Ben Lyons and Ben Mankiewicz Ushered Out From At the Movies

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Well, that was fun. At the Movies has deposed Ben Lyons and Ben Mankiewicz after a year of duty in its balcony seats. They will be replaced by Michael Phillips and A.O. Scott, the respective Chicago Tribune and NY Times critics who frequently served as guest reviewers for the syndicated show prior to the two Bens' installations.

The Bens lasted longer than expected for a pair that was never given much of chance -- especially for a pair mismatched as these two, with the film-educated Mankiewicz often left dumbfounded by his partner's blurb-whoring, malapropisms, bad taste and insights so impossibly stillborn they have an entire blog devoted to dispelling them. Disney finally put an end to the embarrassment today when ABC Media Productions boss Brian Frons announced the changing of the guard:

"We tried something new last season and we think the world of Ben Lyons and Ben Mankiewicz. [...] They did everything we asked of them and they have been complete professionals. However, we've decided to return the show to its original essence - two traditional film critics discussing current motion picture and DVD releases. We thank them for their hard work and dedication this past year and wish them nothing but the best on all of their future endeavors."

Mankiewicz will no doubt land on his feet, but I think we all know what this means for Lyons: Starfucking binge.

· Chicago Tribune's Michael Phillips, N.Y. Times' A.O. Scott take over 'At the Movies' [Chicago Tribune via MCN]



Comments

  • Kittenhead says:

    Ben Mankiewicz, we'll see you roaming the floors of what is clearly not your Young Hollywood apartment over on TCM.
    Ben Lyons, we'll see you in hell.

  • Kyle Buchanan says:

    Two thumbs up!

  • Dimo says:

    There is a God! But I must give props to Mank...He chose Indy 4 as the worst movie of '08. You have a special place in my heart forever.

  • JudgeFudge says:

    Ben Lyons will return to his previous post as day manager of the GameStop at South Coast Plaza, and Mankewicz will return to being your sister's unemployed boyfriend that you kind of hate.

  • IB22 says:

    if any of you do enjoy the Bens...check them out on http://www.aChicagoThing.com backing the bid for the 2016 Olympics in Chicago...its a really good interview!!

  • Fun Games says:

    I believe a normal person consumes approximately one third of their total everyday life tuning into a Television program therefore if that is the case I reckon that I'm going to commit around 24 full years enjoying video games on the web.... LOL

  • Fun Games says:

    What's Super Mario's favorite kind of pants? Denim denim denim....lol Anyone else know any good gaming jokes?