They're ba-ack!
TV's longest-running dynamic duo is back for another season of At the Movies when Margaret Pomeranz and David Stratton resume their seats and their corners on February 14 on ABC TV.<?p>
The weekly news and reviews format is a relentless grind for the presenters as more and more films, of increasingly dubious quality, demand attention - as Pomeranz told Stagenoise:
"We’re just about to roll again, with six to eight movies a week to preview, and recording weekly shows for that hungry maw that is television," says the effervescent and much-loved critic. "It just gobbles you up and then demands more a week later!"
Is it true or does it just seem that way that we're seeing more and more lousy movies?
"The year usually starts well because it's Oscar season so the standard of films is pretty high," says Pomeranz. "The dip in quality is noticeable but the thing is that good, interesting films keep on popping up throughout the year, often when you least expect them. In between are the usual sequels and other unimaginative efforts, but that’s show business!"
At the Movies is returning in time for the Oscars with - among others - Notes on a Scandal (Our Cate and Dame Judi nominated), Last King of Scotland (Forrest Whitaker nominated) and The Good Shepherd (two nominations: Kate Winslet and screenplay adaptation). So what about the big ones?
"If only I could get really excited about the Oscars, if only I cared," says Pomeranz. "These days I only care about winning the sweep and that usually depends on whether you choose the correct short animation. The Oscars have become such a business, the speeches are mouthfuls of thanks to people you’ve never heard of, the frocks are usually shocking.
"But its good to see two wonderful, mature women nominated for Best Actress - Helen Mirren and Judi Dench. Maybe maturity is becoming cool? I could live with that."
At the Movies with Margaret and David ABC TV, from February 14 at 10pm
