Hello boys and girls! I’m back for twenty seven words, but now I must go. It is a sad day today, please see below. Hey, that rhymed!
The balcony is closed.
This is the last season of “At the Movies,” the long-running syndicated review show made into a hit in the 1980s by dueling Chicago critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert.
The show’s roots go back to 1975′s “Sneak Previews.”
Here’s a statement from distributor Disney-ABC Domestic TV:
After 24 seasons with us in national syndication, the highly regarded movie review show “At the Movies” (formerly known as “Siskel & Ebert” and “Ebert & Roeper”) will air its last original broadcast the weekend of August 14, 2010.
This was a very difficult decision, especially considering the program’s rich history and iconic status within the entertainment industry, but from a business perspective it became clear this weekly, half-hour, broadcast syndication series was no longer sustainable. We gratefully acknowledge the outstanding work of the program’s current co-hosts A.O. Scott and Michael Phillips and top-notch production staff, and it is with heartfelt appreciation that we extend very special thanks to the two brilliant, visionary and incomparable critics that started it all, Roger Ebert and the late Gene Siskel.
Online reviews and aggregators like Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic have made finding knowledgeable opinions movies easier than ever for fans, yet have also evolved the consumption of criticism in such a way that made the half-hour review show seem dated. “At the Movies” also never again found a critic pairing with the chemistry that matched the breakout pairing of Siskel and Ebert.
(via THR)
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Sad day. At least it didn’t go out with the 2 Bens.
I was really saddened to hear this because I also grew up with this show. I learned so much about the movies because of guys like Siskel and Ebert. However, Ebert plans on starting a new review show, so there is hope. Check out his most recent blog entry:
http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2010/03/see_you_at_the_movies.html
I agree, I was pretty saddened too especially because the show really instructed a lot in film criticism, and not only make it kind of mainstream but also inform viewers or fans of movies on how to review movies. This show will truly be missed. Truly the end of an era.
What the fuck happened to you mother fuckers? I thoght you dropped off the face of the Earth. Guess not.
So then, WHAT THE FUCK ASSHOLES? you said you would blog more and you haven’t. FUCK YOU COCKSUCKERS!!!
Simmer down now, my little birdie, simmer down…Before I throw a tantrum!!!
oh nadeen
You guys should try to find Richard Roeper’s appearance on the Howard Stern Show last week. He spoke a little bit about the cancellation, Roger’s medical condition, and as Howard put it, his being a “master cocksman.”
WHAT. THE. HELL.
I agree with joe. WHAT THE F*** ASSHOLES?!?!?!?!?!?!?
I admit that I was a purest when it came to “At the Movies”. I was always a Siskel fan and found Ebert to be a little too pompus. When Siskel died and was finally replaced by Roeper I thought he could not replace Siskel. Admittedly, Roeper grew on me. Yes, I was quite saddened to hear about Ebert’s illness, but the attempts to keep the show afloat with guest critics was a good attempt. However, when it turned to the two Bens, well that was certainly the last nail in the coffin. Ben Lyons should never speak of film again.
Long live the memory of the true “At the Movies with Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert.”
P.S. Jimmy, if you run into Ben Lyons on the set punch him the face for sucking so hard. Then tell him it was from Jimmy the Pirate.
chris you should put out a monthly podcast on movies i think i speak for everyone that quality doesnt matter and whats easiest for you please consider it.
One (or more) of the fans that have some time should take over and post topics for everyone to discuss. I don’t think it needs to be Chris and Jimmy leading the way anymore, as long as we stick to the general feel that they created with the podcast.
We need to keep the spirit of reviewing without cynicism alive, since I have yet to find that elsewhere. It’s the reason I liked SU so much, and I hate to see that evaporate with the podcast.
This has always been such a loyal and active fanbase, and it’s pretty clear that we’re all anxious, not being able to properly flex this muscle the way we were all used to.
@ Erik O may I suggest we talk about the recent death of, Acting legend, Denis Hopper!
Pop quiz hot shot!
Man guys, you haven’t updated for 3 months! I really miss your show, and I agree with @rich that you guys should do a monthly podcast, that wouldn’t take up to much time, would it? I’m really interested in what you guys thought of Inception, and a monthly podcast would allow me to know.