Ironically, New Hosts of At The Movies Not a Hit With Critics
So… the new version of At The Movies debuted last week for the first time without Ebert or Roeper. In their place were the two Bens (Mankiewicz and Lyons), who have changed the format to be a lot more glossy and quicker paced. In particular, they’ve introduced a new segment called Critics Roundup, where a number of other critics join them via satellite, CNN style, to argue over a movie and attempt to sneak in a few one-liners.
Not surprisingly, the reaction to the show’s new direction has not been that great so far. Phil Rosenthal at the Chicago Tribune pointed out some of the complaints that people have (mainly that it lacks depth and insight). Still, I don’t think there was any question that this was going to alienate old fans of the show… the real question is whether or not this will attract a different, younger demographic. And from what I’ve seen, these guys just aren’t hip enough for that. I haven’t watched the whole show yet myself, but I found a YouTube clip of their intro below. Has anyone out there seen it? If so, what did you think?
Comments (16)
I kind of liked that they brought in other critics to discuss the movies but it still didnt add any depth. I believe the one woman was from Real TV. Isnt that a reality program?
Posted by Me on September 11th, 2008I saw it, it was a disgrace
Posted by TheMovieVampire on September 11th, 2008It looks like producers just walked into an L.A. Applebee’s and picked the first two dudes they saw to be the new hosts.
Posted by Joel on September 11th, 2008The new format/hosts is a giant step backwards from the realm of stuff worth watching to the realm of stuff worth avoiding.
Posted by mooney47 on September 11th, 2008Um, I was wondering why people didn’t like these guys. So I watched the YouTube clip above. But the clip didn’t have them reviewing anything! Otherwise, they seemed pleasant enough.
(Besides not saying “um,” I have to remember not to spread my hands out continually while I’m talking when I get a movie review television show of my own.
)
Posted by Reed Farrington on September 11th, 2008Reed,
I guess I shouldn’t judge these guys before I actually see them review stuff. It’s just that judging from this clip (which is of course only a minute long) they seem kind of annoying, especially the younger guy. They just don’t seem to have any character. Even Richard Roeper, who can be pretty cheesy (especially in his Sun-Times columns) had character and always made for a lively show. I dunno, these guys just don’t look like they’re gonna cut the mustard …
Posted by Joel on September 11th, 2008I really like Ben Mankiewicz but this isn’t good, i might as well watch e news. But Lyons can go step in-front of a bus for all I care.
Posted by Drew on September 11th, 2008Its unfair to blame the new hosts for the disrespect Disney had by revamping a classic program. I’ve watch the At The movies format since Roger and Gene started it on PBS. I think Richard Roeper did a great job carrying the mantle set by Siskel and Ebert. I DVR-ed Roeper and Micheal Phillips show when they reviewed the Dark Knight.and I wont erase it. They did a great job. Bottom line- Disney makes enought money they should have kept the program the way it was. This version is watchable but it won’t have the class that it had, and thats ashame!
Posted by entertainmenttodayandbeyond on September 12th, 2008What’s so wrong with having an intelligent review show? Argh!
Posted by Paul on September 12th, 2008They just didn’t seem genuine…all hosts are corny (and I think thats an important quality of a host) but these guys were ridiculous with that act (specifically Ben Lyons). Neither of them have even a drop of humor in their personality either.
Posted by Ryan M. on September 13th, 2008I didn’t find Siskel & Ebert (or Roeper) very intelligent, but I’m speaking relatively.
Jay says I don’t have a sense of humour.
I remember when Charlie Sheen took over from Michael J. Fox on Spin City and the naysayers came out in force. Charlie Sheen seems to be doing alright in the sitcom genre now.
Give the guys a chance, for heaven’s sake.
(I speak for the underdog, and all dogs in general.)
Posted by Reed Farrington on September 13th, 2008Have you seen Amadeus Reed? Great movie.
I speak for all mediocrities. I am their patron saint.
Posted by Henrik on September 13th, 2008Yes, I have seen Amadeus, Henrik. I don’t remember those lines from the movie, but I can imagine F. Murray Abraham’s character saying them.
Posted by Reed Farrington on September 15th, 2008It’s some of the last lines of the film.
Posted by Henrik on September 15th, 2008Just like that, from a classic to a dumbed down pile of …..
oh well, one less show to Tivo
Posted by T.L. on January 28th, 2009So is At the Movies still being made? I haven’t bothered following what’s happening with that show.
Was the general Internet community negative? Did the producers respond in anyway? Did they make any changes? Is the show doing well?
Posted by Reed Farrington on January 28th, 2009Leave a Reply