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The 2002 Angelina Jolie movie Roger Ebert hated: “Elbows sticking out where the knees should be”
The article revisits Roger Ebert’s strong dislike of *Life or Something Like It*, the 2002 Angelina Jolie film he reportedly singled out for especially harsh criticism. It frames the film as a notable misfire in Jolie’s career, showing how even a major star vehicle could be undone by weak writing and an unconvincing story. The piece matters mainly as a look at how influential critics such as Ebert could shape the reputation of a film long after its release.
The film starred Jolie as a successful TV reporter whose life is thrown off course after a prediction that she will soon die, pushing her into a romantic and personal re-evaluation. The article places Ebert’s criticism alongside the film’s wider poor reception: it was released in 2002, drew largely negative reviews, and underperformed commercially. For context, the film reportedly grossed about $16.9 million against a $40 million budget, and it has since remained one of the less well-regarded titles in Jolie’s catalogue.
In short
- Ebert strongly disliked Jolie’s 2002 film *Life or Something Like It*
- The article treats it as a notable career misfire
- The film was both critically panned and commercially weak
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Life or Something Like It is a flawed but earnest romantic comedy exploring meaningful themes about mortality and self-discovery that may have been unfairly dismissed by critics. Whilst the film has genuine shortcomings in execution, the harsh critical panning and enduring poor reputation seem disproportionate, and contemporary audiences willing to engage with its central premise on its own terms might find more merit in it than the consensus suggests.
The case against
The critical consensus was justified, as the film's weak screenplay, unconvincing plot mechanics, and lack of compelling chemistry between its leads made it a genuine misfire. The commercial failure and lasting poor reputation reflect a film that simply did not work, and Ebert's sharp assessment accurately captured why audiences and critics alike found it unpersuasive rather than the film being unfairly maligned.
Explained simply
In Life or Something Like It, Angelina Jolie plays a successful television reporter whose plans are unsettled by a prediction that she will soon die. The story follows her as she reconsiders her work and personal life.
Released in 2002, the film received mostly negative reviews and earned less at the box office than its reported $40 million budget. Roger Ebert, one of the best-known American film critics, gave it a particularly harsh review.
The film remains a poorly regarded entry in Jolie’s career. Ebert’s criticism is part of its lasting reputation, illustrating how a prominent critic’s verdict can continue to shape how a film is remembered.