We’re all thumbs

Published 10:54 pm Monday, July 21, 2008

Thumbing their noses at Disney: Film critics Roger Ebert and Richard Roeper are quitting the weekly movie review TV show that Ebert co- created in 1975. Disney-ABC, which produces “At The Movies,” can keep that name, but Ebert said the “thumbs-up, thumbs-down” rating belongs to him.

So Disney will not only have to find two new critics but also a new way of rating movies. We suggest Disney hire Gene Shalit and hand out “mustaches” to movies. “Mamma Mia,” for example, would have earned four mustaches out of a possible five.

While Disney can’t use Ebert’s thumb, we don’t think he’ll mind if we borrow it for a bit.

A flop: Researchers warn that flip-flops, the ubiquitous summer footwear, change the wearer’s gait and can injure feet, ankles and the back (Page E1).

Thumbs down on flip-flops, just for the annoying sound they make.

A bigger flop: A federal appeals court has thrown out the FCC’s $550,000 fine against CBS for Janet Jackson’s “wardrobe malfunction” during the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show (Page A2).

Thumbs up for the ruling, but thumbs down for reminding us of the “malfunction.”

—Jon Bauer, Herald staff