This news is actually a couple of days old, but I thought I’d throw my 2 cents worth in there anyway.
As many of you know, Roger Ebert is recovering from some serious health problems and surgery. That leaves Ebert and Ropper one film critic short. So who is stepping in to fill the shoes? Kevin Smith (Yes, the director of Clerks). I think this is AMAZING news for several reasons:
1) I have always said Smtih is a master communicator. He doesn’t seem to pull any punches or spare any praise. He’s never afraid to look like a fan boy, or like an asshole.
2) He has a filmmakers perspective. Seeing a major director giving reviews for film is going to be novel at worst… hilarious at best.
3) Tons of attention to the show and to Smith. I don’t think a lot of your average Kevin Smith fans regularly watch Ebert’s show. But guess what… his episodes will have a bunch of new viewers for sure… and some people who don’t normally take in Smith’s films will probably be exposed to him really for the first time.
Some other film commentators out there have been bashing this move. Some say it’s hypocritical for Smih to do reviews… and I can see where they’re coming from… but I also disagree totally. I think this is a great thing. As long as it’s just a guest spot and he doesn’t start his own review show or anything like that.
HEY!!!! Come to think of it… I’m now looking for a regular Audio Edition Co-Host. I should give Smith a call. Think he’d do it? :P
