Smile Politely. Speak Directly. A Champaign-Urbana Culture Blog

Every year, Urbana High School and University of Illinois alum Roger Ebert shows up in town with about dozen canisters of film, a cadre of mildly known actors and, often, at least one Hollywood superstar. This time around, that superstar is Ang Lee — himself an Illinois graduate and director of megahits such as Brokeback Mountain and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The Lee movie featured at this year’s festival is Hulk, which Ebert gave three out of fours stars when the film first hit the screens in 2003. Ebert’s final assessment: Hulk is “a comic book movie for people who wouldn't be caught dead at a comic book movie.” In other words, it’s got a big green guy in it, but it also tends toward the sentimental.

If this were your film festival, and if Ang Lee weren’t coming to town, would Hulk make the bill? What else would? Below is a list of what Roger Ebert came up with. Then we want to hear what your recommendations would be.

Wednesday, April 23:

Hamlet (1996)

Thursday, April 24:

Delirious (2006)
Yes (2004)
Canvas (2006)

Friday, April 25:

Shotgun Series (2007)
Underworld (1927)
The Real Dirt on Farmer John (2005)
Mishima (1985)

Saturday, April 26:

Hulk (2003)
The Band’s Visit (2007)
Housekeeping (1987)
The Cell (2000)

Sunday, April 27:

Romance and Cigarettes (2005)

Keep scrolling down for updates from Ebertfest throughout the weekend!