Welcome Back, Roger!

When there was all that news a few weeks ago about Roger Ebert attending his Overlooked Film Festival even though he was still looking the part of a man who'd had part of his jaw removed due to his Cancer, I didn't say anything because - and the boyfriend can second this - I literally broke down into tears hearing him speak about it and seeing the pictures. Hell, I'm tearing up now. Even though I've never met him and often diagree vehemently with his opinion, Roger's always felt like a grandfather to me (hell, he probably means more to me than my actual grandfather).

Like so many other people, his sparring with Gene Siskel was the first access I'd ever gotten to the world of film criticism in my tiny hometown; when I was maybe eight years old I was declaring I wanted to be a movie critic, thanks to that show. And ever since Roger got sick I've been wishing him well, but actually seeing him and hearing his, as always, wonderful words, kinda pushed me over the edge and I couldn't say anything about it without breaking down.

But now I see (thanks to Aaron at Electronic Cerebrectomy for pointing this out) that he's up and reviewing again and I just wanna say welcome back, Roger. I and countless others have missed you dearly. You rock.

He's got three reviews up - one for Shrek the Third, one for Fay Grim, and one for Guy Maddin's new pic Brand Upon the Brain!. Head over to his site and read 'em all. Group hug!
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