Moviemakers take note: Critic Gene Siskel is back in his balcony seat and ready to give any deserving film a big thumbs down.

The Chicago-based critic was back in the TV studio for the first time Wednesday since undergoing surgery last month to remove a growth from his brain."To Hollywood I just want to say: `Just when you thought it was safe to make a bad movie, I'm back,"' Siskel said to open the episode of "Siskel & Ebert."

Siskel, 52, and co-host Roger Ebert are in the 23rd season of their show, which airs each weekend in national syndication.

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