The End Of An Era

Beloved film critic Roger Ebert may still be recuperating from his various ailments, but his presence is still strongly felt on At the Movies With Ebert & Roeper – and not just because his name is in the title.
Ebert – along with his late partner Gene Siskel – were smart enough to copyright their “Two Thumbs Up!” (and down) catchphrases, which were missing from the show this past week in the reviews by Richard Roeper and Robert Wilonsky (who’s filling in while Ebert recovers from surgeries).
Why? Roger did not give them permission.
Seems like he’s been unable to come to terms with the show’s owner, Disney-ABC Domestic Television, on the use of the thumbs this season. And Hollywood’s noticed. The “Thumbs Up” on a movie poster or film ad is a huge marketing tool!
Ebert is claiming that Disney had made him an “offensively low” offer to renew.
Cheap bastards!