Earlier this year we announced that the long running movie review show At the Movies was being cancelled after 35 years on the air. With the evolution of movie reviews, punditry and commentary the show was becoming less and less media relevant.
Now Roger Ebert himself has announced he will ressurect the title and bring a whole new version of At The Movies back.
The two main co-hosts will be Christy Lemire, a critic from The Associated Press, and Elvis Mitchell from National Public Radio (and formerly critic of The New York Times). There will also be regular guest hosts Kim Morgan (MSN Movies, Huffington Post) and Omar Moore (The Popcorn Reel), both respected film bloggers.
Ebert had this to say about the new show:
“I believe that by returning to its public roots, our new show will win better and more consistent time slots in more markets. American television is swamped by mindless gossip about celebrities, and I’m happy this show will continue to tell viewers honestly if the critics think a new movie is worth seeing.”
I think this is brilliant. Roger Ebert, regardless of how recently he has been proving his dated views are less relevant is making a turn and a strategic effort to resolve this.
The new show is taking advantage of modern critics with a variety of hosts and reviewers. However reviews themselves will still be hosted by pairs and the classic Thumbs Up-Thumbs Down rating system will return.
Furthermore, web personalities and respected bloggers are being invited into the inner circle. I myself am a product of this evolution of the field that Ebert seemed stuck in the past of, and now he is proudly stepping forward.
Cheers Roger Ebert! Despite my difference to your opinions, I have always respected what you have brought to the industry, and this is one more reason!
Best of Luck on the new show!
