I listen to the podcast of Ebert and Roeper at the Movies. I enjoy the opinions and most of the friendly banter but I’ve repeatedly noticed something about Ebert that annoys me. No other opinion matters but him. Ebert also tends to like every damn movie, but that’s another rant. Often, Ebert gives his thumbs up and Roeper disagrees. Ebert then immediately jumps in to question Roeper. Didn’t he just have his 30 seconds or so? He shouldn’t interrupt Roeper in the middle of a review to criticize his opinions. Roeper has the grace to wait until Ebert finishes to say anything.

I’m reminded of seeing an outtake from a commercial for the old Siskel and Ebert show where Siskel made a mistake and Ebert immediately harassed Siskel. I respect Ebert for his expertise but he often comes across as a dick. It’s probably just the forced perspective of the medium that taints my judgment but Ebert consistently interrupts Roeper and it reached the point of annoyance today.