ROTTEN TOMATOES: Disney Declared "Thumbs" Ban, Ebert Says

Disney Declared "Thumbs" Ban, Ebert Says

A skirmish of words fought over the weekend web.

by Jen Yamato | August 25, 2007

Roger Ebert says he is not withholding the trademark "Thumbs" from his televised film reviews show while he and Disney-ABC are in contract negotiations, contrary to a studio press release yesterday that asserted otherwise.

Disney-ABC's statement, circulated by the Associated Press, suggested that Ebert chose to deny the usage of the "Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down" signature on his nationally-syndicated At the Movies with Ebert & Roeper show while a new contract was being settled. On his website and via email to the web community, Ebert told his side of the story:

"I am discussing with Disney my association with the show that Gene Siskel and I started more than 30 years ago. In addition to my personal involvement, we are discussing the continued use of our THUMBS trademarks, owned by myself and the Siskel family.

Contrary to Disney's press release, I did not demand the removal of the THUMBS. They made a first offer on Friday which I considered offensively low. I responded with a counter-offer. They did not reply to this, and on Monday ordered the THUMBS removed from the show. This is not something I expected after an association of over 22 years. I had made it clear the THUMBS could remain during good-faith negotiations.

During my absence from the balcony, I have been excited to participate in the show in ways other than being on the set. I love the show and I love the THUMBS and I hope we will all be reunited soon."

The initial Disney-ABC statement indicated otherwise, saying that Ebert "exercised his right to withhold use of the 'thumbs' until a new contract is signed." The AP report also said that at least two episodes of the show had already been filmed without the usage of the "Thumbs," which have become two of the most recognizable signatures in contemporary film criticism.

Ebert, who started the review show with fellow Chicago-area critic Gene Siskel in 1975 (under its original incarnation as Coming Soon to a Theater Near You), has been absent from the 2007 season of Ebert & Roeper due to his ongoing battle with thyroid cancer. It is not known when he will resume his on-air appearances, but Ebert has returned to reviewing movies via his website.

Source: Roger Ebert's official site , ABC News

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(1-20 of 36 posts) | Reply

ZEZEtheX writes:
on Aug 25 2007 06:17 PM

How ridiculous.

(Reply to this)

Darule17 writes:
on Aug 25 2007 07:28 PM

wat kind of news is this?? who cares about thumbs up and thumbs down

(Reply to this)

sickofitall writes:
on Aug 25 2007 07:35 PM

who cares i hate critics why is this news

(Reply to this)

Dane Cook is NOT Funny writes:
on Aug 25 2007 07:37 PM

I think Ebert thinks he is more important than he is. THe show is better with all the guest critics! Not that Ebert is bad, but who cares? Nobody bases their decision on viewing a movie because of a thumbs up or down!

(Reply to this)

marktime writes:
on Aug 25 2007 07:50 PM

I'm actually a big fan of the show, with Ebert and without. I don't bese my opinions on what is said but I enjoy the debates, I think that it is stpid to try to remove something so well known for no reason.

(Reply to this)

South_park300 writes:
on Aug 25 2007 08:07 PM

maybe this means Ebert will take that thumb out of his *** too

(Reply to this)

CoUcH ToMaToE DoUgIe writes:
on Aug 25 2007 08:40 PM

In reply to this comment (#1073109)
South_park300, we can only hope, for Roper's sake!!!!

(Reply to this)

CoUcH ToMaToE DoUgIe writes:
on Aug 25 2007 08:42 PM

In reply to this comment (#1073109)
just kidding, get better roger, we need your criticism so we can

argue something about anyway. hell, i miss you every weekend and this year it hasn't

been the same without your the thumb, the greatest thumb since the fonz!

(Reply to this)

freewillgeek writes:
on Aug 26 2007 12:37 AM

Well, they're moronic for wanting no "Thumbs" on the show, regardless of whether they're silly or not.

Also, Ebert is more than just a TV show dude who throws up a thumb if he likes a flick. He's one of the finest writers on film that the country has ever had. His commentary on "Citizen Kane" is one of the best ever. He's the man.

(Reply to this)

Thundaar writes:
on Aug 26 2007 04:22 AM

The show is not as good without Roger - or - Siskel. Roeper and the collection of guest judges are a thumbs down in my opinion.

(Reply to this)

joemiglite writes:
on Aug 26 2007 05:10 AM

What's the fuss about with the "Thumbs up, Thumbs down" anyway? Ebert is already a trademark in his own right. This news is baloney. It's ridiculous.

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Novastar. writes:
on Aug 26 2007 10:26 AM

If Ebert changes the word 'thumbs' in 'dicks' a lot of peeps will follow him in his crazyness.Indeed my dear friends that's the world we are living in.

(Reply to this)

Bruce Campbell writes:
on Aug 26 2007 10:32 AM

Ebert: ''I'll give Stardust three old hairy penises out of four''

Hm. Maybe if he did that, I'd actually give a **** about his opinion again.

(Reply to this)

will_butler writes:
on Aug 26 2007 10:54 AM

In reply to this comment (#1073744)
This is entirely correct. His Dark City commentary track is also fantastic.

(Reply to this)

Sputnik99 writes:
on Aug 26 2007 11:06 AM

Boy, you Ebert bashers are complete *******s. Grow up a little!

The "Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down" movie criticism method is practically an American icon. A movie brags if it gets the Thumbs up from Ebert and Roeper. It's sad that Ebert can't be on the show anymore. The show has lost a bit of its interest. But I still like to here "thumbs up" when I'm thinking of seeing a movie.

Disney is making a mistake by giving a cold shoulder to Ebert.

(Reply to this)

Bruce Campbell writes:
on Aug 26 2007 11:32 AM

I have every right to be as childish as I want.

Ebert is not a big deal. Despite what he feels.

(Reply to this)

TheBomb69 writes:
on Aug 26 2007 12:12 PM

*yawn*

(Reply to this)

Bonafideplayer writes:
on Aug 26 2007 12:25 PM

Personally I never liked his "thumbs up or thumbs down" approach to marking a movie. I think its far too simplistic.

(Reply to this)

GhostSong writes:
on Aug 26 2007 01:57 PM

What this is, is corporate finagling and manipulation tactics. I personally don't care about the subject, but what strikes me as offensive is that Disney feels the need to try and undercut his pay, then take away his trade mark and attempt to back him into a corner where its fear for his lively hood that guides his decision. Especially since he's been an employee and made money for them for three decades. Its illustrates that Disney, and every other corporation out there have no sense of loyalty.

(Reply to this)

h-town24 writes:
on Aug 26 2007 04:33 PM

You people are losers! The man almost died and all you can do is hate like the freaks that you are! Grow a pair and grow up clowns!

(Reply to this)