Roger Ebert's Zero Star Movies: A Closer Look

Have you ever seen a movie that Roger Ebert gave a zero star rating? How do your personal opinions align with his controversial reviews? In this article, we explore some of the 63 films that Ebert rated with the lowest score and what they entail.

Agreement with Ebert's Decisions

I find myself in agreement with Ebert's verdict on Caligula but not so much with his review of the original The Hitcher, which he felt was too simple for not giving the villain a backstory.

Caligula (1979)

Plot: The graphic and shocking yet undeniably tragic story of Rome's most infamous Caesar, Gaius Germanicus Caligula.

What Roger said... Caligula – Roger Ebert described it as not a good film but remained glad that he saw it. The film features extreme violence and 7 minutes of hardcore pornography, making it car crash cinema at its finest and scummiest.

My take: It's definitely a sleazy and nasty piece of work, but it was entertaining to catch it on the big screen, especially featuring notable actors like Malcolm McDowell, Helen Mirren, Peter OToole, and John Gielgud.

Death Wish II (1982)

Plot: Architect Paul Kersey tries to find the five street punks who murdered his daughter and housekeeper, becoming a vigilante.

What Roger said... Death Wish II – Ebert found it to be a terrible film, with the best thing about it being the James Page Led Zeppelin film score.

My take: There's no place for Charles Bronson hate here. The film is a terrible example of gruesome savagery and a rip-off of the original Death Wish starring Charles Bronson.

The Devils (1971)

Plot: In 17th-century France, Father Grandier is a priest accused of being a satanist by the power-hungry Cardinal Richelieu.

What Roger said... The Devils – Ebert dismissed it as a movie filled with extreme violence, including torture, rape, and murder, concluding that "these are modern times and I certainly hope none of us is opposed to truth."

My take: The film is definitely a curious blend of religious fanaticism and extreme violence, making it both shocking and impactful.

Disagreement with Ebert's Decisions

On the other hand, I strongly disagree with Ebert's review of The Hitcher.

The Hitcher (1986)

Plot: While transporting a car from Chicago to San Diego, Jim Halsey picks up a hitchhiker named John Ryder, who claims to be a serial killer.

What Roger said... The Hitcher – Ebert criticized the film as diseased and corrupt, but admitted he would have appreciated more honesty from the filmmakers.

My take: I rewatch this film every few years as a classic thriller. It's one of the better examples of a 'cat and mouse' story, and it's definitely worth giving another chance.

The Doom Generation (1995)

Plot: Teens Jordan White and Amy Blue pick up a drifter who becomes increasingly violent, leading to a series of deaths and heated encounters.

What Roger said... The Doom Generation – Ebert dismissed it as being better off working in the trenches with the rest of us.

My take: The film has its redeeming qualities, but it certainly falls into the niche category of exploitation films, which might not appeal to everyone.

Common Themes and Reactions

Throughout these reviews, common themes emerge: extreme violence, nudity, and exploitative content. While I can see why Ebert gave these films zero stars, I have my own set of standards.

For instance, Caligula is a dark yet engaging film with famous actors that is definitely worth seeing for its history and impact. However, Death Wish II is terrible, and I agree completely with Ebert's assessment.

I personally found The Devils both disturbing and intriguing, while The Hitcher is a classic that's much better than Ebert made it out to be.

Ultimately, while I agree with some of Ebert's opinions on these movies, others deviate significantly from my own perspective.

Key Takeaways:

Compared to Ebert: Some films like Caliogula and The Hitcher I see differently, while others like Death Wish II agree almost completely. Themes: Themes of violence, nudity, and exploitation are prevalent in these films. Personal Opinion: Some films may have a place in a broader context, while others are more worthy of a zero star rating.

Join the discussion: What do you think about Roger Ebert's zero star reviews? Which of these films do you personally agree or disagree with?

Roger Ebert