Page "Roger Ebert" Paragraph 21

Ebert has emphasized that his star ratings have little meaning if not considered in the context of the review itself.

Occasionally ( as in his review of Basic Instinct 2 ), Ebert's star rating may seem at odds with his written opinion.

Ebert has acknowledged such cases, stating, " I cannot recommend the movie, but ... why the hell can't I?

Just because it's godawful?

What kind of reason is that for staying away from a movie?

Godawful and boring, that would be a reason.

" In August 2004 Stephen King, in a column, criticized what he saw as a growing trend of leniency towards films from critics including Ebert.

His main criticism was that films, citing Spider-Man 2 as an example, were constantly given four star ratings that they did not deserve.

In his review of The Manson Family, Ebert gave the film three stars for achieving what it set out to do, but admitted that didn't count as a recommendation per se.

He similarly gave the Adam Sandler-starring remake of The Longest Yard a positive rating of three stars, but in his review, which he wrote soon after attending the Cannes Film Festival, he recommended readers not see the film because they had access to more satisfying cinematic experiences.

He declined to give a star rating to The Human Centipede, arguing that the rating system was " unsuited " to such a film: " Is the movie good?

Is it bad?

Does it matter?

It is what it is and occupies a world where the stars don't shine.