Posted by chicagomedia.org on September 04, 2008 at 07:35:45:
ABC 7 ready to raise curtain on new 'At the Movies'
Production officially began Wednesday on the sequel to "At the Movies."
Starring Ben Mankiewicz and Ben Lyons in the hosting roles once held by Roger Ebert and Richard Roeper, the new version of the syndicated movie-review show debuts this weekend, airing at 11:05 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday on WLS-Channel 7.
Like its predecessor, the show is being produced by Disney-ABC Domestic Television at the 190 N. State St. studios of the ABC-owned station.
"ABC 7 Chicago is delighted to be the national production home of 'At the Movies,' " said Emily Barr, the station's president and general manager.
"We look forward to a long and successful run with the two Bens -- and the signature cross-talk that has made this series the country's premier movie-review show," she added.
In addition to boasting new hosts, new music, a new set and new executive producer David Plummer, the show has added a new "Critics Roundup" segment, featuring an array of opinions.
Both scions of famed show-biz families, Mankiewicz was a host for Turner Classic Movies and Sirius Satellite Radio, and Lyons reported for E! Entertainment.
Roeper, who became a free agent after last weekend's airing of his final "At the Movies" with fill-in co-host Michael Phillips, is said to be weighing offers and considering his next move.
In an encounter that could have come straight out of the movies, Mankiewicz and Lyons found themselves face to face Tuesday with Ebert and Roeper at a screening of "The Women."
By all accounts, the exchanges were cordial and friendly.
(FEDER/Sun-Times)