Roger Ebert's memoir 'Life Itself' heading for the big screen

Here’s some news that gets a definite thumbs up: Film critic Roger Ebert announced via Twitter today that his 2011 memoir, Life Itself, is going to become the basis for a documentary.

The project is bringing together a trio heavy-hitters: director Steve James (Hoop Dreams) and screenwriter Steve Zaillian (Schindler’s List) optioned the book, and Martin Scorsese is on board as executive producer. Ebert’s memoir chronicles his more than 40-year career as one of the nation’s best-known movie critics, his struggle with alcoholism, and his battle with thyroid cancer, which has left the 70-year-old Pulitzer Prize-winner unable to speak, eat, or drink.