Despite receiving harsh criticism from the late film critic Roger Ebert, the movie The Skulls is actually quite good and doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. Released in March 2000, it came out between the popular horror films Final Destination and Scream 3 – a great period for thriller fans! The Skulls featured a well-known young cast and a captivating story. Joshua Jackson, fresh off his success as Pacey Witter on Dawson’s Creek, and Paul Walker, recently known for the comedy She’s All That, both starred in the film.
Despite the film’s central mystery, Ebert had no interest in becoming involved and didn’t like the movie at all.
Roger Ebert was known for his honesty, whether he was praising a beloved actor like Robert Mitchum or writing a harsh review. Many people miss his writing because of his love for movies and his elegant style. While he didn’t enjoy The Skulls, it’s understandable why others might see it differently.
Roger Ebert Hated ‘The Skulls,’ But It’s a Fun Coming of Age Story
Universal Pictures
In March 2000, film critic Roger Ebert gave the movie The Skulls a very poor review, awarding it only one star. He immediately pointed out the film’s lack of humor, wryly noting, “It isn’t a comedy, but that won’t stop anyone.” He then continued with his critique:
It’s so absurd and flawed that it somehow becomes strangely impressive. There’s really nothing else quite like it.
Despite Roger Ebert’s negative review, The Skulls has gained a dedicated following and is actually a very enjoyable movie. It was a financial success, earning over $50 million with a relatively small $15 million budget, partly thanks to its appealing young cast featuring stars like Leslie Bibb, Paul Walker, and Joshua Jackson. While Ebert disliked it, The Skulls is a surprisingly thoughtful coming-of-age story that explores universal themes of belonging, fitting in, and staying true to yourself.
It’s been a while since we’ve seen a truly memorable college movie, but The Skulls offers a somewhat compelling story. The film follows Luke McNamara, a determined rower and aspiring lawyer who gets involved with a secret society. While Luke isn’t a groundbreaking character – he’s the familiar type of ambitious student striving for a better life – he’s still easy to root for. He embodies the dreams of many college students, and his journey is inspiring despite the movie’s occasionally over-the-top style. Paul Walker also delivers a strong performance as Caleb Mandrake, a member of The Skulls.
Let’s face it, The Skulls is simply an enjoyable story about a secret society. While critic Roger Ebert points out some plot holes, the film isn’t meant to be a deep or artistic masterpiece. It’s similar to other college movies from the late 90s and early 2000s, like the horror film Urban Legend or the comedy The Rules of Attraction. The Skulls isn’t a classic, and it doesn’t reach the level of quality of a film like Almost Famous. But it captures the spirit of college – a time of growth, self-discovery, and fun. Many viewers can relate to the main character’s journey, and it’s easy to see why he’d be drawn to this society, even if things don’t go as planned.
While Roger Ebert wasn’t a fan of The Skulls, it still has some enjoyable qualities. The movie is delightfully silly, with over-the-top dialogue, and the plot twist might surprise you. Even though he disliked the film, Ebert’s review itself is wonderfully written, as always. He described the movie’s setting as:
The building was an elaborate, Gothic-style structure with countless scenic views, archways, hidden spaces, grand halls, and even indoor pools and porches – exactly the kind of place Dracula would build if money were no object.
The author, an alum of the University of Toronto where The Skulls was filmed, is playfully teasing that it’s a pretty great movie – even if you already enjoy it! While The Skulls is worth a watch, the sequels (The Skulls II and The Skulls III) weren’t good enough for a theatrical release, so feel free to skip those. And if you’re in the mood for a similar vibe, you might want to revisit Urban Legend, though it only received two stars from Roger Ebert.
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2026-02-22 04:20