[i]At the Movies[/i] Casts Its Two New Leads - Today's News: Our Take

Ben Lyons by Maury Phillips/ WireImage.com, Ben Mankiewicz by Jordan Strauss/ WireImage.com

On the heels of the news that Roger Ebert and Richard Roeper no longer will be hosting the syndicated At the Movies review series, Disney Domestic Television has announced who will. Ben Lyons, the son of film critic Jeffrey and a reporter for E! News, will join Turner Classic Movies' Ben Mankiewicz in the balcony come September.

The Bens' thumbs will be turned neither up nor down, however, as Ebert and former cohost Gene Siskel's widow own the trademark. — Matt Mitovich

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Jul 23, 2008 8:57 AM

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I haven't watched the show for years, but might have to pick it up again. I love Ben Mankiewicz and his wry sense of humor.
Posted by monkey65 Jul 23, 2008 10:16 AM Report Abuse

I came to say the opposite. I hate Ben Lyons and his inane opinions. He clearly got into the business thru narcissism. I will follow Roger Ebert wherever he goes, for as long as he can put pen to paper. I wish we could hear his voice again, but his critiques, whether spoken or written, are the best around. (except for Maitland's of course)
Posted by Maggiemei Jul 23, 2008 10:34 AM Report Abuse

I've seen Ben M. on TCM and I like his style. I wondered if TCM was grooming him to be Robert Osborne's heir apparent. Never heard of the kid, Ben L.
Posted by zortil Jul 23, 2008 10:45 AM Report Abuse

I have always loved Ebert and wish him well in whatever he does next. I hope it's something I can see on TV. I NEVER liked Roeper from day one so no loss that he'll be gone. I've seen Mankiewicz hosting classic movies and like him a lot. He always seems to know his stuff, don't know how he'll do as a critic on current movies but I think maybe okay and am willing to give him a chance. As for the other guy, I hope he's not another thinks-he-knows-it-all idiot like Roeper.

Posted by Mircat

Jul 23, 2008 12:08 PM

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Does anybody really care...
Posted by bb10chat Jul 23, 2008 12:30 PM Report Abuse

So, they're both named Ben? Won't that get confusing?
Posted by Master Moron Jul 23, 2008 1:00 PM Report Abuse

So, they're both named Ben? Won't that get confusing? - Master Moron Only if you watch it. I don't want to just do a cut and paste, so here's what I said yesterday about this turn of events (the word "events" being used loosely).
Posted by Chappy Quiddick Jul 23, 2008 1:59 PM Report Abuse

I've seen Lyons on E. He's an airhead. Don't know the other fellow. My cable system doesn't carry TCM. I always liked Ebert and still enjoy reading his reviews. He's a brilliant writer. Roeper is an arrogant, opinionated know nothing who never should have been given the job, so good riddance to him.
Posted by showfan Jul 23, 2008 2:04 PM Report Abuse

I will REALLY miss Richard Roepper!! I think he had a good finger on the Pulse of things, and a good balance of knowing what men AND women would like. I'll miss that
Posted by tazzyt Jul 23, 2008 2:08 PM Report Abuse

I stopped watching when Ebert got sick. Roeper was okay (no Gene Siskel of course) but I never really warmed up to his rotating cohosts. As far as critcizing him, calling him arrogant and opinionated is really kind of stupid since if he did not have an opinion, the show would be what? 22 minutes of dead air. Was he not payed to give his opinion? He might be guilty of arrogance but that pretty much goes with the job. Perhaps his arrogance just needed to be tempered with a strong cohost like Ebert.

Posted by PKK

Jul 23, 2008 2:11 PM

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I used to really like Ben Mankiewicz until I saw him selling out and reporting for TMZ. Now? Not so much. (here's hoping this Ben Lyons is less plastic than his dad)
Posted by achyfakey Jul 23, 2008 3:10 PM Report Abuse

Looks like 2 good choices, althought I do admit I am not familiar with either. I know that they cannot do thumbs - up or down ---I suggest they grade the films with report card-typed grades: A,B,C,D, & F (& used + or - if needed). When will they start & on whick channel?
Posted by sedonaal Jul 23, 2008 3:20 PM Report Abuse

Why the change now? I was pretty impressed with the way Roeper kept the name, and I liked their new cast. Will make sure to find this new show and not watch it.
Posted by alex2334 Jul 23, 2008 3:26 PM Report Abuse

When will they start & on whick channel? - sedonaal Movie fans everywhere will be able to start ignoring it the weekend of September 6. It's a syndicated show (as it always has been), so you'll have to check your local listings for the time and channel in your area. Actually, that brings up a question -- since it's a Disney show, does it air on ABC affiliates in most markets now?
Posted by Chappy Quiddick Jul 23, 2008 3:41 PM Report Abuse

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At the Movies Casts Its Two New Leads