The pair replace Ben Lyons. and Ben Mankiewicz the often-criticized duo who took over the show when Disney suits decided last July to revamp the series, a move that caused the departure of then hosts Roger Ebert and Richard Roeper.
Lyons (son of noted film critic Jeffrey Lyons--who ironically got the ax from his gig in May) had come under fire for a seeming inability to articulate his arguments.
Using seasoned newspaper film critics is seen as a move to try and restore some luster to the property which suffered not just from critical attacks but a big ratings dip.
Phillips and Scott proved themselves the strongest of the guest critics that took over Ebert's chair post-surgery from 2006 to 2008 and were among the most repeated returnees to the guest seat opposite Roeper. Phillips essentially served as the show's regular co host for much of 2008.
Brian Frons, president of Daytime programming, spun the move all day long:
"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.".
"I loved working on this show, every moment of it," Mankiewicz said in a press release.
"It was an honor to continue a broadcast legacy not merely started by Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel, but created by them. No doubt the show is in good hands, with a great production staff, and two really knowledgeable and perceptive film critics in A.O. Scott and Michael Phillips"
Ebert and Roeper are probably laghing themdelves silly somewhere
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