DISQUS

El Bicho · 2 years ago

Huh? I'm sorry for his family's loss, but let's not get crazy with the hyperbole.

"He will be sorely missed by the film community,"

Really? I am sure someone will step up to fill the "void" he has left by next week. You act like Hollywood is going to shut down.

"and his impact on the field of film criticism is immeasurable."

First time I have ever heard this. What was his impact exactly? If he was such a force, don't you think there would be a collection of his work?

"a consistent force that has driven fans to the theater."

Sorry, but I have never heard the phrase, "We've got to go see this movie Siegel is raving about." Name one movie he championed that the other critics missed.

I don't know what it is with death, but I have never understood why it makes survivors consistently overinflate the departed's accomplishments.

Mister Hand · 2 years ago

I would agree that Siegel was "a consistent force that has driven fans to the theater." I would modify that to say, "He was a consistent schill who has driven fans to the theater to be assaulted by painfully mediocre movies which Siegel invariably described as 'the most fun you'll have in a theater this year!'"

H. Stewart · 2 years ago

I have to agree with El Bicho; Joel Siegel's only impact on film criticism was to demean the profession. His career did significant damage to the form and sure it's always sad when someone dies and pity his family etc. etc. but let's not exaggerate. There's a difference between being respectful and lying.