Roger Ebert, a renowned film critic, built a reputation for finding merit in films that many others overlooked. His reviews carried significant weight, sometimes clashing with public opinion, and his opinions were highly sought after. Ebert’s unique perspective and critical eye enabled him to uncover hidden gems, as evident in his top-rated films. His fondness for “The Men Who Stare at Goats” is evident in his review, where he praises the film’s wild premise and acknowledges its ability to be funny either way. He commends “Shoot ‘Em Up” for its over-the-top premise and action, attributing his appreciation to his own critical quirk.
Ebert’s positive reviews extend to “Public Enemies”, a gangster drama starring Johnny Depp, which he praises for its sharpness and performances. His enjoyment of “Pineapple Express”, a buddy comedy starring Seth Rogen and James Franco, is likely due to its quality direction and laugh-out-loud moments. His appreciation for darker genres is also evident in his positive review of “Orphan”, a horror film that he commends for its effective twist and scare factor. He finds warmth and humor in “The Darjeeling Limited”, a film that explores familial grief, despite its somber tone.
A Still From The Darjeeling Limited (Photo: The Darjeeling Limited)
Ebert’s positive review of “Get Smart”, a James Bond-inspired comedy starring Steve Carell, is notable for its praise of the film’s technical expertise and his declaration that it is the best spy spoof. Similarly, his praises for “The Hangover”, a raunchy comedy that explores the chaos of a bachelor party, highlights his ability to find humor in unexpected places. Perhaps the most surprising inclusion on this list is “Knowing”, a science-fiction film starring Nicolas Cage that Ebert awards a full 4/4 stars despite negative reception from audiences and critics. Ebert praises the film’s suspenseful and intelligent storytelling, calling it one of the best science-fiction films he’d seen.
These unexpected standouts serve as a reminder that, even in an industry where opinions are often polarized, a critic’s unique perspective can reveal hidden gems that deserve a second look. Ebert’s reviews often went against the grain, but his ability to find merit in films that others overlooked earned him a reputation as one of the most respected and influential critics in the industry. His top-rated films showcase his remarkable ability to uncover hidden gems and recognize great films that many others overlooked.
