Life Itself
Seen it?2014 | 121 min | Documentary
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (98% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had almost no lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for the curious. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Eye-opening.
- The pace
- Moves along nicely, at 2 hr 1 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
The surprising and entertaining life of renowned film critic and social commentator Roger Ebert (1942-2013): his early days as a freewheeling bachelor and Pulitzer Prize winner, his famously contentious partnership with Gene Siskel, his life-altering marriage, and his brave and transcendent battle with cancer.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
98% on Rotten Tomatoes, 87 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.5 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 1 Oscar.
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a modest audience; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactWeak
About 15K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Steve James
- Stephen StantonRoger Ebert (voice)
- Roger EbertSelf - Film Critic
- Chaz EbertSelf - Ebert's Wife
- Ramin BahraniSelf - Filmmaker
- Richard CorlissSelf - Film Critic
- Nancy De Los SantosSelf - TV Producer
- Ava DuVernaySelf - Filmmaker
- Bruce ElliotSelf - Ebert's Friend
- Laura EmerickSelf - Journalist
- Emil EvansSelf - Ebert's Step-Grandson