On The Demise of "At The Movies"

"Wherever and however we choose to experience them, the movies challenge and delight us and for many of us a lively, passionate debate about movies is one of the great pleasures in life. For those of us lucky enough to have those conversations for a living, this show has meant more than we can properly express." ---Michael Phillips, Film Critic for "At The Movies"

With that statement, 35 years of "At the Movies" came to a close and my heart broke. It may just be my favorite television show of forever. I bought my first clunky, giant VCR so I could record it. I saw literally hundreds of films, many of which I would never have even heard of were it not for the show, based on the recommendation of one or both of the critics. I learned how to articulate what I liked about a film, or disliked, based on the conversations (or arguments) of the hosts, especially Gene and Roger and Michael and Tony. It provided me with the equivalent of a Masters Degree in film studies. Really. 35 years of listening to experts in their field discuss film theory. I should have a sheepskin. I have entire friendships based on a give and take about movies. We could go at it for hours (you know who you are, Kev, Cary, John, Kathy). "At The Movies" gave me a foundation of critical thought that shaped my ability to recognize good storytelling in my own work and in others. I think we have lost something wonderful and important to the ravages of the blogosphere. Hmmmm... I think that's called irony. 'At The Movies" taught me that.