This weekend, the new, Ben Lyons-less version of At The Movies will premiere, with pipin’-fresh hosts A. O. Scott (from The New York Times) and Michael Phillips (from The Chicago Tribune). Check your local listings. At The Movies, after a period spent hyping movies with gaseous air (well, Lyons’ co-host Ben Mankiewicz wasn’t bad — it’s just that the Other Ben made the show another ridiculous enterprise that cynically thinks anyone born after 1985 isn’t interested in the history of movies), seems to have gone for intelligence and experience this time around. This preview is certainly encouraging:
I mean, when was the last time you heard anyone on TV say, “[Growing up,] criticism was something I always enjoyed”? It’s enough to make film buffs — hell, criticism buffs of any kind — feel something like joy.
But will it get ratings? Will you be watching the new, doubtlessly improved At The Movies?
Being an avid fans of movies, ESPECIALLY loved Siskel and Ebert’s At The Movies. Those were critics who gave us filmgoers/lovers real insight. I would love it even more if the new show stays in one time slot, not to moved all over the place, like the previous shows. I keep my fingers crossed….insightful and intelligent film discussions and critiques. No goofyness. or pandering to the X gen only. There are actual people like me that can remember films older than 5 years ago
Ben Lyons had to be the worst “critic” I ever witnessed on TV. How he ever got the job is a mystery. Thank god he is history.
Love both of these guys, would watch this for hours.
Thank goodness it is getting real thoughful critics. I couldn’t stomach this latest version and deleted it from the TIVO season pass immediately. I am thrilled that AO and Michael will be on the air. Adding it back to my season pass list tonight!
Definitely interested in checking this out. Agree that Mankiewicz wasn’t bad at all, but suffered massively due to being stuck with that tool Lyons.
These guys look like it will be a welcome return to form of the old Siskel and Ebert days.
I like the change, but this introduction seems a little insulting to the Bens, no?
I thought more was wrong with the show not finding it’s groove; they tried those 3 silly extra reviewers….what was that all about? But, Ben Lyons wasn’t terrible! I’m a baby boomer and found many of his reviews interesting. For those really critical, move past it and stop the overkill.
Wow, could they have a bit more subtle about bashing the previous incarnation? “Accomplished critics,” “serious reviews from serious journalists” — in other words, the previous guys were utter and complete crap and we don’t care who knows it.
Dammit, Jim, you beat me to the punch!
I don’t agree with all the blame of Lyons for At The Movies being so bad last year. If you paid attention to what Mankiewicz had to say about the films he saw, his words were just as empty. I could rarely find one compelling reason to see the movies because he offered nothing interesting to say about the movies. Siskel & Ebert worked because more than recommending films they actually discussed them, it was their enthusiasm and interest in certain movies that made those worth seeing. Mankiewicz nor Lyons understood that and simply listed bland bullet points of thought.
I haven’t watched this show for years. Now I’m going to go do a search on it and add it to my DVR schedule. I love intelligent conversations about intelligent films. It looks like these guys can bring the intelligent conversation, now if we can only get some intelligent films…..
I am so excited for this change. ATM has been terrible since Ben Lyons took one of the chairs. Mank was ok, but not great. I find this promo amusing in how it promotes the new hosts, both of whom I like, as “serious reviews from serious journalists.” A nice not-so-subtle slap in the face to those jokers.
Started watching “Sneak Previews” with Roger and Gene. And I’ve seen every incarnation of this show. I even suffered through Ben Lyons, because I enjoy hearing about new movies. Now, I’m so glad that they seem to be righting the ship and getting back to what made the show great. Find two guys that people trust to tell the truth about which movies are worth seeing and which ones aren’t. Some things don’t need to have their “formula” tweaked.
Am amazed Disney had the common sense
to fire Lyons. And I guess Ben’s daddy was no help. Because NBC fired his film show, too!
I can’t wait! Scott and Phillips were my favorite guest hosts during the Ebert/Roeper days!
Setting my Tivo now …
Thank GOD ! This show was such a mess last year when Disney hired those 2 twirps and geared the show toward 12-14 year olds.That demographic doesn’t care about film criticism. The whole idea was demeaning and ludicrous for those of us who grew up watching Gene and Roger. I really enjoyed Richard Roeper with Roger and miss him. Scott and Phillips are excellent critics and were always good as guest hosts with Richard. I welcome them with open arms. I’d like everyone to know you can go to Roger Ebert Dot Com. for Rogers online reviews and blogs. A truly gifted man of words and ideas. wouldn’t miss it.
No one was better than Siskel and Ebert. Miis them both, especially Roger. He always surprised me with his recommendations. Most critics only like high-brow art films. Roger knew that people also like good popcorn movies.