Siskel and Ebert Review the Thumbs Up Emoji

Allegedly, members of Gen Z have declared the "Thumbs Up" emoji as passive aggressive. We own the trademark so we are back to comment. I am Roger Ebert From the Chicago Sun-Times. To my right is Gene Siskel from The Chicago Tribune.

GS: I wonder if they think The Fonz from Happy Days is passive aggressive? Thumbs up is a validation. They do it in the military and if someone does not understand English, a "Thumbs Up" can show them you agree with them and appreciate their contributions."

RE: I don't know if the ones who decided it is "Passive aggressive" want to communicate with colleagues who don't know much English and try hard. Is it like the scene in No Hard Feelings where uptight young people are live streaming and declare Jennifer Lawrence is bullying them.

GS: Some don't know how to behave at parties. That movie was better than expected.

RE: It was a nice surprise. I cannot say what young people find offensive. Was the sex scene in Revenge of the Nerds rape?

GS: It was deception. The woman did not notice her partner was not as muscular. He also satisfied her which is not what would have happened in an assault scenario.

RE: I would not advise anyone do this. Find it on your own merits. In that era there was a nonchalance to taking advantage of unconscious women.

GS: It really wasn't acceptable back then, either. Consent is important and leads to better experiences and memories.

RE: We probably went over the head of the ones offended by Thumbs Up.

GS: If you don't like an emoji, don't use it. There- problem solved.

RE: Makes sense to me. I don't use emojis. It fits some personalities. I would rather write in complete sentences.

GS: You did once plan to become an English professor. Any movies to recommend while we are here? Will they be offended by "Two Thumbs Up?"

RE: Everyone is offended by everything. Before the thumbs we recommended movies with "Yes" and disregarded them with "No". Movie advertising has changed to the point that critic's reviews don't mean a lot.

GS: We once had lightning in a bottle. At least we were not brushed aside like Thelma.

RE: June Squibb gave a great performance. It's never too late to be memorable.

GS: It is nice to see Richard Roundtree, in his final role, and Malcolm McDowell who has cultivated a long, interesting career.

RE: You can't go wrong with working actors. The other surprise of the summer was Longlegs. Nicolas Cage is still finding a path towards an AFI Lifetime Achievement Award.

GS: He played the role like Tiny Tim. Since young people would not recall Tiny Tim- the character has a scarier tone. It reminded me of everyone whose birthday was on the fourteenth of the month.

RE: That was a random reason. I figured out the ending and wish I hadn't. This was an effective film. Horror movies don't have to be violent.

GS: This was a little like Silence of the Lambs. A young FBI agent investigating a killer. It was effective. Some movies are watched, possibly enjoyed, and you never think of them again. Others resonate long after the lights come up.

RE: I'm glad it found an audience. It has more value than emojis.

GS: There are more productive things to do than find emojis offensive. Kiss a girl or take her to lunch. Put your phone down and communicate. For Roger Ebert, I am Gene Siskel and the balcony is closed.