Watch At the Movies

At the Movies was a television show that aired on PBS from 2010 to 2011. It was a revival of the popular movie review show of the same name that originally aired from 1975 to 2010. This incarnation of the show was hosted by film critics Gene Siskel and Ben Lyons, and featured reviews of the latest films, as well as interviews with actors and directors.

Gene Siskel was a well-known film critic who gained fame as co-host of the original At the Movies show with Roger Ebert. After Siskel's death in 1999, Ebert continued the show with various co-hosts until its cancellation in 2010. Ben Lyons, the son of film critic Jeffrey Lyons, was a relative newcomer to the world of film criticism, having worked as a correspondent for E! News and as a host of the MTV show Your Movie Show.

The format of the show was similar to the original At the Movies, with Siskel and Lyons discussing the latest films and giving their opinions on whether they were worth seeing. However, there were some changes to the show's structure. For one, the reviews were more conversational, with Siskel and Lyons bouncing off each other and sometimes disagreeing about a film. There was also a greater emphasis on interviews with actors and directors, which allowed viewers to get a behind-the-scenes look at the movie-making process.

Overall, the show received mixed reviews from critics and viewers. Some praised the chemistry between Siskel and Lyons, while others felt that Lyons was too inexperienced to hold his own against Siskel. Additionally, some viewers were disappointed with the show's lack of diversity, as both hosts were white men.

Despite these criticisms, At the Movies was an important show for film enthusiasts, as it provided a platform for in-depth discussions of the latest movies. Siskel and Lyons were able to highlight lesser-known films that might not have received much attention otherwise, and their reviews were generally thoughtful and well-informed.

One of the strengths of the show was the way that Siskel and Lyons were able to engage with each other and with their audience. They were both clearly passionate about film, and their enthusiasm was infectious. Even when they disagreed about a film, they were always respectful of each other's opinions, which made for a more interesting and engaging conversation.

Another strength of the show was the way that it incorporated interviews with actors and directors. These segments allowed viewers to get a better sense of the people behind the movies, and they often provided insights into the creative process. For example, in one episode, Siskel and Lyons interviewed Darren Aronofsky about his film Black Swan, and Aronofsky discussed the challenges of creating a psychological thriller that also had elements of a ballet film.

In terms of weaknesses, some viewers felt that the show was too focused on mainstream Hollywood movies, and that it didn't do enough to highlight independent or foreign films. Additionally, Lyons was often criticized for his lack of experience and for his tendency to rely on catchphrases and soundbites.

Despite these criticisms, At the Movies remained a popular and important show for movie lovers. It offered a platform for intelligent, engaging discussions about film, and it helped to shape the way that audiences thought about movies. While the show only lasted for a brief time, it made an impact on the world of film criticism, and it will be remembered by many as a beloved and influential program.