY BE OLD BUT HE UNDERSTOOD FUNNY AND HE UNDERSTOOD ARTY.
      .
      SISKEL SUCKED!
      .
      IF EBERT IS TOO SICK TO COME BACK, GET A TOTALLY NEW MOVIE PERSON!
      .
      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.
      .

    59. Dawn says – reply to this


      59

      good riddance…he sucked!….they need some younger, fresher talk….

    60. Kathy says – reply to this


      60

      Who cares!!!!!!!

    61. Cyn i says – reply to this


      61

      Ugh…Richard Roeper is a whiny little bitch. Every Chicagoian knows that! Good riddens.

    62. Mel says – reply to this


      62

      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.

    63. JanSc says – reply to this


      63

      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.

    64. VOXIE says – reply to this


      64

      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

    65. zee says – reply to this


      65

      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!



    66. 66

      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.

    67. liz says – reply to this


      67

      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.

    68. CHRIS says – reply to this


      68

      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!

    69. Doree says – reply to this


      69

      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.

    70. jake says – reply to this


      70

      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.

    71. j says – reply to this


      71

      wtf ! this sucks!!

    72. xilli says – reply to this


      72

      Re: herbieblog

      I believe it should be "I COULDN'T care less.

    73. Brian says – reply to this


      73

      Tell the whole story, Perez! Ebert is leaving too!!! It's not like Roeper is being a bitch about things.

    74. Pixy says – reply to this


      74

      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.

    75. downt says – reply to this


      75

      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.

    76. Joe says – reply to this


      76

      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.

    77. Shell says – reply to this


      77

      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

    78. Susan says – reply to this


      78

      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.



    79. 79

      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.

    80. anon says – reply to this


      80

      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.

    81. ams says – reply to this


      81

      Roeper rocks… hopefully he'll move on to better things.

    82. sandr says – reply to this


      82

      I'll miss Roeper - he's way better than Siskel or Ebert. Pay him whatever he wants, Disney. Cheap asses.

    83. sonco says – reply to this


      83

      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.

    84. straw says – reply to this


      84

      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.

    85. Jay K says – reply to this


      85

      …. yawn…

    86. yay! says – reply to this


      86

      Good I hate that queer Roeper. Ebert rules! I still miss Gene.

    87. Capma says – reply to this


      87

      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!

    88. daisy says – reply to this


      88

      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.

    89. Shann says – reply to this


      89

      roeper is nothing without Mr. Ebert……….good luck finding any job or being recognize for what he has done!!!!!!……hahaha….

    90. bunse says – reply to this


      90

      Ebert looks totally gay in that pic.