Givingcreditto a filmcritic'slife

As half of the "Siske! and Ebert" duo, he was often affectionately referred to as "the skinny one."

Growing up, I enjoyed watching Siske! and Ebert duke it out over the latest films on their weekly television show.

ADAM

Greenberg

Iwas saddened this weekend to learn that film critic Gene Siske! had passed away at the age of 53.

columnist for TV Guide. He recently took a leave of absence from his duties to focus on his health following surgery last year.

Like most people, I like to make up my own mind about the quality of a movie, but as a film buff, I am always interested in what the "professionals" have to say.

Even when the local station buried the program in the late night hours on Sunday, I remained a loyal viewer. While I did not always agree with what he had to say, I usually felt that Siske! made valid points about whatever film he was reviewing.

In addition to co-hosting the popular television series, Siske! was also a writer for the Chicago Tribune, a contributor to CBS television's "This Morning," and a I always used to watch "Siskel and Ebert" and think about what a cool job it would be to write about and discuss film for a living. I finally got that job when I joined the Loquitur staff and became assistant editor of the A&E section.

And what will become of the thumbs?

Siske! and Ebert's signature approval rating of "Two thumbs up" has become the unofficial stamp of quality for films over the last 20 years or so.

Late Sunday night, I turned on the television and found that ''Siske! and Ebert" was on, obviously taped prior to Siskel's passing.

In his absence, another critic sat in the aisle seat across from Roger Ebert and argued, turning his thumb up or down at the newest releases.

It just wasn't the same. As far as I am concerned, the balcony is closed.

Their trademark "thumb ratings" coupled with their heated debates helped to popularize film criticism. AdamGreenberg is a seniormajoring in English/communication. Heis the assistantA&Eeditorof Loquitur