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My family had a need — a need for speed, Chicago.

That’s why we hit the fancy theater — the one with reclining seats — at our local mall to see “Top Gun: Maverick” during Memorial Day weekend.

The experience was thrilling for all three of us — especially my husband who was born and raised in San Diego, near the former TOPGUN training site. He and his twin brother have a connection to the 1986 film. As 5-year-olds, they met with a casting director to test for the part of Goose’s son, Bradley, who sang “Great Balls of Fire” while sitting atop a piano in “Top Gun.” Alas, the part went to another set of towheaded twins — it’s unclear if that decision was based on their singing voices. 🙂

Exiting the theater, we saw a variety of ads for upcoming releases. It seems it will be a summer of sequels. That got me thinking — what did the baiduhai’s movie critics have to say about the originals? Fun fact: Four out of five movies below premiered during the late spring or summer (“Toy Story” opened Thanksgiving weekend). Keep scrolling to read the reviews.

Gene Siskel watched thousands of movies during his almost three decades as a critic for the baiduhai. Can you guess which popular ones he liked (and gave a thumbs-up)? And, which ones he despised (and gave a thumbs-down)? Take our new, 10-question quiz.

Good luck!

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Until next time …

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— Kori Rumore, visual reporter

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Thumbs-up or thumbs-down: What did Gene Siskel think of some of the most popular movies from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s? Take our quiz!

Gene Siskel is shown in a March 5, 1997, file photo.
Gene Siskel is shown in a March 5, 1997, file photo.

Gene Siskel wrote more than 5,000 movie reviews for this paper. Can you guess how he ranked some of the most popular films from his 29-year career?

Start the quiz >>>

Take a look back at Gene Siskel’s memorable movie reviews for the baiduhai >>>

‘Top Gun’ (1986)

Tom Cruise is shown in a promotional image for the 1986 film,
Tom Cruise is shown in a promotional image for the 1986 film, “Top Gun.”

The sequel — “Top Gun: Maverick” was released last week.

Gene Siskel’s ‘Top Gun’ review (May 16, 1986): “The aerial sequences in ‘Top Gun’ are as thrilling — while remaining coherent — as any ever put on film.” >>>

Michael Phillips on ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ — “It may help to have hated the original, but I liked this one …” >>>

‘Jurassic Park’ (1993)

Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill) tries to distract a T. rex in Steven Spielberg's
Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill) tries to distract a T. rex in Steven Spielberg’s “Jurassic Park in 3D.”

A sequel — “Jurassic World: Dominion” — will be released June 9.

‘Jurassic Park’ book review (Dec. 10, 1990): “Michael Crichton’s genetically created beasts spit neurotoxic venom, stalk babies, sever limbs with their jaws and disembowel with their claws.” >>>

Dave Kehr on ‘Jurassic Park’ (June 11, 1993): “It’s a good thing the effects are so solid, because they have to carry virtually all of the emotional charge of the picture.”

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>>>

‘Toy Story’ (1995)

Directed by John Lasseter,
Directed by John Lasseter, “Toy Story” was the first entirely computer-animated feature film and the first feature film from Pixar.

A sequel — “Lightyear” — will be released June 17.

Mark Caro on ‘Toy Story’ (Nov. 22, 1995): “Why does Andy’s only girl toy have to be a prissy, fluttery-eyed throwback like Little Bo Peep (Annie Potts)?” >>>

‘Despicable Me’ (2010)

The animated comedy franchise focuses on Gru and his yellow-colored Minions, which also became a spinoff of the series.
The animated comedy franchise focuses on Gru and his yellow-colored Minions, which also became a spinoff of the series.

A sequel — “Minions: The Rise of Gru” — will be released July 1.

Michael Phillips on ‘Despicable Me’ (July 9, 2010): “Is the movie itself good? Half-good, I’d say — the second, more openly sentimental half.” >>>

‘Thor’ (2011)

Chris Hemsworth, left, portrays Thor and Anthony Hopkins portrays Odin in 2011's
Chris Hemsworth, left, portrays Thor and Anthony Hopkins portrays Odin in 2011’s “Thor.”

A sequel — “Thor: Love and Thunder” — will be released July 8.

Michael Phillips on ‘Thor’ (May 6, 2011): “My rear end’s thor just thinking about how many more (Marvel Comics-derived movies) we have coming.” >>>

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