Roger Ebert has passed away. I’m devastated. It’s like when Robert Altman died–I couldn’t believe it. I still can’t believe it. I certainly wouldn’t have ever started writing about movies seriously if it hadn’t been for the experience of watching At the Movies while I was growing up. I’ll never forget the personal reply he sent after I emailed him, taking him to task for his pan of Lost Highway. So gracious.

RIP Roger. Chicago has lost a great champion. Oh, and AMPAS? Fuck you for not giving Roger the Oscar he so richly deserved.