Two Thumbs, Way Up, for the Late Gene Siskel

Michael Miller is not the only one “Looking Up to the Balcony” (Riffs, Calendar Weekend, March 18) for movie selection guidance from the late Gene Siskel. I too am left with a giant void in my life.

My wife and I (and my kids when they got old enough) watched the “Siskel & Ebert” television program weekly since its inception over 20 years ago. We taped it when we were out. It was our bible for deciding on which films we would spend our money to see or to rent. I have probably seen more of their shows than any show ever broadcast.

I am only a few years younger than Siskel was at the time of his death. I cannot think of a recent celebrity death that has had such a profound personal impact on my own life as did the death of Gene Siskel. I am still in shock and partial denial.

I so relied on him and Roger for guidance and intelligent entertainment. We do not have lots of time to see lots of films. Numerous times they directed us to small but great films and steered us away from over-hyped nonsense.

Never has his absence been so painfully obvious as when watching Tom Shales and Elvis Mitchell sit in Gene’s seat with Roger. It just ain’t the same and probably never will be.

Miller was correct when he wrote that he’s left with an empty feeling and a list of memories. Just as when the late, great Jim Healy died or with the passing of the one-of-a-kind Jim Murray, Gene Siskel was an original who touched millions, and none of us will ever see the likes of him again.

For me, going to the movies will never, ever be the same again.

JERRY HERMES

San Diego

I watched as many Sunday night “Siskel & Ebert” shows as I could. I’ve loved movies since I was about 10. I have about 1,000 movies on tape. I’ve gone to a lot of movies based on their individual passions as voiced on the small screen.

The thing that amazed me is that with a few exceptions, I really did agree with most of their two-thumbs-up picks, and the movies I’ve gone to on Siskel’s or Ebert’s stand-alone kudos have enriched my life because of their “up thumb,” and the passionate point of view.

Yeah, I miss Gene, and I loved reading Michael Miller’s excellent personal tribute. But thank God there is still Roger!

RON GLATLEY

Mission Viejo