Roger Ebert’s Notorious 1990s Feud With Iconic Star

The infamous feud between film critic Roger Ebert and comedian Rob Schneider is a notable chapter in the landscape of 1990s cinema commentary. Ebert, known for his blunt reviews, faced off against Schneider following a series of harsh critiques of Schneider’s films.

Background of the Feud

The animosity sparked in 2002 when Ebert delivered a dismal .5/4-star review of Schneider’s film, The Hot Chick. He criticized the film for lacking humor and substance, effectively igniting the rivalry between the two. Schneider, having established himself as a Saturday Night Live alum, felt the sting of Ebert’s sharp words.

Ebert’s Notable Reviews of Schneider’s Work

• Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo (1999) – Ebert gave this film a rating of 1.5/4 stars but acknowledged it had some laughs.
• The Hot Chick (2002) – This film received a scathing .5/4-star critique, with Ebert expressing regret for even sitting through it.
• Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo (2005) – This sequel was rated 0 stars, marking a new low for Schneider’s filmography.

Escalation and Response

In 2005, Schneider’s release of Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo drew uniformly negative reactions, with a dismal 9% on Rotten Tomatoes. Ebert’s response was explosive, defending another critic, Patrick Goldstein, against Schneider’s retaliatory insults.

Ebert’s Iconic Response

Ebert, in his review, asserted his qualifications as a Pulitzer Prize winner, proclaiming, “Mr. Schneider, your movie sucks.” This statement not only highlighted the ongoing feud but also emphasized Ebert’s stature in film criticism.

A Surprising Reconciliation

Despite the heated exchanges, the rivalry took an unexpected turn in 2007. Following Ebert’s severe health challenges, Schneider reached out with flowers and a warm note, signaling a desire for peace.

Closure and Reflection

In response to Schneider’s gesture, Ebert revisited their feud in his book Your Movie Sucks. He recognized that while Schneider may produce films he disliked, the actor was not a bad person. Ebert said he hoped for Schneider’s future success in filmmaking.

Legacy of the Feud

The clash between Roger Ebert and Rob Schneider remains a fascinating tale within film history. Ebert’s criticisms highlighted the impact he had on cinema discourse. Their eventual reconciliation serves as a reminder that personal conflicts can be resolved, even in the harsh world of film criticism.

Ebert’s perspectives on film continue to resonate, especially as the industry grapples with the challenges posed by streaming services and the shifting dynamics of moviegoing. His insights are invaluable for both critics and audiences alike in today’s cinematic landscape.