"At the Movies"

[RALfan]

Another big shark jump for THE movie review series as both Ebert and Roeper have been replaced as part of a format overhaul:

http://www.suntimes.com/business/feder/1068103,movies072208.article
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/columnists/chi-tue-phil-rosenthaljul22,0,5189340.column

 

[LKellerIII]

Roger Ebert has been associated with the show in name only for a long time now. As a result of cancer surgery (jaw, I believe), he cannot talk - and it's not likely to ever change. Having him continue with the show in this capacity was bound to end. Because Roger was really the marquee name, this was probably what made Disney decide to go a "different direction." At that point, with Roeper's contract up, it was probably easy to let him go, too.

 

[briancraig]

I hate to see this show get "dumbed down" like much of what passes for "entertainment journalism" these days.

Ben Mankiewicz might be ok, but Ben Lyons? He seems much better suited for hanging out on E with the girls from "The Hills" and other MTV types than reviewing movies.

He once said "I Am Legend" was one of the greatest films of all time.

 

[RALfan]

I was taken aback when I heard the news; I was just getting used to the Richard Roeper-Michael Phillips combination (chemistry or not). I know that this is wishful thinking, but maybe WTTW could consider a revival of "Sneak Previews" with those guy as the hosts.

 

[The Atrium]

Roger Ebert has been associated with the show in name only for a long time now. As a result of cancer surgery (jaw, I believe), he cannot talk - and it's not likely to ever change. Having him continue with the show in this capacity was bound to end. Because Roger was really the marquee name, this was probably what made Disney decide to go a "different direction." At that point, with Roeper's contract up, it was probably easy to let him go, too.

I am very sorry to hear that about Roger. How sad.