Ebert taking 'Movies' to PBS

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Renowned U.S. film critic Roger Ebert says he plans to re-establish his "At the Movies" review program on PBS in January, The Hollywood Reporter said.

The Chicago Sun-Times columnist and former co-host of "Siskel and Ebert at the Movies" has battled cancer for years and lost his ability to speak. A syndicated version of "At the Movies," featuring lesser known critics, was recently canceled.

The new incarnation, "Roger Ebert Presents At the Movies," will star Associated Press critic Christy Lemire and NPR's Elvis Mitchell, the entertainment industry trade newspaper said. The co-hosts will use Ebert's trademark thumbs-up and thumbs-down signals as part of their reviews, and Ebert will serve as co-producer of the show, the report said.

"This is the rebirth of a dream," Ebert said in a statement. "I believe that by returning to its public roots, our new show will win better and more consistent time slots in more markets. American television is swamped by mindless gossip about celebrities, and I'm happy this show will continue to tell viewers honestly if the critics think a new movie is worth seeing."