edited by Jonathan Doyle

Cloverfield [BLU-RAY] (Paramount Home Entertainment, 6.3.2008) Disguised under deliberately goofy, yet deliciously edible-sounding, aliases such as Cheese and Slusho, Matt Reeves' Cloverfield was produced and rushed into theaters under an equally appetizing shroud of secrecy. From last year's incredibly elusive Super Bowl ad to the film's viral marketing campaign, Cloverfield had everybody scratching their heads and drooling in anticipation. Aside from the as-yet untitled title and the Blair Witch-ian visual style, the film's biggest appeal was the enigmatic creature who was last (un)seen hurling the decapitated head of the Statue of Liberty onto the crowded streets of New York City. All we knew about the mysterious beast was that it was big and angry. Now that the highy-anticipated project has come and gone, one question has fortunately been answered: Cloverfield was a major success. (continued)

Upcoming

July 2

Hancock

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The Whackness

July 4

Diminished Capacity

Gonzo: The Life and Work of Hunter S. Thompson

Holding Trevor

Kabluey

We are Together

July 9

Full Battle Rattle

July 11

A Man Named Pearl

August

Eight Miles High

Garden Party

Harold

Hellboy II: The Golden Army

Journey to the Center of the Earth

Meet Dave

Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired

The Stone Angel

July 18

A Very British Gangster

Before I Forget

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The Doorman

Felon

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July 22

Two Tickets to Paradise

July 23

Boy A

Joel Siegel is dead

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ABC-TV critic Joel Siegel has left the earth -- dead from cancer at 63. Tough break, sad news, nice guy (if a little too nice to too many movies), too soon. Condolences to friends, family, colleagues. The last time Siegel was on my radar screen was when he got into that snarl with Kevin Smith over Siegel walking out on Clerks 2. I could mention this and that but let's let it go for now.

"Young at Heart"<< previous | next >>Best Actresses in "Elah"

Posted by Jeffrey Wells on June 29, 2007 at 03:46 PM

comment #1

George Prager says ...

Sorry to hear it. As a New Yorker, I grew up watching him on Channel 7 Eyewitness News. Yes, he turned into the Will Rogers of movie critics in his later years, but when I was an impressionable youth he called RAGING BULL "one of the greatest movies ever made" so it was hard not to like the guy. He knew his stuff.

Posted by George Prager at June 29, 2007 04:19 PM

comment #2

RoyBatty says ...

Man, I bet Ebert just shot up on the Dead Pool boards if they go in threes: Jones, Seigel and now...?

All due respect to the man's family, but that spat with Smith pretty much summed up his career critical output. Smith went a little overboard on his end, but he was right: shut the fuck up and walk out. Your peers didn't need to hear how you felt about a movie you clearly didn't get while they were forming their own opinions. It was supremely arrogant and unprofessional and the fact that more critics didn't berate him for doing it is a shameful fact in itself.

ps Wells, still waiting...

Posted by RoyBatty at June 29, 2007 04:24 PM

comment #3

George Prager says ...

I'm with Siegel on this one. Kevin Smith sucks.

Posted by George Prager at June 29, 2007 04:26 PM

comment #4

mutinyco says ...

The third was the first: Daniel Robert Epstein.

Posted by mutinyco at June 29, 2007 04:33 PM

comment #5

RoyBatty says ...

Prager - Not the issue, helps if you know what the others are talking about before you weigh in. Otherwise you sound like a prat.

Mutinyco - not sure he's the same league, might want to still make sure Roger watches the spicy food this week.

Posted by RoyBatty at June 29, 2007 04:38 PM

comment #6

Hopscotch says ...

He was way too nice on way too many movies. But he loved them. He loved watching them, reviewing them. I read his book Lessons for Dylan and while I can't say I was wild about the book, you close it believing this guy lived his life to the fullest.

Posted by Hopscotch at June 29, 2007 04:42 PM

comment #7

T.Holly says ...

I said, "Jeez this guy Siegel is way too cheery and protests too much" on Larry King about his miraculous victories over cancer when the Elizabeth Edwards and Tony Snow stories broke. And now he goes and dies.

Posted by T.Holly at June 29, 2007 04:42 PM

comment #8

EDouglas says ...

Believe me, Siegel was not cheery when not on camera... I guess that's the sign of a true professional.

Posted by EDouglas at June 29, 2007 06:33 PM

comment #9

Thrudvangar says ...

I'm with Kevin Smith on this one. Siegel sucks.

Posted by Thrudvangar at June 29, 2007 09:52 PM

comment #10

Hallick says ...

On "Good Morning America", Joel Siegel was my childhood movie critic, so this is pretty sad to read. He really did some great Oscar specials for a while that also covered the foreign film category decently well. I haven't watched him review much for a few years now, other than to flip through the morning shows when the Oscar nominations are announced. Whether I agreed with his opinions or not, he was excellent at conveying excitement for certain movies, and I'll miss him for that.

Posted by Hallick at June 29, 2007 10:00 PM

comment #11

George Prager says ...

"Your peers didn't need to hear how you felt about a movie you clearly didn't get while they were forming their own opinions."

That's what really make me laugh. "forming their own opinions" about what? Either you liked this verbal bukkake movie or you didn't. Not much to contemplate.

Posted by George Prager at June 30, 2007 08:32 AM

comment #12

George Prager says ...

Check out the bowel movement's website.

http://silentbobspeaks.com/

No mention of Siegel's passing but he urges you to see Die Hard ("Why the fuck aren’t you in a theater watching it right now?")

A class act.

Posted by George Prager at June 30, 2007 12:20 PM

comment #13

dixiedugan says ...

I liked the guy - while I wouldn't agree with everything he liked, he viewed movies with a certain gusto. He genuinely loved film, and didn't dump on the big mainstream flicks because it's being berated by the artsy crowd.

Posted by dixiedugan at June 30, 2007 12:33 PM

comment #14

Bart Smith says ...

"Check out the bowel movement's website.
http://silentbobspeaks.com/

No mention of Siegel's passing but he urges you to see Die Hard ("Why the fuck arenï¿½t you in a theater watching it right now?")

A class act."

Kevin Smith's last post on his blog was made on Wednesday. Seeing as how Joel Siegel was still alive at that point, I don't see how it can be conveyed as, in any way, insensitive.

Posted by Bart Smith at June 30, 2007 12:40 PM

comment #15

George Prager says ...

He should've updated his blog. He didn't. He sucks.

Posted by George Prager at June 30, 2007 12:52 PM

comment #16

Wiggumx says ...

Prager, just because you have time to cyber-stalk Kevin Smith doesn't mean that Kevin Smith has the time to post on-demand to suit your schedule and desires.

Posted by Wiggumx at June 30, 2007 02:32 PM

comment #17

George Prager says ...

I'm sure once he gets back from shorts shopping he'll get online and issue an apology.

Posted by George Prager at June 30, 2007 02:46 PM

comment #18

steve says ...

Siegel has more dignity and class and humor in his pinky than than Smith ---who is talent-free ---will ewer display in his entire life.

Posted by steve at June 30, 2007 03:24 PM

comment #19

Hallick says ...

For all anyone knows, Kevin Smith is just going to follow the old grain of wisdom: if you don't have something nice to say, just don't say anything. Especially when the formaldahyde's still fresh.

Posted by Hallick at June 30, 2007 09:46 PM

comment #20

Hallick says ...

"Siegel has more dignity and class and humor in his pinky than Smith"

And now he's got more worms in there too. Does the one-upsmanship ever cease?

Posted by Hallick at June 30, 2007 09:50 PM

comment #21

George Prager says ...

http://silentbobspeaks.com/
Nothing.

Well, what can you say. No class. Smith is where Robert Downey Sr. was in 1977. A has-been. At least he can play the fat funny guy in Jennifer Garner movies. He can work that angle for a few years.

Posted by George Prager at July 1, 2007 08:17 AM

comment #22

foxnewsisfake says ...

"I could mention this and that but let's let it go for now."

Noted and appreciated.

Now, don't forget to tear him apart after an socially acceptable period of grieving time of 2 years...or ten minutes -- it's your call.

Posted by foxnewsisfake at July 1, 2007 10:12 AM

comment #23

foxnewsisfake says ...

Now, don't forget to tear him apart after a socially acceptable period of grieving time -- say, 2 years...or ten minutes -- it's your call.

Posted by foxnewsisfake at July 1, 2007 10:14 AM

comment #24

Brett Hampton says ...

Prager: How does your incessant screed against Kevin Smith honor the memory of Joel Siegel? Are you so in love with the sight of your vitriol on an internet essage board that you've lost sight of the fact that Joel Siegel passed? I mean, whether you agree or disagree with what Siegel did, whether you think Smith has talent or you don't, isn't there a more appropriate time and place for your nonsense?

Posted by Brett Hampton at July 1, 2007 11:16 AM

comment #25

George Prager says ...

Posted by George Prager at July 1, 2007 11:23 AM

comment #26

George Prager says ...

He's pissed at me. Sorry Kevin.

http://silentbobspeaks.com/

"However, based on Mr. Prager’s demanding criteria, the moment I die, I now fully expect… nay, demand… that he immediately blog about it. I will leave instructions for the executor of my estate to grind his nuts on the subject if said blog doesn’t appear in a timely enough fashion, as per the exacting standards Mr. Prager’s recently introduced into the annals of netiquette. If it’s not published within one hour of the announcement of my demise, Mr. Prager can fully expect my attorney to link this exchange anywhere Mr. Prager (to be referred to in my Will as “The Man With Two Much Free Time”) posts over the course of the next 35 hours, under the subject heading “PWNED!”

R.I.P., Joel. I regret our last (and only) exchange was what it was, and I’m sorry your memorial thread was hijacked by the cyber-stalking antics of the 209th scariest (or saddest, I’m not sure) person on the ‘net.

And, Joel? I didn’t cuss once in this entire post. Or mention donkey-fucking."

Posted by George Prager at July 1, 2007 11:32 AM

comment #27

George Prager says ...

And sorry, Joel. You ruled.

Posted by George Prager at July 1, 2007 11:37 AM

comment #28

snoogins says ...

George Prager, Who are you? Kevin Smith is a very talented writer and director who has done amazing work not just in film but in other mediums as well. Joel Siegel was a man truly dedicated to his work and being a critic will sometimes say or do things others do not like. Kevin never said that he hated Siegel and vice versa. Just cause he didn't post the moment the poor man passed means nothing. You sir are the one with no class. ( whoever the hell you are!)

Posted by snoogins at July 1, 2007 11:42 AM

comment #29

George Prager says ...

"Kevin Smith is a very talented writer and director who has done amazing work not just in film but in other mediums as well."

I would still strongly disagree with that opinion.

Posted by George Prager at July 1, 2007 11:44 AM

comment #30

depeche969 says ...

I felt the need to comment after just finishing the read of Kevin's MySpace blog:

Prager - I'm amazed you're still up to this 3 days later. However, with that being said, you have the same right to voice your opinion, shitty or not, about Smith - as do the rest of us without your obvious need to have the last word.

I respect Smith both for his ability to follow his dreams to create Clerks (a most original AND thought provoking movie if you've ever thought you were bigger than the customers you serve) and to face you and this incident head on.

So Prager - I leave you with this thought as you look down upon Kevin Smith - "If you're so fucking advanced, what are you doing commenting here?"

Posted by depeche969 at July 1, 2007 12:47 PM

comment #31

Geoff Williams says ...

Not that Kevin needs any defense, but seriously, this is the wrong place/time. Maybe you should, as he suggested, venture over to the View Askew board and go at it keyboard to keyboard in a more suitable forum.

Geoff

P.S. George, it seems kinda funny that you hold kevin in such low regards for doing something (criticizing a particular action he disagreed with) that you yourself are essentially doing.

Posted by Geoff Williams at July 1, 2007 02:14 PM

comment #32

Burke says ...

"Not that Kevin needs any defense, but seriously, this is the wrong place/time. Maybe you should, as he suggested, venture over to the View Askew board and go at it keyboard to keyboard in a more suitable forum."

Hmmm, keyboards at 20 paces... I like the idea.

Mr. Prager, Joel's body isn't even cold yet (sorry for the graphic imagery) and you're already using his death as a means to attack someone.

Really and truly top-notch, pal.

Whether you love or hate Kevin Smith and/or his films, he remains prolific and a prominent figure in current American cinema.

I haven't had the (dis)pleasure of reading your profile yet, but I will ask this: do you make films, or have you ever released any artistic media endeavor to the public? My guess is: no.

Yet you seem perfectly comfortable with attacking others, spewing forth your own personal worldview and begging for some sort of attention out of the whole ordeal.

Well, congratulations... you've got tons of attention now. Hope it keeps you warm at night.

Posted by Burke at July 1, 2007 02:33 PM

comment #33

Burke says ...

Mr. Prager, I just took a minute to look up your profile, to see if you have the background to go with your criticisms. Unfortunately, you have no profile on this site.

One wonders what qualifies you to criticize anyone in the entertainment business...

Posted by Burke at July 1, 2007 02:38 PM

comment #34

George Prager says ...

What qualifies me to comment on Kevin Smith is that I paid good money to see Chasing Amy. After about 30 minutes I walked out. Why? Because I'd seen better (written, directed, acted, photographed) movies in 7th grade health class.

As for your claim that "he remains prolific and a prominent figure in current American cinema."

Let's revisit the Kevin Smith ouvre:

Clerks II (2006)
Jersey Girl (2004)
Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001)
Dogma (1999)
Chasing Amy (1997)
Mallrats (1995)
Clerks (1994)

Let's look at Woody Allen's ouvre from 1974-1986:

Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)
The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985)
Broadway Danny Rose (1984)
Zelig (1983)
A Midsummer Night's Sex Comedy (1982)
Stardust Memories (1980)
Manhattan (1979)
Interiors (1978)
Annie Hall (1977)
Love and Death (1975)

No comparison. In fact it is embarrassing to call Smith "prolific and a prominent figure in current American cinema." It's like saying that Kurt Bevacqua belongs in Cooperstown.

Posted by George Prager at July 1, 2007 02:52 PM

comment #35

Hallick says ...

"He's pissed at me. Sorry Kevin."

What exactly was your obsession with Kevin Smith posting any kind of comment about the death of Joel Siegel in the first place? If someone you got into a verbal food fight with died a year or two later, do you think it'd be entirely reasonable that people start sending you denigrating e-mails a few hours afterwards demanding that you go on your blog and say something "classy" about the deceased? And then when you don't -which is undeniably classy if you're still unhappy about the dispute and you were never friends or even passing acquaintances with the deceased in the first place - is it normal that someone would still huff and sniff at your silence and deem it "no class"?

Go on hating Kevin Smith, go on hating his movies, go on wiping your ass and pretending the toilet paper is made of his screenplays, but FUCKING GET REAL, George.

Posted by Hallick at July 1, 2007 04:02 PM

comment #36

Burke says ...

"In fact it is embarrassing to call Smith "prolific and a prominent figure in current American cinema."

Of course you paid little attention to any of his side work: short films, etc. I sort of expected that to be the case, and was not at all surprised by your reply, such as it was.

Mr. Smith has been steadily putting out films for going on 13 years now, which seems fairly prolific. Comparing him to Woody Allen is like comparing apples to, say, bulldozers. Different eras, different styles... about the only thing they have in common is that they are comedic filmmakers who often star in their own films.

What's embarrasssing is how this whole thread got started, in which you used a recently deceased celebrity as the foundation to base your attack on another celebrity. Please step down from your pseudo-intellectual high horse before you get a nosebleed from the altitude.

Posted by Burke at July 1, 2007 04:54 PM

comment #37

Burke says ...

Another thing just occurred to me: your comment about paying good money to see a movie that disappointed you.

Funny thing is, you just showed something in common with Kevin Smith. The Clerks animated series had an episode in which Randall puts several noted filmmakers on the stand in a court case and demands his money back.

Too bad you're not an animated cartoon character; although your criticisms do seem to be based in fiction.

Posted by Burke at July 1, 2007 04:59 PM

comment #38

KevinSmith says ...

"He's pissed at me. Sorry Kevin."

I'm not pissed at you in the least, sir. I get it: you're not a fan. No biggie. But you were obsessing over what you saw as a lack of any statement at www.silentbobspeaks.com regarding the death of Joel Siegel, and I figured I'd blog about the fact that I'd already posted something about it elsewhere.

The folks who commented over at the MySpace location of the blog, though? They're pissed at you.

http://blog.myspace.com/therealkevinsmith

My thanks to those here with cooler heads who offered an alternate theory (i.e. - reality) to Mr. Prager's assertions. I appreciate it.

Time was, there was a vast difference between the TalkBacks here and the TalkBacks at AICN...

Posted by KevinSmith at July 1, 2007 05:09 PM

comment #39

HenryT says ...

Please stop this pointless dialogue. It does nothing to honor or show respect to the man who passed away.

Posted by HenryT at July 1, 2007 05:14 PM

comment #40

HumanityCritic says ...

Jesus Prager, the way in which you have proven yourself to have a vice-grip lock on Mr. Smith's nutsack - you must go broke buying knee-pads. That being said, let me quote you and then proceed to rip you a new one.

"What qualifies me to comment on Kevin Smith is that I paid good money to see Chasing Amy. After about 30 minutes I walked out. Why?"

Because the Joey Lauren Adam's character getting "double-teamed" brought back some painful memories? You like getting your prostate treated like a pinata? So what? Own it, and stop blaming your latent homosexuality on Kevin!

"Because I'd seen better (written, directed, acted, photographed) movies in 7th grade health class."

Is your opinion really respectable? Not for nothing, but anyone who angrily masturbates with Icey-Hot while posting on a message board can't be taken seriously. Don't you have a lint collection to add on to? Kevin Smith is making movies while you are a proverbial waste of space, your mother should have truly swallowed you..

Posted by HumanityCritic at July 1, 2007 05:16 PM

comment #41

HenryT says ...

I see that Kevin has posted now as well.

I hope his response can end this thread and get the comments here back to what they should be...reflections on Joel Siegel.

Posted by HenryT at July 1, 2007 05:21 PM

comment #42

TurdFerguson says ...

I saw the other blog of Kevin's on myspace. I wanted to see what the fuss was about.

I noticed you said Kevin Smith and Woody Allen are not nearly comparable. Of course not. Woody Allen basically married his daughter Soon-Yi Previn. Kevin has written books, comics (and no, not JUST the Jersey trilogy stuff), speaks to sold-out crowds around America, makes his own films, and was just in a Bruce Willis movie. He won awards for quite a few of his movies as well (including Chasing Amy).
If you don't like it, don't watch it. I don't watch Woody Allen. Woody Allen is not relevant to me, as I am in my 20's. When I hit 60, I may understand the guy. (Save for marrying his daughter).
Since Kevin mentioned this on another forum, pay attention.
In short, many people love Kevin Smith, and God, I hope in his next movie he casts an Elias-acting, Shannen Hamilton-perverting person named...Prager.

Posted by TurdFerguson at July 1, 2007 06:34 PM

comment #43

Hallick says ...

"I hope his response can end this thread and get the comments here back to what they should be...reflections on Joel Siegel."

My apologies - Here's Roger Ebert's farewell:
http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070629/PEOPLE/70629001

And here's Joel Siegel's page at ABC:
http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/JoelSiegel/

Posted by Hallick at July 1, 2007 06:37 PM

comment #44

Hallick says ...

And here's an interesting memory: Siegel reviewing "Carrie: The Musical" -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97g_NubGvy8

Posted by Hallick at July 1, 2007 06:43 PM

comment #45

HenryT says ...

Here is another one. This one seems to be done by ABC 7 in New York and posted by a fan.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k9e_y7KLdw

Posted by HenryT at July 1, 2007 07:21 PM

comment #46

Burke says ...

HumanityCritic, I heed your voice of reason. 'Nuff said.

I'll be perfectly honest, I don't know a ton of Joel Siegel's work, as I don't really read movie reviews.

He seemed like he got a lot of professional respect, and I've had several family members taken by various cancers; I can only hope he wasn't in too much pain.

Posted by Burke at July 1, 2007 08:16 PM

comment #47

Burke says ...

Oops. I meant HenryT's voice of reason... :)

Posted by Burke at July 1, 2007 11:35 PM

comment #48

George Prager says ...

Perhaps I was unfair. I used mid-career Woody Allen instead of the first 13 years of Woody Allen (mirroring the first 13 years of Smith)

Manhattan (1979)
Interiors (1978)
Annie Hall (1977)
Love and Death (1975)
Sleeper (1973)
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex * But Were Afraid to Ask (1972)
... aka Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex (USA: short title)
Bananas (1971)
Men of Crisis: The Harvey Wallinger Story (1971) (TV)
Take the Money and Run (1969)
What's Up, Tiger Lily? (1966)

Still no comparison. I must reply to "Turd Ferguson" who writes: "I don't watch Woody Allen. Woody Allen is not relevant to me, as I am in my 20's. When I hit 60, I may understand the guy"

I saw "Sleeper" for the first time when I was 12. What's to understand?

And to Burke. I see that you don't embarrass easily. Your myspace page is a big embarrassment. I guess you think being another shlub "promoter" and "singer-songwriter" in a mid-sized city qualifies you to comment on "entertainment". Well, your music is beyond horrible (which you already know, its just muzak to people's ears as they load up on wings and pitchers of Coors) your lyrics worse than pedestrian and what is up with that hat? Southside Johnny is never going to call you.

So now I see that people have put up some youtubes of vintage Joel Siegel. This is good. This probably wouldn't have happened otherwise.

Posted by George Prager at July 2, 2007 06:32 AM

comment #49

TruthInMyYouth says ...

Prager...

Get a life

What are you trying to acheive by riping on Kevin Smith

Joel Siegel and Kevin Smith had a disagreement a year ago big whoop.

Joel Siegel has said he thought Kevin Smith was a fine film maker.

Kevin Smith use to watch his movie reviews growing up.

They must have had some respect for each other.

You Mr. Prager...

nobody has respect for you.

Posted by TruthInMyYouth at July 2, 2007 07:17 AM

comment #50

George Prager says ...

Harry Shearer on Joel Siegel:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/harry-shearer/joel-siegel_b_54482.html

Posted by George Prager at July 2, 2007 08:10 AM

comment #51

hatchetface says ...

George Prage: Your own actions and the response from Kevin Smith just made you look like a infantile idiot in front of all of us. Will you please shut up now?

Posted by hatchetface at July 2, 2007 09:32 AM

comment #52

George Prager says ...

Bite a fart.

Posted by George Prager at July 2, 2007 09:59 AM

comment #53

Krumly says ...

George, consider yourself bitten.

Posted by Krumly at July 2, 2007 10:20 AM

comment #54

George Prager says ...

Sez you

Posted by George Prager at July 2, 2007 10:27 AM

comment #55

thorsen1nk says ...

Though I hate to wish cancer on anybody, Joel Siegel was a hack, so I am not particularly troubled in his passing. He may have been convivial with Jeff @ post-screening cocktail parties, but he was a lousy critic whose horrible choices made film reviewers as a whole a target of parody.

http://www.theonion.com/content/node/29684

Posted by thorsen1nk at July 2, 2007 10:35 AM

comment #56

BurmaShave says ...

Fuck, fuck, fuck,
Mother, mother fuck,
Mother, mother fuck, fuck
Mother fuck, mother fuck,
Noich noich noich,
1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4,
Noich, noich noich
Smokin' weed, smokin' wizz,
Doin' coke, drinkin' beers,
Drinkin' beers, beers, beers,
Rollin' fattys, smokin' blunts,
Who smokes the blunts?
We smoke the blunts.
Rollin' blunts and smokin'...

SIEGEL RIP. Fuck George Prager.

Posted by BurmaShave at July 2, 2007 11:26 AM

comment #57

Greg Sloan says ...

Mr. Prager

Do you have anything better to do than sit at your computer all day and rip on someone. You must have a really boring life that you have to be a cyber stalker on Kevin Smith. Quit beating a dead horse about Kevin and get on with your life.

Posted by Greg Sloan at July 2, 2007 11:58 AM

comment #58

Burke says ...

Well, I had high hopes that you would stay on topic, but instead you went after me personally, George. Can I call you George? Thanks.

Anyway, I think you've shown your true colors, and I thank you for it. You tanked your credibility faster and more thoroughly than anything I could have said or done, not that I was trying to discredit you. I merely wished to challenge what I perceievd to be unfounded attacks against a filmmaker.

So be it.

Oh, and here in Baltimore they load up on steamed crabs and pitchers of Natty Boh. It's a regional thing. And I love my mid-sized city, thanks. Glad you're not in it.

And a little part of me is flattered that you feel I'm as worthy of persoanl attacks as Kevin Smith is. I'll take that as the compliment it wasn't intended to be!

Posted by Burke at July 2, 2007 06:37 PM

comment #59

georgepraegerisatool says ...

Once again, George Prager is misguided. Did Kevin Smith and the late Joel Siegel have a bit of a tiff? Yes. Is it the responsibility of Kevin Smith to immediately apologize for all of his wrongdoings to Siegel over a year ago at the moment he discovers his passing? No, absolutely not. If so, I believe Steven Spielberg should apologize to everyone in the world for War of the Worlds when the apocalypse occurs, but somehow I doubt it. So, Mr. Prager, since you have taken it upon yourself to try to incite an argument with Smith and his fans how long will it take you to apologize? Was Joel Siegel a nice guy? Depends on your source. Was he a great film critic? Well, he was popular I'll give you that, but great is stretching it. As noted here by others, Smith did put up some kind words regarding Siegel shortly after reading of his premature demise. That shows, in contrast to how you would paint him in your feeble mind Mr. Prager, that Smith does indeed have couth, unlike yourself. When reading your comments I assumed you were under the age of 18, but then something struck me, if you hated Clerks II then you are not in that category or you are a poor, shelter soul. Regardless of the merit of Clerks II, as Siegel saw fit to rise up and exit the theater before the conclusion of the film, you found it necessary to draw up not a dark side. The negative aspect of Siegel rather than Smith has been rehashed. When he left he tarnished his professionalism. Remember, this is a critic that stayed for all of Freddy Got Fingered. Now, is my point here to dredge through the memory of Joel Siegel? No, Mr. Prager that was your intention. You wanted to bring up this unfortunate incident which I am quite sure was not crossing Mr. Siegelâ€™s mind as he passed. All film critics make remarks about filmmakersâ€™ works that cause the creatorsâ€™ to be angered. Sometimes, granted not most of the time, the filmmakersâ€™ lash out with their own criticism against this reviewer. They are not wrong for choosing so, they are merely human. They should not feel it necessary to apologize. We all know how many cruel statements are made by critics about filmmakers, actresses and actors and they are certainly never going to apologize for them. So, this proves what you label Kevin Smith to be a â€œbowel movementâ€ has more class than you Mr. Prager.

Rest in Peace Joel Siegel. Hopefully your fans will let you do so.

Mr. Prager you are an idiot.

Posted by georgepraegerisatool at July 2, 2007 07:50 PM

comment #60

GeorgePragerHas2Assholes says ...

George Prager if it wasn't for your teeth i would say you have 2 assholes because you talk so much shit.

Posted by GeorgePragerHas2Assholes at July 2, 2007 09:27 PM

comment #61

BurmaShave says ...

Jesus he's actually inspiring handles now. Do you see that George? People are signing on just to tell you to go fuck yourself.

Georgepragerisatool (and boy is he), I'm with you on everything except using FREDDY GOT FINGERED as an example. That's a demented trip of a movie. I just can't hate it.

Posted by BurmaShave at July 2, 2007 10:02 PM

comment #62

George Prager says ...

NEWSFLASH: Kevin Smith's movies still suck!

Posted by George Prager at July 3, 2007 05:25 AM

comment #63

George Prager says ...

Beverly Sills died last night.

http://entertainment.tv.yahoo.com/entnews/ap/20070703/118346436000.html

Still no mention of her passing on Kevin's blog:

http://silentbobspeaks.com/

Disgusting.

Posted by George Prager at July 3, 2007 05:34 AM

comment #64

BurmaShave says ...

Touche.

Posted by BurmaShave at July 3, 2007 12:01 PM

comment #65

georgepraegerisatool says ...

George, how does it feel to be truly hated as much as you are at this moment? Such a shame.

Posted by georgepraegerisatool at July 3, 2007 05:48 PM

comment #66

georgepraegerisatool says ...

Let us not forget that you are a douche Mr. Prager.

Posted by georgepraegerisatool at July 3, 2007 06:27 PM

comment #67

mtn_metal_head says ...

Is this what your free time consisits of Prager? This and trying to come up with obscure references to make yourself look smarter? Are you angry or jealous that Kevin Smith is out living a dream and you are stuck at your computer every night eating your cheese and wine?

I assume it's cheese and wine since you have also shown us your prejudice against folk who consume hot wings and beer. The common man has no sense of taste when it comes to music and film. Apparently, taste in film is a privilege to those who try insult someone using Kurt Bevacqua as a reference. Does Kurt know you've brought him into this as well?

If having good taste and class means we have to be like you, Prager, then I'm gonna pass. I'll stick to my verbal bukkake. I know I will have more satisfaction with my favorite films than you will with whatever films you hold in high regard.

And if you would have read any of Kevin's personal responses to this little incident you would have gone to his REAL blog and seen what he had to say about Joel Siegel and you.

Posted by mtn_metal_head at July 4, 2007 01:53 AM

comment #68

TruthInMyYouth says ...

I think George Prager should change his name to magnolia fan

Posted by TruthInMyYouth at July 4, 2007 09:54 PM

comment #69

George Prager says ...

This is really funny. I await responses from
georgepragerisapoopyhead and georgepragersucksballs.

I also have to say that mtn_metal_head's post is so moronic that she must be kidding.

Posted by George Prager at July 5, 2007 05:38 AM

comment #70

Burke says ...

Actually, George's attempt to 'rip me a new one' is the funniest thing I've read in ages. I posted it to my MySpace page, and I've changed my page tag-line to "George Prager is my hero", because he's boosted my self-esteem more than anyone or anything else in recent memory. When a guy like George thinks my music sucks, then I must be doing somethign right.

Luv ya, Georgie! You're a hoot!

Posted by Burke at July 5, 2007 08:30 AM

comment #71

George Prager says ...

Glad to have been of some help. Your self-esteem did need some boosting!

In other news: Tony Parker and Eve Longoria to wed in France
http://entertainment.tv.yahoo.com/entnews/ap/20070705/118365186000.html

Posted by George Prager at July 5, 2007 08:47 AM

comment #72

George Prager says ...

Two Kevin Smith projects in the works:
from imdb.com:

RED STATE
http://imdb.com/title/tt0873886/

"A horror film in which a group of misfits encounter fundamentalism gone to the extreme in Middle America."

That sounds funny!

Zack and Miri Make a Porno
http://imdb.com/title/tt1007028/
"Two friends, both in their late 20s and feeling various strains of adulthood, decide to launch an amateur porn studio -- a knockout story for their upcoming high school reunion."

Hilarious!

Posted by George Prager at July 5, 2007 10:56 AM

comment #73

Steveâ„¢ says ...

I actually feel sorry for George Prager at this point.
This must be the most attention he's gotten in a long time for him to continue his antagonism of Kevin Smith at this late hour.
And yet the negativity is obviously bothering him, why else post a link to a story about an NBA player getting married on a board meant for a passed film critic?
Unless he's 9.
Is George Prager 9 years old?

Posted by Steveâ„¢ at July 5, 2007 10:31 PM

comment #74

BurmaShave says ...

He's actually trapped in this thread for all time, like General Zod floating in space.

Posted by BurmaShave at July 6, 2007 01:20 AM

comment #75

George Prager says ...

As funny as an Amber Alert.

Posted by George Prager at July 6, 2007 05:11 AM

comment #76

christian says ...

i just stumbled onto this post just to see what could inspire so many comments...

"I don't watch Woody Allen. Woody Allen is not relevant to me, as I am in my 20's. When I hit 60, I may understand the guy. (Save for marrying his daughter)."

uh, so therefore no comedy made before your "20's" is funny, huh? and soon-yi was not woody's daughter as him and mia farrow were NOT married. now go back to watching AMERICAN PIE 2 so you can relate comedically to your generation. but ignore eugene levy, dude is like 52, man. old.

and prager, why the hate? the tiff betwixt smith and siegel was no big deal. in fact, i kinda liked it. reminded me of the good ol days of serious film criticism when john simon would get pelted with food for dissing an actress...

Posted by christian at July 6, 2007 01:37 PM

comment #77

George Prager says ...

Why the hate? Not for Smith. It's because of posts like the one you just addressed. What is wrong with these people (besides the fetal alcohol syndrome)?

Posted by George Prager at July 6, 2007 02:04 PM

comment #78

scooter303 says ...

Mr. Prager,

Two things:
1) Did you really use the comment "Bite a fart"? in a recent reply?

2) Kevin Smith has done zero wrong and has handled the Siegel passing with class. It is you who are acting less than respectful, sir! And the fact that you took a part of your useless life to call Smith out only proves you're an idiot. I only heard of you BECAUSE of Kevin Smith and his blog. Move on dude!

Posted by scooter303 at July 14, 2007 09:56 AM

comment #79

George Prager says ...

"I only heard of you BECAUSE of Kevin Smith and his blog. Move on dude!"

My last post was 8 days ago. I have moved on, Dudester!

Posted by George Prager at July 14, 2007 01:00 PM

comment #80

scooter303 says ...

"My last post was 8 days ago. I have moved on, Dudester!"

But apparently checking every day to see who is talking to/about him. Man, that's movin', dudester!

Posted by scooter303 at July 14, 2007 01:52 PM

comment #81

George Prager says ...

Yep. I wanted to see who was going to be the loser who came so late to the party but couldn't resist posting on this thread and that loser is you! HAve a nice day loser.

Posted by George Prager at July 15, 2007 08:23 AM

comment #82

scooter303 says ...

Good one.

Posted by scooter303 at July 15, 2007 09:46 AM

comment #83

George Prager says ...

I am sorry for my earlier comments. Please forgive me. I wasn't taking my medication.

Posted by George Prager at July 16, 2007 07:12 PM

comment #84

George Prager says ...

No, I'm the Captain! It's MY SHIP! MY SHIP!

Posted by George Prager at July 19, 2007 12:30 PM

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kimi98 says ...

Hollywood Elsewhere

Upcoming

Joel Siegel is dead

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