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Summary
The lateRoger Ebertis still hail to this day as one of the expectant film critic ever , and his earnest reviews of thriller motion picture helped give credit to some undersung gems of the musical genre . On his eponymous web site , rogerebert.com , Ebert ’s reviews of some of thebest thriller of all timeare immortalise , which gave reference where recognition was due without hold back on the films that failed to satiate his hunger for suspense . Never one to judge a film by its lineage or popularity , looking through Ebert ’s old reviews uncovers some hide treasure in the thriller space .
Theunique rating system of Roger Ebertmakes it easy to identify which thrillers were telling , and which failed to generate the mystery and stress predict by the writing style . Those with three stars or above were by and large take to be devote the coveted " thumbs - up " , which signified an enthusiastic recommendation from the prestigious cinema author . The term " thriller " can cover a wide reach of background , subgenres , and tones , be they closer to a received play or a square - up repugnance motion picture . Ebert remained somewhat diverse in his tastes , appreciating some lesser - known films within the family .
The critic Roger Ebert from has walked out of a handful of film despite his convictions about finishing them - here ’s what they are and why he left .
10Premium Rush (2012)
Ebert’s score: 3 1/2 stars
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Cast
Premium Rush centers on Wilee , a New York City bicycle messenger played by Joseph Gordon - Levitt , who becomes drag in in a high - interest chase involving a suspicious package . Michael Shannon co - stars as a corrupted fuzz make up one’s mind to intercept the livery . Directed by David Koepp , the celluloid showcases intense action sequences through the bustling streets of Manhattan , intermingle tickle pink elements with the urban landscape .
A sort of take on Keanu Reeves’Speedsans the burning engine , Premium Rushwas enjoy by Ebert as " A breakneck following flick on bike " . Roger Eberts appreciatedPremium Rushfor what it was , acknowledging that " If you ’re front for depth and profundity , this is the awry picture . " while still give credit to the expertly - choreographed following sequences and nail - mordacious stunt study blended with tastefully - done CGI . Even if the characters were n’t the most developed and the themes were n’t anything intellection - provoking , Premium Rushcertainly justified its existence as a rattling chase movie in Ebert ’s center .
9The Possession (2012)
The Possession is a supernatural revulsion film directed by Ole Bornedal . It follows a young girl who becomes haunt with an old-fashioned wooden box purchased at a G sale , which unbeknown to her father , hold back a malevolent spirit . As her behavior turns progressively temperamental , her family must face up an ancient evil to spare her . The film stars Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Kyra Sedgwick .
Roger Ebert could surely apprize repulsion movies , and double - sink genres with a horror - thriller intermixture is one of the most consistently compelling ways to enhance the family . EnterThe Possession , a haunting exorcism movie centered around Jewish folklore rather than the distinctive Catholic demons ofThe Exorcistpopularity . Ebert notice the former ’s influence while still appreciating what new twists to the recipe the film was able to provide , remarking " ' The Exorcist ' has influenced a lot of moving-picture show , and this is one of the better ones . "
The haunted dybbuk box ofThe Possessionwas based on a material artefact report in aLos Angeles Timesarticle , whose validity Ebert was aweary of .
8Arbitrage (2012)
Ebert’s score: 4 stars
Arbitrage , directed by Nicholas Jarecki , follows a troubled hedging fund magnate navigating personal and professional crisis . As he desperately seeks to trade his trading empire , he makes a critical mistake that compels him to seek assistance from an unexpected ally . release in 2012 , the motion-picture show explores theme of greed and conjuring trick .
A photographic film that made no reservations about its noisome protagonist , Arbitragetold the account of a corporate fraudster who tries to get away with brood up both his company ’s debt and his own infidelity , all while using his daughter as a scapegoat . Ebert praise Richard Gere ’s leading role , calling him " implausibly handsome " while conduct the insidious callosity bubbling under the open of a " Wall Street lion , worth billion , charming , generous , honored and a fraudulence properly down to his bones . “Ebert flinched as director Nicholas Jarecki made him describe with such a dirty hero , respecting him for doing so .
7End Of Watch (2012)
Written and directed by David Ayer , End of Watch is a 2012 Thriller and Action photographic film asterisk Michael Pena , Jake Gyllenhaal , Natalie Martinez , and Anna Kendrick . The premise follows two Los Angeles police officers as they attempt to conduct with a large gang bearing in their area .
One of thepremiere buddy cop movies , oddment of Watchpairs Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña as archetypal loose carom who get results . Ebert gave prop to both central performances , look up to Jake Gyllenhaal ’s previously - undiscovered " front and stability " while calling Peña ’s purpose as Zavala " one of the performances of his career . " With a strong foundational chemistry to navigate the delicate territory of constabulary work in some of California ’s most dangerous areas , End of Watchwas a achiever in Ebert ’s Bible , and gave the movie his illustrious four - star seal of approval .
Michael Peña may not be the most well - known actor , but he gives every performance his all , with fantabulous solution as lead or supporting roles .
6The Pledge (2001)
Another thriller centered around police force employment , The Pledge ’s title refers to the oath given by Jack Nicholson ’s character , a Nevada detective in the twilight year of his career , to the mother of a young murder victim . Ebert was enthralled by the equally microscopic examination of both the criminal offence scene and the waning individuality of Nicholson ’s Jerry Black . The esteemed reviewer admiredThe Pledgefor how it " dip deeper into the mysteries of whiteness , evilness , and a human race ’s motive to corroborate himself " , high congratulations for a relatively unheard of ingress in Nicholson ’s far-famed motion-picture show vocation .
Ebert was enthralled by the equally microscopic examination of both the crime scenes and the waning identicalness of Nicholson ’s Jerry Black .
5Badlands (1973)
A teenage young lady and her greaser boyfriend from a small , beat - oddment town set off on a mortal crime spree through the South Dakota badlands .
Capitalizing onHollywood ’s fixation with Bonnie and Clyde , Badlandstold a similar story of star - span lovers on the unseasonable side of the legal philosophy that utterly enthralled Roger Ebert . It ’s unclouded the lauded critic heldBadlandsin in high spirits regard , calling it " one of the great films of the inflorescence of American auteur in the 1970s . " Ebert gave special praise to Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek ’s effortlessly iconic looks and shallow , yet deathly relationship . The foreboding road trip of Kit and Holly was at once meditative and thrilling for Eberts , and afforded the film the lasting laurel of a " thumbs - up " .
4Leaves Of Grass (2009)
Though often visualize as a cringeworthy widget , Leaves of Grassproved that pic with a exclusive worker in a two-fold leading role could be incredibly affecting , insightful , and most of all , tense . The movie starred Edward Norton as a duad of Twin Falls navigating the dangerous marihuana trade of apart rural Oklahoma . Not only did Norton ’s treble - pronged acting power dazzle Ebert , calling him " flawless as both an elite intellect and a secure ol' boy . " , but he lavished the film ’s heady geographic expedition of theological system and monotheism amid the criminal offence - ride background of its story .
3We Need To Talk About Kevin (2011)
We Need To Talk About Kevin is a psychological thriller directed by Lynne Ramsay . The film stars Tilda Swinton as Eva , a mother make out with the aftermath of her son Kevin ’s ( Ezra Miller ) red activity . Through a series of flashbacks , the film explores the complex and troubled kinship between Eva and Kevin , play up themes of guilt , maternity , and the nature of iniquity .
Motherhood is n’t always what it ’s crack up to be , and Roger Ebert delight Tilda Swinton ’s descent into madness and turpitude alongside her child - rearing inWe ask to speak About Kevin . The plastic film chronicled the family relationship between Swinton ’s Eva and Ezra Miller ’s Kevin over a fractured timeline , which Ebert expertly follow as a symptom of Eva having " been so overwhelmed by despair that her life exists in her mind all at the same time . " Beyond being one of thebest performance in Tilda Swinton ’s calling , Ebert herald the film as a masterful " portrayal of a deteriorating state of matter of thinker " .
2Rampart (2011)
Rampart , directed by Oren Moverman , stars Woody Harrelson as veteran police officer Dave Brown in 1999 Los Angeles . The photographic film follows Brown as he battles personal and professional turmoil while the LAPD Rampart scandal unfolds . Harrelson ’s portrayal is complemented by secure performances from a indorse cast of characters that let in Robin Wright , Sigourney Weaver , and Ice Cube . Rampart search themes of corruption , morality , and buyback .
Another L.A. offence story that pique Ebert ’s pursuit , Rampartposited Woody Harrelson as a tense corrupt cop that must endure the consequences of his participation inthe rampart scandal that inspire TV’sThe Shield . Ebert was once again fascinated by an unsavory protagonist , remark Harrelson ’s Dave Brown had " no moral center , but he has the selection instincts of a rat . " WhileRampartis well commend today for its controversial posters and disastrous promotional Reddit AMA , Ebert enjoyed the picture show itself as a queer character study of a loveless scoundrel .
1Take Shelter (2011)
Take Shelter is a psychological thriller directed by Jeff Nichols . The film postdate Curtis LaForche , play by Michael Shannon , a man overwhelmed by apocalyptic visions . As he grapples with disturbing dreams and hallucinations , Curtis ’s behavior begins to alienate his family and friends . Jessica Chastain co - stars as his supportive wife Samantha . The cinema explores radical of mental illness , confidence , and the bound between reality and conjuring trick .
Thoughtfully combine elements of catastrophe movies and thrillers , Take Shelterfollowed the clime crisis to its natural last to the delectation of Roger Ebert . The film critic was astonished by the slow descent of Michael Shannon ’s character into unbridled paranoia and veneration , having note " I think an Oscar nominating speech for skillful role player would be well - deserved . " Having perfectly encapsulated the very genuine apprehension create by the mod years of environmental deterioration , Take Shelterearned a deserved spot as one ofRoger Ebert ’s most beloved thrillers .
Custom Image by Yailin Chacon
Premium Rush centers on Wilee, a New York City bicycle messenger played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who becomes embroiled in a high-stakes chase involving a suspicious package. Michael Shannon co-stars as a corrupt cop determined to intercept the delivery. Directed by David Koepp, the film showcases intense action sequences through the bustling streets of Manhattan, blending thrilling elements with the urban landscape.
Arbitrage, directed by Nicholas Jarecki, follows a troubled hedge fund magnate navigating personal and professional crises. As he urgently seeks to sell his trading empire, he makes a critical mistake that compels him to seek assistance from an unexpected ally. Released in 2012, the film explores themes of greed and deception.
Written and directed by David Ayer, End of Watch is a 2012 Thriller and Action film starring Michael Pena, Jake Gyllenhaal, Natalie Martinez, and Anna Kendrick. The premise follows two Los Angeles police officers as they attempt to deal with a large gang presence in their area.
A teenage girl and her greaser boyfriend from a small, dead-end town set off on a deadly crime spree through the South Dakota badlands.
We Need To Talk About Kevin is a psychological thriller directed by Lynne Ramsay. The film stars Tilda Swinton as Eva, a mother grappling with the aftermath of her son Kevin’s (Ezra Miller) violent actions. Through a series of flashbacks, the film explores the complex and troubled relationship between Eva and Kevin, highlighting themes of guilt, motherhood, and the nature of evil.
Rampart, directed by Oren Moverman, stars Woody Harrelson as veteran police officer Dave Brown in 1999 Los Angeles. The film follows Brown as he battles personal and professional turmoil while the LAPD Rampart scandal unfolds. Harrelson’s portrayal is complemented by strong performances from a supporting cast that includes Robin Wright, Sigourney Weaver, and Ice Cube. Rampart explores themes of corruption, morality, and redemption.
