15 Movies Roger Ebert Loved to Hate: A Cinematic Roast

1. Hocus Pocus 1993，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 157012, ID: 0107120
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Hocus Pocus, a Halloween staple, was criticized by Roger Ebert for its lack of structure and over-the-top performances. Despite this, the film has become a beloved classic, especially for its campy charm and nostalgic appeal. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy deliver memorable performances as the Sanderson sisters, making it a fun and entertaining watch. Ebert’s review may have been harsh, but the film’s enduring popularity speaks for itself.
2. Tommy Boy 1995，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 98396, ID: 0114694
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Tommy Boy, a Chris Farley classic, is a slapstick comedy that Roger Ebert found lacking in imagination and direction. Despite its inconsistent tone, the film’s heart and humor have made it a beloved favorite among fans. Farley’s sweet and goofy charm shines through, creating a memorable and enjoyable experience. While Ebert’s critique highlights its flaws, the film’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to make audiences laugh and feel good.
3. Batman 1989，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 407736, ID: 0096895
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Tim Burton’s Batman, with its dark and atmospheric Gotham City, was seen by Roger Ebert as a triumph of design over story. Despite this, the film’s visual style and Jack Nicholson’s iconic performance as the Joker have made it a landmark in the superhero genre. Michael Keaton’s portrayal of Batman adds depth to the character, creating a film that is both visually stunning and emotionally engaging. Ebert’s critique may have focused on its flaws, but Batman remains a beloved classic.
4. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre 1974，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 186451, ID: 0072271
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The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, a horror classic, was described by Roger Ebert as a violent and gruesome film with no apparent purpose. However, its raw power and nightmarish atmosphere have made it a seminal work in the genre. The film’s ability to create intense fear and discomfort is a testament to its effectiveness. Ebert’s review highlights its disturbing nature, but its impact on horror cinema is undeniable.
5. Fast Times at Ridgemont High 1982，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 117324, ID: 0083929
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Fast Times at Ridgemont High, a teen comedy, was criticized by Roger Ebert for its vulgarity and exploitation of its performers. Despite this, the film has become a cult classic, known for its authentic portrayal of teenage life and memorable performances by Jennifer Jason Leigh and Sean Penn. Ebert’s review may have focused on its flaws, but the film’s enduring appeal lies in its humor and relatability.
6. Beetlejuice 1988，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 346552, ID: 0094721
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Tim Burton’s ‘Beetlejuice’ is a whimsical dark comedy that Roger Ebert found charming at first but ultimately criticized for its reliance on gimmicks over character development. Despite Ebert’s critique, the film’s quirky humor, imaginative set design, and Michael Keaton’s eccentric performance make it a delightful watch. The movie’s playful take on the afterlife and its unique visual style continue to captivate audiences, proving that its charm endures beyond initial impressions.
7. The Usual Suspects 1995，IMDB Rating: 8.5, IMDB Votes: 1154807, ID: 0114814
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Roger Ebert’s review of ‘The Usual Suspects’ highlights his frustration with its convoluted plot and manipulative storytelling. However, the film’s intricate narrative, memorable characters, and iconic twist ending have cemented its status as a classic crime thriller. While Ebert may have found it lacking in substance, the movie’s clever deception and suspenseful atmosphere make it an engaging and thought-provoking experience.
8. Gladiator 2000，IMDB Rating: 8.5, IMDB Votes: 1643618, ID: 0172495
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Ridley Scott’s ‘Gladiator’ was criticized by Roger Ebert for its muddy visuals and lack of joy, yet it remains a powerful epic with a compelling story of revenge and redemption. Russell Crowe’s commanding performance as Maximus, combined with the film’s grandiose battle scenes and emotional depth, create an unforgettable cinematic experience. Despite Ebert’s reservations, ‘Gladiator’ continues to inspire and entertain with its timeless tale of honor and resilience.
9. A Clockwork Orange 1971，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 888059, ID: 0066921
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Stanley Kubrick’s ‘A Clockwork Orange’ faced harsh criticism from Roger Ebert, who saw it as a celebration of antisocial behavior rather than a cautionary tale. Nonetheless, the film’s provocative exploration of free will, violence, and societal control has sparked intense debate and analysis. Its disturbing yet mesmerizing portrayal of dystopian future remains a powerful and influential piece of cinema, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths.
10. Blue Velvet 1986，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 218126, ID: 0090756
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David Lynch’s ‘Blue Velvet’ was met with mixed reactions from Roger Ebert, who admired its craftsmanship but criticized its blend of raw emotional energy and campy satire. The film’s unsettling exploration of the dark underbelly of suburban life, combined with its striking visuals and haunting performances, creates a surreal and thought-provoking experience. Despite Ebert’s concerns, ‘Blue Velvet’ stands as a bold and daring work that continues to intrigue and disturb.
11. The Brown Bunny 2003，IMDB Rating: 4.9, IMDB Votes: 16749, ID: 0330099
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Vincent Gallo’s ‘The Brown Bunny’ is a polarizing film that Roger Ebert famously called ‘the worst in the history of Cannes.’ The film’s slow pace and minimal dialogue make it a challenging watch, but its raw portrayal of loneliness and grief can resonate with some viewers. While the controversial ending may overshadow the film’s artistic intentions, it offers a unique, albeit divisive, cinematic experience.
12. North 1994，IMDB Rating: 4.5, IMDB Votes: 14860, ID: 0110687
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Rob Reiner’s ‘North’ is a misguided attempt at a family comedy that Roger Ebert famously hated, calling it ‘one of the most unpleasant, contrived, artificial, cloying experiences.’ The film’s plot, about a boy searching for new parents, is filled with unfunny stereotypes and lacks any genuine emotional depth. Despite a talented cast, ‘North’ fails to deliver any meaningful or entertaining moments.
13. The Village 2004，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 280117, ID: 0368447
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M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘The Village’ is a film that Roger Ebert criticized for its flimsy plot and lack of genuine scares. The movie’s atmosphere and performances are commendable, but the twist ending falls flat and undermines the story’s potential. While it has its moments of suspense, ‘The Village’ ultimately fails to deliver a satisfying horror experience.
14. Armageddon 1998，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 454684, ID: 0120591
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Michael Bay’s ‘Armageddon’ is a bombastic action film that Roger Ebert described as ‘an assault on the eyes, the ears, the brain, common sense and the human desire to be entertained.’ Despite its impressive special effects and star-studded cast, the film’s lack of coherent plot and over-the-top action sequences make it a mind-numbing experience. It’s a spectacle, but not a satisfying one.
15. The Life of David Gale 2003，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 126896, ID: 0289992
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‘The Life of David Gale’ is a heavy-handed thriller that Roger Ebert criticized for its implausible plot and manipulative message. The film’s attempt to tackle the serious issue of capital punishment is undermined by its convoluted story and unconvincing twists. Despite strong performances from Kevin Spacey and Kate Winslet, the film fails to deliver a compelling or credible narrative.