10 ‘90s Movies Roger Ebert Hated to Watch

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Skilled film critics can be blunt in their appraisals when evaluating Hollywood’s cinematic offerings. Roger Ebert, for instance, wasn’t afraid to express his disapproval using striking language. He didn’t care if many people enjoyed the latest release; if he felt the movie fell short of quality standards, he wouldn’t hesitate to give it a low rating (two stars or less) or refuse to score it altogether.

In the 90’s, Ebert delivered some of his harshest criticisms. By this point, the Pulitzer Prize-winning critic had been a columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times for nearly 30 years, giving him an intimate understanding of what makes a great film. Ebert was a fan of ’90s hits like Pulp Fiction and Schindler’s List, but he disliked many other popular films from that era for various reasons. Here are some of the movies that prompted him to vigorously type his reviews.

10
‘Hocus Pocus’ (1993)

Ebert’s score: 1/4 stars

In the movie Hocus Pocus, teen Max Dennison (Omri Katz) unintentionally brings back to life three wicked witches who were hanged during the Salem Witch Trials centuries ago. Now it’s his responsibility, along with his sister, his love interest, and a magical talking cat, to prevent these sisters from stealing the souls of kids to maintain their own youth.

Too Much Shrieking

Initially, Hocus Pocus wasn’t particularly popular upon its release, but over time it turned into a hidden gem. This was partly due to its regular airings on Disney Channel and Freeform. Today, it has grown into a franchise. The movie is visually appealing and filled with humorous scenes. However, Roger Ebert didn’t find it amusing. Much like the judges during the Salem Witch Trials, he was harsh in his criticism, describing the film as “a muddled witch’s brew where there’s a lot of action but not much advancement, and plenty of hysterical shouting.” He also felt that the witches lacked depth or character.

9
‘Armageddon’ (1998)

Ebert’s score: 1/4 stars

During the late ’90s, there were numerous predictions that the world would come to an end. Consequently, the film “Armageddon,” directed by Michael Bay, was perfectly timed and turned out to be one of his most successful productions. In this movie, a group embarks on a mission to venture into space with the aim of creating a hole inside an approaching asteroid destined to strike Earth. Their intention is to plant a bomb within it and detonate it. However, they’re about to discover that things won’t be as straightforward as they initially thought.

Noise Pollution

Michael Bay’s intense, thought-provoking parable about human anxieties, spanning 150 minutes, is captivating in its own way. The enjoyment lies in the suspenseful will-they-won’t-they storyline, and of course, the explosions – something Bay excels at. However, despite the grandeur of “Armageddon,” Roger Ebert deemed it the worst film of 1998, labeling it as a relentless attack on the senses. He criticized its excessive noise and the absence of a coherent plot, finding it disappointing in terms of entertainment value. Contrastingly, his friend Gene Siskel adored it.

8
‘The Waterboy’ (1998)

Ebert’s score: 1 /4 stars

The Waterboy” unfolds as a poignant narrative that initially delves into themes of vulnerability and suppression, but subsequently transforms into a more intense sports-centric plotline. However, it subtly explores the harshness and cynicism of society towards the kindhearted through its main character. The story revolves around Bobby Boucher (Adam Sandler), a shy and bullied waterboy who finds himself jobless, but eventually uncovers his innate prowess for tackling when he joins an opposing team, ultimately rising to stardom.

Poor Bobby… Hated by Players… Hated by Ebert

A grand, lavish sports documentary captured in vibrant widescreen color, “The Waterboy” is often hailed as a genre masterpiece due to its striking 360-degree crane shots and intricate, snake-like camerawork, with Bobby’s struggles set against comical backdrop action. Many were taken aback by it, but Ebert had a different opinion. “Wondering if I harbor some instinctual dislike for Adam Sandler“, he pondered in his review, expressing that he always tries to “remain objective and enter each film with optimism,” and that “It would bring me immense joy (and relief) to appreciate him in a movie.” However, this film failed to win him over.

7
‘Spice World’ (1997)

Ebert’s score: 1.5/4 stars

The iconic British music group, the Spice Girls, culminate a lifetime of allure and fun with carefully timed instances in Spice World. These pop icons take on roles that mirror themselves as they navigate through a series of fictional scenarios leading up to a concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall. One significant hurdle they face is the relentless pursuit of a pushy newspaper tycoon intent on tarnishing their image.

Lacking Spice

Roger Ebert criticized the pop stars harshly for their lackluster acting, stating that they seemed “as if they were merely watching Spice World.” He also remarked that their performances were so disconnected that they struggled to convincingly lip-sync their own songs. In the television program Siskel & Ebert, he labeled the movie as a “barren wasteland of entertainment.” Essentially, the film is not well-acted and may be more appealing to diehard fans than casual viewers. Furthermore, costume and set designers could potentially gain some insights from this production.

6
‘Fight Club’ (1999)

Ebert’s score: 2/4 stars

David Fincher’s movie, titled “Fight Club,” revolves around the unique bond between a restless office employee (Edward Norton) and a charismatic soap salesman (Brad Pitt). In an attempt to escape their monotonous lives, they initiate an underground fighting ring. However, as simple as this setup may seem, the narrative takes a surprising turn with a strong psychological undertone that becomes apparent later in the film.

Hate Club

Fight Club is adored for its intense fight sequences and the depth with which it delves into themes such as nihilism and masculinity emasculation. It has garnered acclaim from various sources, including Guy Ritchie, although Roger Ebert was an exception. However, Ebert later admitted his misgivings, stating that the film was cherished by many, but not by him. In his original critique, he labeled it as “ “macho-oriented entertainment,”” deeming it a “thrill ride disguised as philosophy.

5
‘The Usual Suspects’ (1995)

Ebert’s score: 1.5/4 stars

Character named Kint (originally Kevin Spacey) from “The Usual Suspects” is a crook attempting to persuade the authorities that the legendary criminal figure Keyser Söze truly exists. He claims this enigmatic individual manipulated him and his four associates into executing a high-value heist, which resulted in an explosion. The law enforcement officials are initially doubtful, but certain forthcoming incidents will cause them to reconsider their perspective.

The Usual Confusion

Blending everyday life authenticity with intense scenes depicting Kint’s dreams, the movie catapulted actors Kevin Spacey and Christopher McQuarrie into prominence. The latter won an Oscar for Best Screenplay, while the former received recognition as Best Supporting Actor. The Writers Guild of America placed The Usual Suspects at number 35 on their list of the best screenplays ever written. Critic Roger Ebert criticized its lack of clarity, stating that although he could comprehend parts of it, he found the crime thriller unappealing due to its complexity.

4
‘Batman & Robin’ (1997)

Ebert’s score: 2/4

In this tale, Batman, portrayed by George Clooney, and his partner Robin, played by Chris O’Donnell, are seen engaging in battles against their formidable adversaries: Mr. Freeze, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, who aims to transform Gotham into a frosty wasteland; and the cunning Poison Ivy, portrayed by Uma Thurman, who uses harmful substances to control others. Assisting our heroes in their mission is Batgirl, a fresh and determined member of the Bat-family, played by Alicia Silverstone.

Batman Deserved Better

Roger Ebert commented that the Joel Schumacher film was “visually stunning” but lacked an authentic core. The movie “Batman & Robin,” often criticized as one of the worst superhero films, aligns with this assessment. Yet, it boasts some captivating aspects, such as Alicia Silverstone, whose innocence and youthful demeanor are beautifully showcased.

3
‘North’ (1994)

Ebert’s score: 0/4 stars

In the northern region, the main character, played by Elijah Wood, feels sad due to being consistently overlooked by his always-busy parents. A peculiar man, occasionally seen (played by Bruce Willis), suggests he should break free and travel the world in search of ideal parents who may have been out there. Unfortunately, many of the people he encounters are not much improved from his own family situation.

A Surprise Rob Reiner Misfire

As a film aficionado, I found this drama thought-provoking, delving straight into the complexities of parenthood. However, it stirred up quite a contentious issue – should a stranger have such significant influence over a child against their parents’ wishes? Roger Ebert passionately criticized it, exclaiming, “I detested this movie. Detested detested detested detested detested this movie,” and went on to call it “unpleasant, forced, fake.” Interestingly, the compressed version of his review served as the title for his 2000 bestseller, “I Hated, Hated, Hated This Movie.” Critics also saw “North” as an unexpected low point in director Rob Reiner’s career, following successful films like “A Few Good Men” and “Misery.

2
‘Tommy Boy’ (1995)

Ebert’s core: 1 /4 stars

The movie “Tommy Boy” revolves around the character Tommy Callahan (played by Chris Farley), a man not exactly known for his intelligence, who takes over his father’s nearly bankrupt auto parts factory after his passing. He struggles to turn the business around, but encounters resistance from his stepmother Beverly (Bo Derek), who persistently pushes for liquidation.

Tommy to the Rescue

In his critique, Roger Ebert described “Tommy Boy” as if it had been hastily thrown together at a screenplay factory, likening the production to an accidental explosion. He humorously imagined a confused intern gathering random pages from the debris. Despite this harsh evaluation, it’s worth noting that the film, starring several Saturday Night Live cast members, is filled with enjoyable moments and has since gained cult status.

1
‘The Beverly Hillbillies’ (1993)

Ebert’s score: 1/4 stars

The TV show “The Beverly Hillbillies” revolves around the Clampett family, who relocate to Beverly Hills following their discovery of oil on their rural property. Facing challenges in adapting to their opulent surroundings, they find themselves at odds with a devious banker aiming to deceive them. Fortunately, the banker’s confidant harbors sympathy for the Clampetts.

Relocation Never Looked this Bad

This delightfully silly, occasionally captivating romp showcases some of the best country music melodies you’ll encounter. The humor employed isn’t for everyone’s taste, but it usually succeeds more than it fails. Critic Roger Ebert was among those unimpressed, as he lamented how director Penelope Spheeris followed her masterpiece, “Wayne’s World,” with this subpar film. He went so far as to say that he felt disheartened, as if weights were being stacked upon his chest while watching it.

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2025-04-06 06:03