July
21
Lyons and Mankiewicz To Replace Ebert and Roeper
During negotiations to extend Richard Roeper's contract for At the Movies, Disney ABC Domestic Television abruptly ended the talks. Thus Roeper, followed by the show's co-founder, Roger Ebert, left the show. On Tuesday, Disney ABC will announce announced that E! Entertainment critic Ben Lyons and Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz are take over hosting duties on a revamped At the Movies aimed at a younger demo. I have never seen either of these guys. But the hue and cry is going to be fun to watch. The older target demo for Ebert and Roeper will protest. And the younger demo probably doesn't care!
Meanwhile Roeper and Chicago Tribune critic Michael Phillips will shop their show to interested buyers.
The weird thing is: when Ebert and his first co-host Gene Siskel first left PBS's Sneak Previews, Jeffrey Lyons, the father of Ben, took over the show. Here's a clip from Neal Gabler and Jeffrey Lyons on Sneak Previews in 1983:
Here's Ben Lyons talking about his pal Nikki Blonsky and the Golden Globes:
Ben Mankiewicz looks slightly more promising. After all, he is the son of Frank Mankiewicz and grandson of screenwriter Herman Mankiewicz (Citizen Kane). Here he is on Air America's The Young Turks, interviewing Mel Brooks:
Of course on September 6, I will check these guys out and see how they do. I've been watching this show since it started three decades ago, through all its incarnations. But they may lose me now. This duo had better be damned impressive.
Tuesday's Disney press release is on the jump.
[Headshots courtesy Awards Daily]
Television’s most popular and respected movie review program, “At The Movies,” today announced that two new charismatic co-hosts, Ben Lyons and Ben Mankiewicz, will co-host the next generation of the series when its new season begins the weekend of September 6, 2008. Both of these critics will bring their unique personalities and extensive qualifications to the series, and the show will also be adding several new exciting segments. This follows the announcement that famed Pulitzer Prize-winning film critic Roger Ebert and his co-host Richard Roeper have bid farewell to the weekly television series.A native New Yorker and best known as E! Entertainment’s resident film expert, Ben Lyons interviews actors and reports from film festivals around the globe. His versatility as a host and critic finds him on the red carpet and reviewing films for “E! News,“ “The Daily Ten,” as well as his featured blog and original broadband series, “The Lyons Den,” on E! Online. Lyons has previously been featured on “Good Morning America,” MTV’s “Your Movie Show,” “MSNBC at the Movies” and “Access Hollywood,” and has a passion for music having worked as a segment producer on the nationally syndicated “Hip-Hop Nation.”
Ben Mankiewicz has been a popular host for Turner Classic Movies for five years. He was also the host of “The Young Turks” on Sirius Satellite Radio, a live, daily alternative talk show discussing politics, film, pop culture, sports, and media. Prior to his work on Turner Classic Movies, Mankiewicz was a reporter and anchor for WCSC-TV in Charleston, North Carolina and he also served as the anchor of “The Times,” a daily news magazine at WAMI-TV Miami.
"I am incredibly excited to be involved with such a prestigious show," said co-host Ben Lyons. "Reviewing films for a living is a thrill, and now that I will be a critic for 'At the Movies,' it is an honor and huge responsibility that I look forward to.”
“I am thrilled and honored beyond words to be joining the series,” added co-host Ben Mankiewicz. “As a movie fanatic, this is my dream job. Without question, I certainly have very big shoes to fill.”
In addition to the new co-hosts, “At the Movies” will also introduce new segments, a new set, new music and new graphics with the September premiere. The show will continue its signature “cross-talk” reviews, where the co-hosts debate the latest motion picture and DVD releases, and add “Critics Round-Up,” which features the co-hosts in lively discussions with other well-respected critics via satellite from cities across the country. Also, in the “3 to See” segment, the co-hosts recommend their top three “must see” films in theatres now, to give viewers a chance to make quick decisions on what to see that weekend.In discussing the future of the series, Brian Frons, president, Daytime, Disney-ABC Television Group, who oversees Buena Vista Productions, stated, “Over the years, ‘At the Movies’ has become synonymous with fun, compelling movie reviews. 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.”
Both Ben Lyons and Ben Mankiewicz grew up immersed in the movie business; one in a family of film critics and one in a family of filmmakers. Lyons comes from a very distinguished family of journalists and film critics, including his father, film critic Jeffrey Lyons, and grandfather, renowned New York Post columnist Leonard Lyons. Mankiewicz comes from a legendary filmmaking family. Mankiewicz’s grandfather, Herman Mankiewicz, won an Oscar for writing the screenplay for “Citizen Kane.” His great uncle, Joseph Mankiewicz, won four Oscars for writing and directing “All About Eve and “A Letter to Three Wives.” His cousin, Tom Mankiewicz, wrote several classic James Bond movies including “The Man with the Golden Gun,” “Live and Let Die,” and “Diamonds Are Forever.” He also wrote “Superman” and “Superman II.”
The show’s comprehensive website, AtTheMoviesTV.com, is the only online destination on the internet to feature a 20-year video archive of every movie review in the show’s history, and will offer full-length reviews for all the movies and DVDs reviewed each week by Lyons and Mankiewicz. In addition, the new “Critics Round-Up” will be incorporated into the site, along with a number of new online-exclusive features in coming months.
Buena Vista Productions has also named David Plummer as the new executive producer of “At the Movies.” Plummer will be upped from his current position as supervising producer on “At the Movies with Ebert & Roeper.”
Television pioneers Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel first paired up in 1975 at WTTW in Chicago when they hosted the local movie review show, “Sneak Previews.” In 1978, the show moved to PBS and was syndicated shortly thereafter by Tribune Syndication and was renamed “At the Movies.” In 1986, Disney-ABC Domestic Television (then known as Buena Vista Television) acquired the show, calling it “Siskel & Ebert & the Movies.” Upon Gene Siskel’s passing in 1999, the show retained the “Siskel & Ebert” title until the following fall when it became “Roger Ebert & the Movies.” In July 2000, film critic Richard Roeper was named Ebert’s new co-host and the show was retitled, “Ebert & Roeper and the Movies.” The show was renamed “Ebert & Roeper” in 2001 and subsequently was modified to “At the Movies with Ebert & Roeper” last year. Ebert celebrated his 30th anniversary as a television film critic in 2005.“It has been a remarkable 22 years working with our good friend Roger Ebert,” commented Janice Marinelli, president, Disney-ABC Domestic Television. “Roger is an exceedingly gifted critic and journalist who has made an indelible mark on the film industry. It has been our privilege to work alongside Roger and we are proud to have been his television partner for these many years. He is an extraordinary man of uncompromising strength and determination.” She continued, “Richard’s talent, enthusiasm and insights have been an integral part of the show for the past eight seasons. We thank him for his invaluable contributions and we are especially grateful to him for hosting the show so skillfully these past two years during Roger’s absence. We wish them both the very best.”
“At the Movies” will debut its 23rd season in national syndication the weekend of September 6, 2008. Buena Vista Production oversees production of the series, which is distributed by Disney-ABC Domestic Television. The series is produced at WLS-TV in Chicago. Check local listings for time and channel at www.AtTheMoviesTV.com.
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Great info, as always.
(I believe you spelled Ben's last name two different ways in this post/headline, fyi)
Posted by: Christian Toto | July 22, 2008 at 06:33 AM
According to your article Ben Lyons actually called I Am Legend "one of the greatest movies ever made" Yeah...right. It's not going to be a film review show anymore but a kiss ass PR show for upcoming movies. I don't think I or you anyone seriously interested in films will be watching this show except for people who think Entertainment Tonight or Access Hollywood isn't giving them enough
Posted by: sergio | July 22, 2008 at 06:52 AM
This sounds like a complete disaster.
Posted by: Bill Shatner | July 22, 2008 at 10:17 AM
I'm a member of the "younger demographic", and I have to say I'm fairly appalled by this. Maybe these guys are good, I don't know them well enough to say, but Ebert and Roeper were good at what they did, and I have no desire to see them replaced by a guy who works for E!
Posted by: Stephen | July 22, 2008 at 10:25 AM
another idiotic corporate decision
Posted by: filmbuff | July 22, 2008 at 11:01 AM
I get my fix from rottentomatoes.
Posted by: RC | July 22, 2008 at 11:03 AM
I am going to miss that show.
Its a sad day for people who enjoy movie reviews. The corporations corrupt everything they touch. Pretty soon there wont be anything left to ruin.
-Rest in Peace Gene Siskel
-Roger Ebert lost his voice but his great critical mind remains intact.
-Richard Roeper did a great job trying to replace a legend.
Posted by: sense | July 22, 2008 at 11:39 AM
Mankiewicz is an interesting choice as he has face recognition from the TCM crowd, suggesting a serious approach. But I don't know who this Lyons fella is, but I don't think he'll be bringing the E! watchers with him.
Either way, appealing to the young generation is pointless. They don't get their film criticism from weekend morning television shows (depending up on syndication of course).
Posted by: Robert | July 22, 2008 at 12:42 PM
One less show to TiVo. Now I am down to Nova and Frontline. It was a great run. They did a good job rolling with the punches over the years with the death of Gene and Roger's illness.
All this could have been avoided if they'd hired you after your terrific guest spot, Anne!
Posted by: Glenn Abel | July 22, 2008 at 01:20 PM
I agree. This is one less show for me to Tivo. If they could have pried Christy Lemire from AP, I would watch. Instead, I will wait for Ebert and Roeper's next incarnation.
Posted by: Eddie Southards | July 22, 2008 at 05:59 PM
It is truly a sad day in the movie industry, when we lose the last remaining critic show on tv. We have Richard Roeper, who has a unique perspective on films, and is one of my favorite film critics. Then you have Micheal Phillips, who adds some good argumentive points with Roeper, and he is really good at what he does. Sure, he's no Siskel, and he is no Roger Ebert, but he is creative and it was fun tuning in every sunday night at 11:34 to see critics at their absolute best.
I know who Ben Lyons is and he is sub-par. There is no way he can appeal to the younger crowd, because he does not have that quirky edge that Roeper has. Which in my mind was perfect for younger, and older audiences. There is nothing wrong with Roeper and Phillips, please do not ruin a classic.
Posted by: Damon Larkins | July 22, 2008 at 08:13 PM
I'm afraid I will not miss Richard Roeper. I do not find him to be an insightful movie critic nor do I find him to be an interesting television presence; indeed, I find him annoying. I used to watch "At the Movies" after Gene Siskel's death because of the wonderful Roger Ebert; but with Ebert's "departure" the show has become tedious.
Perhaps these new guys will give us something fresh. Probably not ... but one can hope.
Posted by: Alvin | July 22, 2008 at 09:15 PM
It's hard to believe in 2008 that one of the co-hosts isn't a woman. Dumb move Disney.
Posted by: L.A. | July 23, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Ben Lyons is a terrific choice. He's incredibly articulate and charismatic and did a great interview on my TV show, which you can see on my Youtube channel. He's knowledgeable and passionate and even though I might not agree with the films he LOVES- like "Into the Wild", he had respect for my opinions and he's really got all the right stuff to make it and endure on TV. His father Jeffrey Lyons is one of the great TV film critics and his grandfather Leonard Lyons was the great Broadway columnist, who famously knew both Ava Gardner and Rocky Graziano. Ben is a terrifc choice. He can't miss.
Posted by: Stephen Holt | July 25, 2008 at 07:30 AM
This episode will become a Harvard Business School case study demonstrating how the MBA suits at Disney really screwed up.
I look forward to watching Phillips and Roeper At The Movies when it comes into being.
Posted by: Film Fan | July 31, 2008 at 03:11 AM
Ben Mankiewicz is wonderful. I watch him on the Young Turks on his special "Wildcard bensdays", now random pop ins. He's a really genuine, interesting guy to listen to, he'll make a great addition. I've heard nothing good of Ben Lyons on the other hand.
Posted by: Sam. | August 20, 2008 at 11:16 PM
Saw this show twice. I do not like the guys, their brash commenting or the set. They are not thoughtful. That's what critiquing is about as far as I know. They may be right on their reviews but their delivery is poor. I really can't stand the set or the way the 3 other reviewers are presented. Not good theatre.
Posted by: joanne aloni | September 14, 2008 at 07:01 PM
Are you F***ing kidding me????? Disney needs to pull their heads out of their asses. This new show SUCKS!
SKIP IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bring back Roeper and Phillips
Posted by: Paul Olson | September 14, 2008 at 07:04 PM
This is unbelievable! I am with Sergio: this Lions (or Lyons, whatever) guy said that I Am Legend is one of the best films of 2007? Man, what do you, midia corporate americans, have in your freaking minds? Ebert is the last critic on television and, at least, he knows how to choose the guys with whom he talks about movies...
Posted by: Alessandri | September 14, 2008 at 08:59 PM
As far as I know, good wine is first aged before it's served! Youth is not everything. These two misfits do not impress me a bit, along with the the choir. They think to talk fast is a sign of knowleadge. It becomes irritating and distracting after a while. You have replaced a Ferrari with a Pinto and will tragically continue with your denials until we all go to a hopefully new program with Roeper & company et al at another channel!
Posted by: bob m. | September 19, 2008 at 03:04 PM
Movies have a 5-minute rule, tv shows get 5 seconds. That's all this show will ever get from me. Five whole seconds of my life gone forever.
I continue to rely on Roger Ebert, Anthony Lane, the NY Times & the Washington Post for in-print reviews. Jeffrey Lyons & his co-anchor are now my TV show reviewers.
(I will always love Mr. Mankiewicz's grandfather. Always. No matter what his grandson does.)
Posted by: Arlene | September 19, 2008 at 03:33 PM
Siskel and Ebert were classic. Roeper and Phillips were well on their way with similar chemistry. Why did Disney have to screw it up? I have wathced the new show several times, and it does not compare. Perhaps PBS can pick up Michael and Richard.
Posted by: DDN | October 22, 2008 at 10:31 PM