Again in 2012, when the way forward for movie criticism appeared significantly bleak within the wake of the Related Press’ choice to restrict leisure writers to 500 phrases, Roger Ebert wrote an impassioned protection of the occupation to which he’d devoted his life. In “Demise to movie critics! Hail to the CelebCult!,” the esteemed movie critic argued in opposition to the concept that critics have been there to easily mirror the views of readers. “A newspaper movie critic ought to encourage crucial pondering,” he wrote, “introduce new developments, take into account the native scene, look past the weekend fanboy specials, be a weatherman on social tendencies, usher in a bigger context, train, inform, amuse, encourage, be heartened, be outraged.” All through his profession, he actually adhered to these rules, and whereas there are innumerable opinions that exemplify this dedication, maybe the very best is his effusive appraisal of “Lakeview Terrace” (although Ebert’s unfavourable tackle a sure Oscar-winning ’90s crime…
