Siskel and Ebert: Doctor Who: The Movie (1985)

(a clip is played from Doctor Who: The Movie

Gene Siskel: That's Robin Williams in the role of The Doctor in Steven Spielberg's newest film Doctor Who: The Movie based on the hit television series airing on CBS.

(another clip plays during the film)

Gene: Here's Robin and his companions played by Molly Ringwald and Eric Stoltz as they land The TARDIS encountering a race of rogue aliens trying to alter history revealing to be Daleks.

(Another clip is played

Gene: along the way they run into a woman named Atria played by Whoopi Goldberg who is a soldier working for U.S.E.D willing to assist the Doctor. and a greedy businessman played by Jack Nicholson who plans on making an alliance with The Daleks to rid of this time lord and give them a future they always desired. Doctor Who fans have been waiting for a theatrical movie of the popular sci-fi series for years, and with this new adaptation starring Robin Williams, they may finally get what they've been hoping for. , this movie boasts fascinating effects, impressive storytelling, and a plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Somebody call a Doctor because something tells me this doctor will be sticking around for quite some time. Thumbs up for me for Steven Spielberg and Robin Williams as the icing of the cake as The Doctor,

Ebert: Well, Gene, I have to disagree with you there. While I've been a fan of Williams' comedic talents for years, I don't think he was the right choice for The Doctor. And Spielberg's direction was just too over-the-top for my taste.

Siskel: Seriously for real?

Ebert: Yes I am being serious I think Robin Williams was one of the worst choices to portray the incarnation he does have his serious moments yes but there is just moments where all I see is his stand up routine.

Siskel: I thought Williams brought a great amount of energy and wit and strength to the role of The Doctor, and Spielberg's vision of the time-traveling adventure was both imaginative and thrilling.

Ebert: I'll concede that some of the action sequences were well-executed, but I just couldn't get past the fact that this interpretation of The Doctor felt more like a Robin Williams vehicle than a true addition to the Doctor Who canon.

Siskel: I can understand your point, but I think the inclusion of Molly Ringwald and Eric Stoltz as The Doctor's companions added a nice touch of '80s nostalgia to the proceedings. Plus, the plot involving a race of rogue aliens trying to alter historical events had me on the edge of my seat.

Ebert: Though Ringwald and Stoltz were charming in their roles, and I appreciated the effort to create a story with high stakes. But in the end, I just didn't feel like Doctor Who fans were going to get what they were looking for in this incarnation The effects were certainly top-notch, and Spielberg's direction lent an epic scope to the film that was impressive to behold. But for me, the story and characters just didn't live up to the potential of the Doctor Who universe.

Siskel: So you really don't think Robin was an amazing doctor?

Ebert: No I did not and as much as I liked Williams in some of his previous roles such as The World According To Garp and Popeye. I just feel that this is a role that easily gives Williams a step down in his career than a step up. And I don't think this would be the first thing that comes to mind to get new fans to watch Doctor Who, Although I can say this film wasn't Robin's fault I think he is at least trying his best. But I just feel this was probably Spielberg's fault for the screenplay

Siskel: Have you ever even seen one episode of the Doctor Who series Roger?

Roger: after seeing this movie I don't think this will ever get me to watch the television series.