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Steve James (Hoop Dreams) directs this documentary about the life and career of Roger Ebert, arguably the most famous and most well-loved film critic who ever lived. Life Itself begins near the end of Roger’s life, after cancer has taken his lower jaw and new growths are discovered in his spine. Before we learn too much about his prognosis, James leads us through Roger’s formative years — his climb to distinction at the Chicago Sun-Times and his Pulitzer Prize win. I suspect most people will be surprised to learn about the seedier side of Roger Ebert, the one recollected by long-time friends he made at a bar so sketchy, a decomposing corpse nearly fell through its ceiling before anyone knew the upstairs tenant had died. Then you’ll be taken inside the story of how Ebert met Gene Siskel, and boy, what a tumultuous relationship they had. They hated each other and they loved each other. Some of the outtakes from their TV show are among the most humorous highlights in the film.

Different filmmakers offer poignant and moving stories about Roger — how he helped their careers, and how he never compromised his integrity as a critic while maintaining personal relationships with some of Hollywood’s major players. Director Martin Scorsese will bring a tear to your eye with his recollection. And so will indie director Ramin Bahrani when you learn the story behind a seemingly innocuous gift he received from Roger. Other subjects interviewed include Roger’s stalwart wife, Chazz; Werner Herzog, Marlene Iglitzen (Siskel’s wife), and film critics A.O. Scott and Richard Corliss.

At a full two-hour run time, Life Itself runs a bit long, taking a macabre turn in the last quarter and perhaps focusing too much on Roger’s decline in health. But the more you know about this man’s struggle and his incredibly optimistic outlook, the more you’ll admire him.