A Personal Commentary/Obituary for At the Movies...

A Personal Commentary/Obituary for AtM, by Schaef

I watched the final episode of At the Movies last night with a bit of a tear in my eye. As soon as the DVR clicked on that it was recording the final episode, I felt something I've been preparing myself for ever since the end was formally announced. I know that sounds a tad corny, but it's true. Believe it or not, I've watched this show religiously ever since I, at the age of twelve, saw Siskel & Ebert review Batman Forever in 1995. Something about what they had to say concerning a film that my young movie-going mind liked so much really spoke to me. I started looking at films differently after that. I got into Hitchcock, Scorsese, Coppola, Kurosawa, etc. and really began to realize that I was only actually a movie observer, but needed to look below the surface of the celluloid to become the FILM fan that I knew was waiting underneath. There was a science to these pictures, a method to their madness, that I now wanted to know more about.
When Mr. Siskel died, I was very sad because (among other things) I always felt that he was more "me" than Mr. Ebert and spoke often to what I was thinking or feeling (both in print and on TV), especially when it came to the popcorn summer flicks that he was so honest about.
The good folks that came in, both critics and filmmakers alike (such as Kevin Smith and Martin Scorsese, among others) did a great job at keeping the show going and making sure that those who wanted to be entertained were also educated. Richard Roeper did a fantastic job coming aboard, and At the Movies was truly back in action for our viewing pleasure.
Times change though and the show continued to move and transition. When Mr. Ebert became ill, critics and filmmakers once again stepped up to the plate and kept us informed about what was hitting the screen that week. Soon after the next restructuring though, "The Bens" were waiting in the wings.
Mr. Mankiewicz was a good fit with his TCM background and immense education on classic film, and did an excellent job. Mr. Lyons, however, never quite hit home for me. Maybe it was his demeanor carried over from the E! channel, or maybe I just couldn't accept that someone so close to my own age was "good/seasoned" enough to review movies in such a popular forum. He tried and did his best, but I was never supportive of what felt like statements designed to make the poster or the DVD jacket.
Either way, when that version folded, I was only 50% sad for the loss.
But then came Mr. Scott and Mr. Phillips. I had seen them earlier during their guest-hosting duties and thought them both to be extremely smart, witty, well-versed and honest in their reviews. I watched every episode with confidence that I would be getting TRUE film reviews from two gentlemen that actually GOT what this business is all about. I was never disappointed. Every week I was bound to disagree with them on many fronts, but respect and understand their opinions. Their over/under segments were always my favorites because I would often learn of films I was yet to experience, thereby building my credentials as that "film fan" I mentioned earlier. Like in the old S&E days, I felt like I was sitting in the balcony with them and having a conversation, simply about good or bad movies and why. It was refreshing.
But as usual, all good things come to an end. The plug has been pulled on what was truly the best version of the show since the original paring. I certainly wish that Mr. Scott and Mr. Phillips could remain together, even on another network if possible, and keep the information and reviews coming. Honestly, print reviews and internet blogs have NOTHING on an intelligent conversation between two educated fans who want nothing more than to enjoy every movie they see, but will certainly tell us if and why they don't.
On the off chance that either of the fine critics (or anyone involved in the show, both in front or behind the camera) happen to read this, know that you will be missed and your efforts and your education helped this movie observer become the film fan that was waiting underneath.
For the final time, the balcony is closed. I certainly hope I see either of you at the movies...
Thank you,
Ryan