LIFE ITSELF-Doc. Film on Roger Ebert, Thumbs Up

Life Itself is a doc. film on the life of one of the most beloved & respected movie critics.  Ebert passed away in April '13 but left a legacy of love for the movies & for life.  Steve James is the director of this no holds barred film.  James is the writer/dir. of the doc. films:  Hoop Dreams & Stevie. LIFE ITSELF spans Ebert's life from childhood to his meteoric career as a movie critic.  It also follows Ebert through his grueling illness showing us an his indomitable spirit along with the support of his devoted wife, Chaz.  Ebert went to the @ Univ of IL, his hometown, where he was editor of the school's paper.  After graduating, he became an admired fixture in Chicago where he worked & lived.  Ebert began as a sports writer @ the Daily Sun.  After 5 months at the paper, he was reassigned as a movie critic to fill the position.  Voila, a star was born who brought gravitas & joy to the art of cinema.  Ebert alongside Gene Siskell, his rival critic, debated the merits of movies with excitement & intelligence.  ("Siamese twins joined at their assholes.")  The feuding between them gave ignited everyone's credence as a critic & passions for film.  The footage of outakes between the 2 when hostilities flared was absolutely hilarious & heartwarming.  Siskell passed away at 53 in '99.  This is a doc. about friendship, love for family, film and life itself.  I definitely give this touching & inspiring doc. on Roger Ebert, an amazing advocate for all films, a thumbs up.  I would have given it 2 thumbs had it edited itself down.