What a great film.
The first half critically summarizes Ebert's life, but the second half is where the emotional impact is really heightened. In an unfortunate way, Ebert's sudden death framed the latter half of the documentary in a more dramatic way, and I'm sure he would have appreciated that element. I hate to say it because his death was such an unfortunate thing, but I do think it ultimately gave the film a greater emotional and storytelling arc.
A great film about a great human being. Definitely try to see this one when it plays in your area.
W.W.G.D.
What Would Gibson Do?