The Great Movies II

The Great Movies II collects Roger Ebert's essays on 100 films he considers essential viewing, following up on his first volume from 2002. Each entry provides background on the film's creation, analysis of its techniques and performances, and Ebert's perspective on its cultural impact. The book spans multiple decades and genres, from silent films to modern works, covering both Hollywood productions and international cinema. Ebert examines celebrated directors like Alfred Hitchcock and Akira Kurosawa alongside lesser-known filmmakers, giving equal attention to their achievements and methods. Beyond basic reviews, the essays explore the historical context of each film and track its influence on later works. The writing balances technical analysis with accessibility, making complex cinematic concepts clear to general readers. These selections reveal patterns in what makes certain films endure and resonate across generations. Through Ebert's observations, the book illustrates how great movies transcend their original time periods to speak to universal human experiences and emotions.

Readers value this sequel volume for Ebert's clear writing style and personal insights into each film. Many note his ability to analyze complex films without becoming overly academic or pretentious. Multiple reviews mention the book works well as both a reference guide and casual reading. Likes: - In-depth technical analysis while remaining accessible - Selection of lesser-known films alongside classics - Historical context provided for each movie - Quality of prose compared to other film criticism books Dislikes: - Some readers found the film selection too obscure - A few reviews note repetition from Ebert's online reviews - Several mention wanting more contemporary films covered Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (1,224 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (89 reviews) Common reader comment: "Ebert explains why these films matter without talking down to the reader" (appeared in various forms across multiple review sites) Critics particularly praise his essays on "Ordet," "Tokyo Story," and "The General."

Making Movies by Sidney Lumet The director of "Dog Day Afternoon" and "Network" breaks down the technical and artistic decisions behind filmmaking from script to screen.

The Great Movie Directors by Ted Sennett This compilation presents insights into the careers and creative processes of cinema's influential directors from the silent era through the 1970s.

For Keeps: 30 Years at the Movies by Pauline Kael A collection of reviews and essays from The New Yorker's film critic examines three decades of cinema through critical analysis of films from 1960s to 1990s.

Pictures at a Revolution by Mark Harris The book traces five films nominated for Best Picture in 1967 to demonstrate the transformation of Hollywood and American culture during that period.

Easy Riders, Raging Bulls by Peter Biskind This chronicle documents the rise and fall of the New Hollywood era through the stories of filmmakers like Scorsese, Coppola, and Spielberg who changed American cinema in the 1970s.

🎬 Roger Ebert was the first film critic to win the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism (1975), making him uniquely qualified to curate this collection of essential films. 📚 The book features 100 additional movie essays, following the success of his first Great Movies collection, with each review originally published on his website rogerebert.com. 🎥 Unlike typical movie reviews, these essays were written years or decades after the films' releases, allowing Ebert to analyze their lasting cultural impact and historical significance. 🌟 Ebert wrote most of these essays while battling thyroid cancer, which had left him unable to speak—yet he continued reviewing films and championing cinema until his death in 2013. 🎞️ The collection spans over 80 years of cinema history, featuring films from silent masterpieces to modern classics, and includes lesser-known gems like "The Band Wagon" alongside universally acclaimed works like "Casablanca."