Superheroes: Men in tights

by Roger Ebert  |  June 21, 2006  | 

Superheroes may have been born in comic books, but they were made for the movies. Defying the laws of physics, and occasionally the laws of society, they tend to be transgressors whose supernatural powers (or costumes and gadgets) enable them to surpass the abilities of mortals when it comes to maintaining stability and order -- or, at least, exacting revenge -- whether they act on behalf of themselves or society (or the cosmos) at large. "Truth, justice and the American Way," as the Man of Steel might put it.

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A Buddhist walks into a chat room ...

by Roger Ebert  |  November 13, 2005  | 

Q. I just saw "The Dying Gaul" and really liked it. I am a Buddhist, as is Robert, the character played by Peter Sarsgaard. Robert believes he may have encountered his dead lover in a chat room. You mentioned that you had two big problems with the film: "(1) There is no reason to believe Robert particularly believes in the supernatural, and (2) Would it not occur to Robert that he had, after all, told Elaine about his favorite chat room?"

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Bai Ling: Slice, dice, smile

by Roger Ebert  |  October 24, 2005  | 

HONOLULU -- "I saw your new movie and I thought it was really good," I told Bai Ling.

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