It looks like replacements for Ebert and Roeper were already chosen. We get wind today that Ben Lyons and Ben Mankiewicz have been tapped to take over At The Movies thanks to the good people over at the Chicago Tribune:
Ben Lyons of E! Entertainment Television and Ben Mankiewicz of Turner Classic Movies Tuesday were named co-hosts of what was described as “the new generation” of “At the Movies” by the Walt Disney Co.’s Buena Vista Productions and Disney-ABC Television Distribution.
“With the addition of Ben Lyons and Ben Mankiewicz as our talented, charismatic new co-hosts, and exciting new segments planned, we’re confident that audiences will be enjoying ‘At the Movies’ for many years to come,” said Brian Frons, who oversees Buena Vista Productions as president of Disney-ABC Television Group’s daytime division.
I am not familiar with these two gentlemen, but I will give them the benefit of the doubt. I certainly dislike the new vision for the show. I like the feel of At The Movies, two critics duking it out, making a case and picking yea or nay. Bringing in a myriad of critics from across the country is fucking whack, and saps the soul out of the show. No wonder why Ebert and Roeper decided to bail on these changes – they suck.
I like when a critic has their own show, sometimes I just want to hear the opinion of an educated and seasoned professional. Agree or no, you know you can count on them for an opinion, and half the fun is screaming at the TV when you disagree. If Ben Lyons and Ben Mankiewicz were to simply fill the seats, I would still be bummed; but far more receptive. This new direction sucks and I will not be watching. International friends – what are your thoughts?
I just watched the new show. OMG does it ever suck. Cancel it now and give “At the Movies” a proper death. I am deleting my season pass on the tivo right now.
I truly do miss Siskel and Ebert. I really do.
Should be Doug and John instead;)
Disneys a real sucky company. I hate those fucks.
Their a bunch of nazi’s.
Fuck you Disney.
Ahhh just had to vent that.
:-)
What a shame At the Movies will be removed from my TiVo. I may not have liked Roeper and guest as much as Ebert, but at least he had the integrity to pass on this sham of a show.
I hope Roeper’s new show opens quickly…
it sure says a lot about how ‘good’ this show is going to be if these are the two best critics they could get to sign on.
I hope Roeper starts up his new show quick, cause this is going to be one massive turkey.
Actually, i think it will be how long of an “Aaaaawwww Yeah Boyeeeeeee!” each film will get.
To be honest i have never heard of these guys and i follow movies and reviews closely. Who knows, maybe thats a good thing for them and us…
I agree with some of the folks who said that Phillips and A.O.Scott shoul dhave gotten a chance, but perhaps they passed too? (Although i have quite enjoyed Phillips as the ‘permanent’ fill in, and A.O.Scott was good the times he was there…) If Disney is going in some bizarre new direction maybe quite a few “traditional” critics won’t touch it.
I remember hearing stories back in the late 80’s and early 90’s when it seemed like MANY stand up comedians were getting their own show, and i heard about a few who just came out and said that they would never do one, even if offered because they would lose “street cred” (for lack of a better term) if the “sold out” and went to TV. Maybe this is similar. Dunno.
I will watch one or two shows so they can both attempt to win me over…
Check this out:
http://criticwatch.net/?tag=ben-lyons
Then, think twice about trusting the opinion of the new Roger Ebert / Ben Lyons.
He’s an idiot.
@Sound Designer Dan,
that’s a great idea about Scott and Phillips. Especially the latter – he is one of the best critics imo, at least he’s one of my favourites. But no they want two more “camera friendly” (whatever that means:P) “critics” instead of two who genuinely know what they’re talking about.
But what am I talking about – give the two spots to John and Doug; who’s with me?!
wtf awful.
lyons = billy bush.
At least it is not that blond chick from The View.
This is like Conan (well not as cool as Conan) replacing Letterman. Roeper will have his own show and take his and Ebert’s audience with him. Roeper and Phillips have been excellent successors to Siskel and Ebert, especially since they’re Film critics from the same two competing Chicago newspapers. Which was the point of the original show.
I stand corrected Rob. I felt it was unwise to assume anything about their performance, but by giving them the benefit of the doubt I did just that.
I salute you for correcting me. You are a gentleman and a scholar
Can I say… DON’T GIVE ANYONE THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT.
REMAIN SKEPTICAL UNTIL RESULTS ARE TALLIED BASED ON ACTUAL PERFORMANCE.
Just saying, that’s how media tool’s get their cred. By the benefit of your doubt. By our powers combined they are craptin Can-it.
Can anyone two say corporate puppets.
Can anyone one say corporate puppet?
Holly shit you gotta be kidding me.
Damm this !!!!
The choosing of Lyons pisses me off. The dude doesn’t know how to review films period. He called I Am Legend “one of the greatest movies ever made” for chrissakes. Why couldn’t they choose two film critics (Michael Phillips and A.O. Scott did a great job filling in for Ebert) rather than two douches who don’t know ANYTHING about film other than “yup, it was good.” Hell, I’d even take Harry Knowles over these two guys.
@Handle
I’ve seen Lions doing much the same somewhere. I can’t say I was impressed with what he was doing. Maybe the new venue will be a place where he can shine. Regardless, I’m not impressed with what I hear about the future direction of At the Movies. The last thing we need is another entertainment gossip vlog. Blegh.
I only know the Lions guy from seeing him occassionally when I’m flipping channels and accidently run across E!. I actually stop to look when I see they are reviewing movies. Honest, that is the only reason I would watch that channel :p (oh and the SOUP!).
From everything I’ve seen, his movie reviews just consist of him saying “It was cool!”….stuff like that. Hopefully I’m wrong.
shit doug that is gold take it down so they dont steal it!
Maybe 1-5 fist pumps?
How will they rate the movies seeings as how ebert has the thumbs up stuff trademarked? Just curious lol.