Why Siskel and Ebert Were the Best Movie Critics

 When people talk about the greatest movie critics in history, experts typically point to two names: Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert. Also known as “Siskel and Ebert,” the two critics stood out from the pack in a variety of ways. Here’s why Siskel and Ebert remain the best movie critics of all time.

For starters, they had an indelible chemistry. The two critics developed a witty rapport that made watching their show a pleasure. Whether they were having a civil disagreement or bickering in good fun, Siskel and Ebert always kept viewers entertained.

The two made their mark in other ways as well. Namely, they transformed the art of film criticism. Before Siskel and Ebert, reviewers rarely offered a rating, let alone a ‘thumbs up’ or ‘thumbs down’ of the films they reviewed. But, Siskel and Ebert popularized the concept of two thumbs up, two thumbs down. This quick rating system helped make their show one of the most popular movie review shows of all-time.

The critics also stressed moviegoing as an experience. This separates them from today’s movie critics, who simply focus on the merits of the film. Sure, a movie’s technical aspects are important, but Siskel and Ebert felt it was also important to consider how a movie felt when one walked out of the theater.

Lastly, the two critics impacted how people pick their movies. With the advent of streaming and home video, moviegoers no longer have to go to a theater to enjoy a movie. The two critics’ thumbs up or thumbs down system helps people make decisions on what movies they should watch.

Thanks to their chemistry, pioneering style and lasting influence, Siskel and Ebert remain the best movie critics of all time. They revolutionized the art of film criticism, making film reviews much easier for layman viewers to understand.