Michelle and I are saddened to hear about the passing of Roger Ebert. For a generation of Americans - and especially Chicagoans - Roger was the movies. When he didn’t like a film, he was honest; when he did, he was effusive - capturing the unique power of the movies to take us somewhere magical. Even amidst his own battles with cancer, Roger was as productive as he was resilient - continuing to share his passion and perspective with the world. The movies won’t be the same without Roger, and our thoughts and prayers are with Chaz and the rest of the Ebert family.
President Obama: Roger Ebert ‘Was The Movies’ | HP Ent
Ebert Memory

When I was 12, I worked the register at my father’s grocery store on early Sunday mornings. The only thing that got me through was ‘At the Movies’ on the small antenna-powered TV by the front. The signal was never very good but every Sunday at 11:30 am on ABC, it was the perfect antidote to the freezing, monotonous shift.

Because I certainly wasn’t interested in ‘Meet the Press.’

Thank you. Forty-six years ago on April 3, 1967, I became the film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times. Some of you have read my reviews and columns and even written to me since that time. Others were introduced to my film criticism through the television show, my books, the website, the film festival, or the Ebert Club and newsletter. However you came to know me, I’m glad you did and thank you for being the best readers any film critic could ask for.

So on this day of reflection I say again, thank you for going on this journey with me. I’ll see you at the movies.

The Sun-Times’ full obituary.

BREAKING: Roger Ebert Has Passed Away at Age 70

Watch: Richard Griffiths accepts the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play 2006

(Source: youtube.com)

Ugh, this is really sad. Griffiths was best known for his Tony-winning stage career (The History Boys), playing Vernon Dursley in ‘Potter’, and the classic British comedy ‘Withnail and I.’

Watch: Dave Brubeck Quartet - “Take Five” (Belgium 1964)

liezlwashere:

After 10 years, Comedy Bang Bang at UCB finally comes to an end November 27
Which saddens me. I went to this show every Tuesday for just about 2 years straight when I first started going to UCB.
I’m not one of those folk who knew a lot of comedians from their earlier work. My fanaticism only extended to The State and Kids in the Hall. I never watched Mr. Show or  The Upright Citizens Brigade. So when I say I’m a fan of all these people now, it’s solely because of their appearances and introductions to me on Comedy Death Ray/Comedy Bang Bang.
I have a lot of fond memories of this show, met a lot of fellow fans, comedians and even first met Jay at Comedy Bang Bang. So while it pains me to see it disappear, I’m happy it’s managed to serve as a home base to a lot of the comedians I now see on television/movies/3rd other entertainment medium.RIP Comedy Bang Bang. You will be missed. 
PS. Go to the Comedy Bang Bang Nativity Pageant on December 4th. Proceeds go to charity. Go here for the complete lineup: https://www.facebook.com/events/552832908064575/

liezlwashere:

After 10 years, Comedy Bang Bang at UCB finally comes to an end November 27

Which saddens me. I went to this show every Tuesday for just about 2 years straight when I first started going to UCB.

I’m not one of those folk who knew a lot of comedians from their earlier work. My fanaticism only extended to The State and Kids in the Hall. I never watched Mr. Show or  The Upright Citizens Brigade. So when I say I’m a fan of all these people now, it’s solely because of their appearances and introductions to me on Comedy Death Ray/Comedy Bang Bang.

I have a lot of fond memories of this show, met a lot of fellow fans, comedians and even first met Jay at Comedy Bang Bang. So while it pains me to see it disappear, I’m happy it’s managed to serve as a home base to a lot of the comedians I now see on television/movies/3rd other entertainment medium.

RIP Comedy Bang Bang. You will be missed. 

PS. Go to the Comedy Bang Bang Nativity Pageant on December 4th. Proceeds go to charity. Go here for the complete lineup: https://www.facebook.com/events/552832908064575/

Scott is best known for directing ‘Top Gun,’ ‘Days of Thunder,’ ‘Beverly Hills Cop II’ and the recent ‘Taking of Pelham 123.’ He is the brother of director Ridley Scott. 

The Wrap has confirmed the above report.

(via bobbyfinger)