And the Curtain Falls…

A two thumbs way down to the retirement of Ebert & Roeper. “At The Movies With Ebert & Roeper” is no more, and not because the ABC network cut it, but because Ebert and Roeper have decided to with draw from the show. The two surprised fans, audiences, and the network itself with their announcement. Why would these long-time famous hosts, especially Ebert, give up the one thing they love to do? Here’s why:

Since 1975 the shows format has been the same: two regular guys, sitting in a theater, discussing the movies they felt deserved attention. Nothing dramatic or showy about it. However, ABC has big plans in the making for the movie review show and there is going to be major changes. The network wants to move the focus from film to Hollywood – as if we need another show glorifying the hills of Beverly. The traditional “across the aisle” seating is not even in the new plans. It is because of these changes that these renowned critics are choosing to walk away. I don’t blame them. They and their predecessors created an establishment dating back 30 years ago and it has run successfully since. So why does ABC feel the need to go a different direction? There’s no good reason for the change.

The two people rumored to be next in line for Ebert and Roeper’s positions are Ben Lyons of E! Entertainment Television and Ben Mankiewicz of Turner Classic Movies, although neither the replacements nor ABC has any idea what will happen. Ebert and Roeper’s withdrawal was not in the original plan for change and has caused a speed-bump in the transition. Of course, it would make complete sense if Lyons was given the position, considering Jeffrey Lyons was his father, who was the successor to Ebert and Gene Siskel when they left TV’s “Sneak Previews” in 1982. Looks like another Lyons will replace another Ebert. I’ve always wondered if being able to analyze and criticize movies is hereditary, and I guess for the Lyons family it is!

Even though Roeper is not happy with the network’s move, he still wishes them luck with no hard feelings. That is probably because he plans to continue co-hosting “a movie review show that honors the standards established by Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert more than 30 years ago.” When it comes down to it, Roeper might prove to be one of ABC’s biggest rivals, seeing as their new direction leaves much more room for competition. Plus, the change in “At the Movies” will leave fans desperate in trying to find a decent movie review. They might end up turning right back to Roeper.

Finding a talented, knowledgeable, and socially acceptable host is hard enough these days, especially in the area of criticizing popular entertainment, where everyone who’s anyone has an opinion. Over the years, movie audiences, actors, directors, and producers have learned to love and respect Ebert & Roeper (Siskel) and their reviews, whether they agree or not. Whenever people here the statement “Siskel and Ebert-” or “Ebert and Roeper give it a two thumbs up!”, they automatically trust their opinion. There’s no questioning. It’s almost like a trademark or brand of some type that Siskel and Ebert inadvertently created while simply debating the pluses and minuses of film-making. ABC, or any other network for that matter, will find it very difficult to replace the duo. The show and the hosts have a long history that will be hard to over write and forget.

Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert began reviewing movies in 1975 on a local channel in Chicago. Their popularity grew rapidly the pair jumped to national, commercial TV by 1982, later taken on by Disney in 1986. The pair have engaged viewers for years, talking about films both big and small, domestic and international, in a sophisticated and respectable way. Their obvious passion for movies and debate is unmistakable, and this passion is where their skill comes from. In 1999 Siskel died and was replaced by Roeper. During the most recent 2 years of filming, Michael Phillips has sat in for Ebert who suffers from a disease that has destroyed his voice.

The announcement of the departure of the original hosts was a sad moment for movie lovers everywhere. Their personality, their ideas, their knowledge disappears from the show with them. Why ABC is forcing the pair out is beyond my comprehension.

“Gene and I felt the formula was simplicity itself: Two film critics, sitting across the aisle from each other in a movie balcony, debating the new films of the week. [...] Few shows have been on the air so long and remained so popular. We made television history.” – Roger Ebert

Here is Siskel & Ebert’s Top Ten lists.